Heroin Offense Attorneys in Barnegat, NJ Will Work to Clear Your Charges
Heroin has become increasingly prevalent in New Jersey, and because of the large quantity of the drug, New Jersey has passed tougher legislation in order to regulate it. Heroin possession and distribution are both severe charges with major punishments.
Heroin is wide spread and not restricted to one particular group or location. New Jersey's import/export infrastructure has made it one of the prime importers of illegal substances like heroin in the USA.
As the state and municipal governments concentrate more and more on the developing heroin trafficking and drug ring problem, the amount of heroin-related arrests and drug raids dramatically rise. But, even when someone is charged with a heroin-related offense it does not automatically mean it will result in a conviction. Everyone has rights that must be defended with the help of an attorney serving Barnegat, NJ and the neighboring towns.
Were you taken to jail for heroin possession or distribution in Barnegat, NJ? Get representation from the heroin attorneys at Villani & DeLuca before time runs out.
Heroin Arrests According to New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin possession is a third degree felony in New Jersey and may result in a five-year jail term and a substantial fine of up to $35,000.
The usage of heroin has increased swiftly in New Jersey within a very short period of time. 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. Your NJ drug attorney ought to have past experience defending clients from heroin charges.
NJ Drug Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
Villani & DeLuca has been representing people charged with drug crimes like possession and intent to distribute heroin since 1996. A lawyer like Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. can use previous experiences assisting people facing drug crimes like heroin possession to build a better defense for you.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
You cannot gamble with facing heroin charges and the penalties associated with a conviction without a strong drug attorney on your side. Your future job prospects will also be greatly diminished if found guilty on heroin charges. The rest of your life can be much more rewarding if you can avoid a conviction.
The specifics of your charge can impact the end result of your court case. The severity of your heroin charge is partially based on the quantity of heroin on or around you at the time of the arrest. Things like school zones also play a major role.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
Possession of heroin is not an automatic prison sentence in New Jersey. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) and conditional discharge are a couple of options for first-time offenders. You may also contest your arrest based on the actions of arresting police officers.
If you have been charged with the intent to distribute, your sentence will be more serious than simple possession. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can result in five years in jail and a fine of up to $75,000, with a loss of driver's license for 6-12 months, if found guilty.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Selling heroin comes with more extreme penalties than simple possession. Just a half ounce of heroin can lead to a charge for the intent to distribute. Intent and actual distribution are treated as the same crime according to New Jersey state law. Heroin possession with intent to distribute a half ounce of heroin or less is a 3rd degree crime, warranting up to five years imprisonment with a maximum fine of $75,000. If you are convicted of attempting to distribute more than 5 ounces of heroin, you will be faced with a first degree crime. If convicted, you will be sentenced to 10-20 years and be forced to pay up to $500,000 in penalties.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
The consequences of a heroin arrest in a school zone are much more severe. Whether you are aware of it or not, the designation of a school zone does not just include buildings. School zones extend 1,000 feet from the school building and vehicles.
Don't Permit Heroin Charges to Ruin Your Life
Despite being arrested and charged with heroin offenses in New Jersey, you have many options available to pursue with an experienced NJ drug crimes law firm. A qualified NJ heroin attorney may be able to have your case dismissed, have the charges downgraded or kept off your criminal record.
Without probable cause, a policeman is limited in what he may search. A drug attorney will inform you based on your individual arrest.
You might want to consider a conditional discharge defense if your lawyer feels you qualify. With a conditional discharge, you are placed on probation and may avoid a drug offense on your criminal record.
If you are a first-time offender, prison time is extremely unlikely if your attorney and the prosecution agree to a Pretrial Intervention (PTI). The rehabilitation program promotes recovery rather than incarceration and enables defendants to undergo drug treatment therapy as a way to prevent further drug-related crimes and arrests in New Jersey.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Lawyers are Available 24/7 in Barnegat
Talk with the legal professionals at Villani & DeLuca in a free consultation in order to discuss your arrest. We will speak to you any time of day and any day of the year. Start preparing your defense in Barnegat with a phone call to (732) 709-7757.