New Jersey Heroin Lawyers Will Work to Clear Your Charges
Heroin has become extremely popular in New Jersey, and because of the abundance of the drug, New Jersey has authorized stiffer repercussions in order to control it. Heroin possession and distribution are both major charges with major punishments.
The current heroin epidemic in NJ is not limited to the cities, but has expanded into more residential areas all over the state. New Jersey's geographic location in the drug trade has made it one of the major sites for importation of illicit substances like heroin in the USA.
As governments at all levels concentrate more and more on the developing heroin trafficking and drug ring problem, the amount of heroin-related arrests and police raids substantially increase. In spite of this developing crisis, an arrest is still not a conviction. You have rights that must be guarded with the assistance of a lawyer serving Union Beach, NJ and the neighboring towns.
Contact Villani & DeLuca criminal defense attorneys to get legal support if you are up on drug charges in Union Beach, NJ for heroin possession or intent to distribute heroin.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Considered a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance according to NJ law, possession of heroin is legally a third degree transgression. A heroin possession conviction can mean a five year imprisonment sentence and a penalty of up to $35,000.
NJ has witnessed heroin usage swell very quickly. A report from the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults named heroin “the number one health care crisis” in the state. If you are a victim of heroin addiction and have been arrested for possession of heroin, you need a practiced NJ heroin lawyer, experienced in defending heroin charges.
NJ Heroin Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
Villani & DeLuca has been defending people arrested for drug crimes like possession and distribution of heroin since 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a trained drug lawyer who routinely protects clients from criminal allegations, including possession and intent to distribute heroin. Mr. Villani can employ his previous background prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey municipal courts to build the strongest defense possible for you.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
You cannot afford to face heroin charges and the resulting sentence without a strong drug attorney on your side. A conviction can also reduce your job opportunities in the future. Your life as you know it can be much more rewarding if you can decrease the charges.
The individual variables of your arrest can impact the results of your trial. Whether you are charged with possession or distribution is in part based on the amount of heroin in your possession when you are caught. You may also have an issue if you were found distributing heroin in a designated school zone.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Heroin possession is not an automatic prison sentence in New Jersey. 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 fight the grounds of your arrest based on whether the proper legal procedures were followed.
If you have been arrested for the intent to distribute, your sentence will be more severe than simple possession. Heroin distribution carries bigger fines, longer prison sentences and a suspension of a driver's license.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Heroin distribution is no different than intent to distribute in the eyes of NJ drug laws. Heroin possession of fewer than a half ounce with the intent to distribute is considered a 3rd degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute larger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a 1st degree crime. If you are convicted of heroin distribution in the first degree, you may be sentenced to prison for10 to 20 years with a fine that reaches half a millions dollars.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
The stakes of a drug arrest in a school zone are much higher. Whether you are aware of it or not, the legal boundaries of a school zone does not just include buildings. If you are caught distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of a school bus, for instance, the school zone laws of NJ will apply to your charges.
Don't Allow Heroin Charges to Ruin Your Life
Despite being arraigned with heroin-related charges in New Jersey, you have choices. Talk to a skilled heroin lawyer in NJ. With a strong defense, your drug defense attorney can help achieve the best possible outcome.
Was the search and seizure of the heroin and other drug paraphernalia according to the letter of the law? If your rights were ignored, you may have a case against the state. The criminal defense attorney you hire will point out any irregular procedures that led to your arrest.
Another means to avoiding heroin prosecution 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 (PTI) is another viable option for heroin addicts. PTI is a rehabilitation service that can be sentenced in place of serving jail time. The PTI program can be very invaluable if you are struggling with addiction.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Attorneys are Ready For Your Call
If you have been charged with heroin possession, selling or possession with intent to distribute, get in touch with Villani & DeLuca today for legal advice and to arrange a no cost consultation. Our NJ Heroin defense lawyers are available 24/7. Start arranging your defense in Union Beach with a phone call to (732) 709-7757.