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Heroin Possession Lawyers in Red Bank NJ

Heroin Defense Attorneys in Red Bank, New Jersey Will Work to Clear Your Charges

Heroin usage and related offenses, like heroin possession and distribution, have become a major problem in New Jersey. The expansion of heroin distribution has resulted in increasingly stiffer heroin regulations in New Jersey.

Heroin's availability in New Jersey makes it far more affordable for buyers to acquire, when compared with other areas of the country. The purity of heroin is also higher in NJ. These two factors lead to a dangerous blend that is creating heroin habits.
With the increase in heroin usage, heroin-related convictions have also jumped. Despite this escalating situation, a heroin arrest doesn't need to be a jail sentence. People accused of possession and distribution must be protected under the law with the assistance of heroin attorneys serving places like Red Bank, New Jersey.
Charged for a heroin drug possession crime in Red Bank, New Jersey? Get a hold of Villani & DeLuca right now to understand how to best defend yourself.

Heroin Arrests According to New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)

Heroin is a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance in NJ and possession is legally considered a third degree crime. A heroin possession conviction can result in a five year jail sentence and a fine of up to $35,000.
NJ has seen heroin usage swell very quickly. Heroin is the “number one health care crisis” in NJ according to the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults. If you are debilitated heroin addiction and have been charged with possession of heroin, you should retain a skilled NJ drug defense lawyer, knowledgeable in defending heroin charges.

NJ Drug Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience

Villani & DeLuca has been standing up for individuals arrested for drug crimes like possession and distribution of heroin since 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a veteran drug attorney who regularly defends clients against criminal charges, including possession and intent to distribute heroin. Mr. Villani can utilize his prior background prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey court system to shape the tightest case possible for you.

Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges

Your long term plans may depend heavily on the end result of your arrest. The penalties for a conviction can be as high as twenty years in jail for a multiple offender of heroin crimes.
Your verdict has a lot to do with the circumstances of your arrest. The volume of heroin in your possession during your arrest will help determine if you receive a possession or distribution charge. Your case may be complicated if you were found distributing heroin in a designated school zone.

Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey

Even though you were arrested for heroin possession or distribution does not mean that you will be required to go to jail. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) and conditional discharge are two options that may be available to someone who has been arrested for a first offense. You may also contest your arrest based on the actions of arresting police officers.
However, possession of any amount of heroin – even less than a half ounce – that is found to warrant the intent to sell, has much stricter penalties. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can result in five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $75,000, with license suspension for a period of six months to one year, if found guilty.

Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey

Distribution of heroin comes with harsher penalties than simple possession. If you are in possession of 0.5 or more ounces of heroin when arrested, law enforcement may charge you with intent to sell. Intent and actual distribution are treated as the same crime according to NJ state law. You could get up to a five-year sentence and face a $75,000 fine for the intent to distribute just 0.5 ounces of heroin. Possession ofquantities more than five ounces with intent to distribute, including any adulterants or dilutants, is a criminal offense in the 1st degree. There is a mandatory prison term of 10 to 20 years, and a fine of up to half a million dollars upon conviction.

Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone

An arrest for heroin possession in a school zone can lead to greatly increased penalties and charges. A school zone does not only include the immediate vicinity around school building. If you arrested for heroin distribution within 1,000 feet of a school bus, for instance, the school zone laws of NJ will be applied.

Protect Your Future from a Heroin Conviction

Drug charges like heroin possession or distribution do not need to be the end of your life as you know it. Return to your life with help from a criminal defense lawyer committed to protecting your rights. The appropriate defense strategy can furnish you with the best case scenario.
If an unlawful search and seizure of your personal property occurred prior to an arrest, you may have a call to have charges lowered. A drug lawyer will inform you based on what occurred prior to and during your arrest.
Another approach to avoiding a trial may be to pursue a conditional discharge, depending on whether this is your first heroin arrest. Conditional discharge is a way of fending off a criminal record under the assumption that you will go on probation.

Pretrial Intervention is a hand up to many drug users and can be an alternative to incarceration. It is used as rehabilitation instead of a prison term. This program is designed to help people who are living in New Jersey get off of drugs and stay out of prison.

Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Lawyers are Ready For Your Call

If you are being charged with heroin possession, distribution or possession with intent to distribute, contact Villani & DeLuca today for legal advice and to set up a free consultation.  Our NJ Heroin defense lawyers are available 24/7.  Start organizing your defense in Red Bank with a phone call to (732) 709-7757.

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Villani & DeLuca, P.C. is committed to answering your questions about Divorce & Family Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and DWI & Traffic Law issues in New Jersey. We offer a Free Consultation and we'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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