Heroin Defense Lawyers in West Long Branch, NJ Will Work to Clear Your Charges
Due to more heroin finding its way into New Jersey, the government is reallocating its attention in an attempt to restrict the supply. With law enforcement's attention on heroin, more drug users and distributors are winding up behind bars.
Today's heroin epidemic in NJ is not restricted to the urban areas, but has extended into more residential communities throughout the state. Situated at a major artery of the heroin import industry, New Jersey is afflicted with some of the most pure and most inexpensive heroin in the nation, which tremendously supports the pervasive usage throughout the state.
With the increase in heroin usage, arrests for heroin have also risen. However, just because someone is charged with a crime it does not automatically mean it will result in a conviction. Everyone has rights that must be guarded with the help of a lawyer serving West Long Branch, New Jersey and the neighboring towns.
Charged for a heroin drug related crime in West Long Branch, NJ? Call Villani & DeLuca right now to learn how to best defend yourself.
Heroin Charges Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Being found guilty of heroin possession can lead to large fines and five years prison time.
Have you become addicted to heroin in NJ? Heroin is a huge social concern, particularly among teenagers. If you were charged with heroin possession, get help from NJ drug defense attorneys.
NJ Heroin Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. has been representing clients for heroin possession and distribution crimes since Villani & DeLuca opened in 1996. Mr. Villani has previously worked as a criminal prosecutor, granting him a unique perspective on fighting drug charges that not many heroin attorneys can boast.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
Give yourself the best chance at success when dealing with a heroin conviction. Your ability to find a job will also be greatly diminished if you are convicted of a drug crime. Your future prospects in general can be much brighter if you can lessen the charges.
The quantity of heroin on your person and the location of your arrest combine to determine the severity of penalties. An experienced criminal defense lawyer may be able to secure a more favorable sentence for you.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Heroin possession does not mean an automatic prison sentence in NJ. People without a history of drug charges may qualify for Pretrial Intervention and conditional discharge. You may also contest your arrest based on whether the proper legal procedures were followed.
However, possession of any amount of heroin – even less than 1/2 ounce – that is determined to constitute the intent to distribute, has much stricter penalties. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can lead to 5 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
Intending to distribute and actually distributing have no practical difference in courts in New Jersey. Possession of smaller amounts of heroin (0.5 ounces) with the intent to distribute is considered a third degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute larger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a 1st degree crime. A jail term of 10-20 years and a $500,000 fine may be the consequence of a first degree heroin conviction.
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 picked up in a designated school zone, there is a fixed prison sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Your lawyer should have a background in drug crimes so that your heroin sentence is the best case scenario in the event of a conviction.
Don't Allow Heroin Charges to Ruin Your Life
Drug charges like heroin possession or distribution don't need to completely destroy your future. Defend your future with a well-thought out defense plan. The ideal defense strategy can get a favorable decision.
Did the state overlook police protocol when arresting you? If not, you have the grounds for a potentially very strong case. The heroin attorney you go with will pinpoint any incorrect procedures that led to your arrest.
Think carefully about a conditional discharge defense if your attorney believes you are eligible. With a conditional discharge, you are placed on probation and may avoid a drug crime on your permanent record.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI). This program is designed for rehabilitation rather than imprisonment and allows defendants to undergo drug treatment therapy decrease further drug-related crimes and arrests in NJ.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Attorneys are Available 24/7 in West Long Branch
Speak with the lawyers at Villani & DeLuca in a free consultation in order to discuss your heroin charges. Our NJ Heroin defense lawyers are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call (732) 709-7757 today to begin your defense in West Long Branch.