New Jersey Heroin Possession Defense Lawyers Will Fight For You
Due to a multitude of heroin being imported into New Jersey, the government is mobilizing its resources in an effort to diminish the supply. With law enforcement's attention on heroin, more drug users and distributors are getting arrested.
Today's heroin problem in NJ is not constricted to the metropolitan area, but has extended into suburban communities all over the state. New Jersey's import/export infrastructure has made it one of the main importers of illegal substances like heroin in the United States.
In order to avoid conviction, you must present a rock-solid case so you can combat heroin possession or distribution charges. Your rights are protected, despite the fact that you have been charged with a crime.
Arrested for a heroin drug possession crime in Tinton Falls, NJ? Call Villani & DeLuca today to understand your legal options.
Heroin Charges Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin possession is a 3rd degree felony in New Jersey and comes with a five-year prison term and a large fine of up to $35,000.
The usage of heroin has grown extremely fast in New Jersey within just a few years. 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. Your NJ criminal defense attorney needs to have a history of success in dealing with heroin charges.
NJ Heroin Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Villani & DeLuca has been standing up for clients arrested for drug crimes like possession and intent to distribute heroin since 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a practiced heroin defense attorney who routinely defends clients against criminal allegations, including possession and intent to distribute heroin. Mr. Villani can utilize his previous background prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey court system to construct the strongest defense possible for you.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
Convictions for heroin carry major penalties, both legally and in terms of future employability. Depending on whether or not you are a first-time offender or a repeat offender, consequences can range from a probationary period, with no impact on your criminal record, to as many as 20 years in prison, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
How your case ends up varies on the total grams of heroin you are caught holding, but additionally on other criteria, such as proximity to a school zone or whether authorities decide that you are have intention to distribute. A qualified heroin attorney may be able to secure a better outcome for you.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Possession of heroin does not mean an automatic jail term in New Jersey. People without a history of drug charges may have options available to them such as Pretrial Intervention or conditional discharge. Your drug defense attorney can also fight charges on the grounds that the circumstances surrounding your arrest were illegal and against code.
It's important to note that possession of any amount of heroin – even less than 1/2 ounce – that is determined to constitute the intent to sell, has much harsher penalties. Selling heroin carries bigger fines, prolonged prison sentences and a suspension of a driver's license.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Selling heroin can carry harsher penalties than simple possession. Just a half ounce of heroin can bring about a charge for the intent to distribute. Intent and actual distribution are treated as the same crime according to New Jersey state law. You may be served with up to a five-year sentence and be served a $75,000 fine for the intent to distribute just 0.5 ounces of heroin. If arrested for attempting to distribute more than 5 ounces of heroin, you will be charged with a first degree crime. If found guilty, you will be sentenced to 10-20 years and be expected to pay up to $500,000 in penalties.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
Fines and other penalties like prison time are increased substantially when the crime occurs in or near a school zone, which includes school buses and extends to areas up to 1,000 feet from the building or vehicle. If you are arrested in a designated school zone, there is a fixed jail sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Your lawyer should have successfully fought heroin cases on their resume so that your heroin charges are kept to a minimum if sentenced.
Don't Permit Heroin Charges to Ruin Your Life
Drug charges like heroin possession or distribution don't need to completely destroy your future. You can get your life back with a smart defense from a heroin defense lawyer devoted to protecting your rights. Charges may be dismissed or decreased with a formidable defense.
Was the search and seizure of the heroin and other drug paraphernalia according to the letter of the law? If your rights were violated, you may have a case against the state. Your heroin lawyer will be able to the details of your individual arrest.
Conditional discharge is a helpful solution for many first-time offenders of heroin possession. You will be placed on probation and your criminal record will remain unchanged.
Pretrial Intervention is a hand up to many people struggling with addiction and can be an alternative to jail. It is used to prevent recidivism instead of a prison term. This program is designed to help people residing in NJ kick their drug habit and avoid prison.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Lawyers are Available 24/7 in Tinton Falls
Need a lawyer? Contact Villani & DeLuca right away to inquire about how to fight your heroin charges in New Jersey. Call (732) 709-7757 today for a free appointment. NJ heroin defense lawyers serving Tinton Falls, New Jersey are here to assist.