New Jersey Heroin Lawyers Will Fight For You
Heroin usage and related charges, like heroin possession and distribution, have become a major problem in New Jersey. The rise of heroin distribution has produced progressively stronger heroin regulations in the state.
Heroin's prevalence in New Jersey makes it less expensive for buyers to acquire, in relation to other states. Heroin in New Jersey even tends to be purer than normal heroin product found elsewhere. Because of the abundance and purity of the heroin, many teenagers are becoming addicted to heroin in NJ.
As governments at all levels focus more and more on the developing heroin trafficking and drug ring crisis, the number of heroin-related arrests and police raids dramatically increase. However, just because someone is arrested for a crime it does not automatically mean it will result in a conviction. Drug users and distributors must be protected under the law with the assistance of drug attorneys serving places like Bay Head, New Jersey.
Speak with Villani & DeLuca criminal defense lawyers to get legal guidance if you are up on drug charges in Bay Head, NJ for heroin possession or heroin distribution.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Viewed as a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance according to NJ law, possession of heroin is officially a 3rd degree crime. A heroin possession conviction can end with up to a 5 year imprisonment sentence and a penalty of up to $35,000.
New Jersey has witnessed heroin usage increase in popularity very quickly. A study from the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults referred to heroin “the number one health care crisis” in the state. If you are suffering from heroin addiction and have been arrested for possession of heroin, you should retain a skilled NJ criminal defense lawyer, proficient in handling heroin charges.
NJ Heroin Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
Since Villani & DeLuca began in 1996, partner and founding member Carmine Villani, Esq. has represented clients arrested for drug offenses in New Jersey. As a past criminal prosecutor, Mr. Villani has legal experience on both sides of the court (defense and prosecution), which can be a huge benefit for your defense.
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. Your chances of obtaining employment will also be greatly diminished if you are convicted of a drug crime. Prison time and fines can be tremendously damaging to the way your life travels.
Your verdict hinges on the total grams of heroin in your possession, but additionally on other factors, such as proximity to a school zone or whether authorities decide that you are dealing. An experienced drug attorney may be able to secure a better sentence for you.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
Even though you were arrested for heroin possession or distribution does not mean that you are doomed to imprisonment. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) and conditional discharge are two options for first-time offenders. You may also fight the grounds of your arrest based on whether the proper legal procedures were followed.
You do not need to be in possession of a very large amount of heroin for a charge to be upgraded to intent to distribute. Your potential fines and jail sentences are greatly enhanced if you have been charged with selling (or the intent to distribute.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Selling 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 distribute. Intent and actual distribution are legally identical according to NJ state law. You may be served with up to a five-year sentence and be served a $75,000 fine for the intent to sell just 0.5 ounces of heroin. Possession ofany amount of heroin over five ounces with intent to distribute, including any adulterants or dilutants, is a criminal offense in the first degree. If found guilty, you will be sentenced to 10-20 years and be expected to pay a fine that can be as much as $500,000.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
Arrests in school zones are considered much more severe than otherwise. If you are arrested in a designated school zone, there is a set jail sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Your attorney should be experienced in drug crimes so that your drug sentence is the best case scenario in the event of a conviction.
Protect Your Future from a Heroin Arrest
Regardless of being arraigned with drug crimes in New Jersey, you have many options available to pursue with an experienced NJ drug crimes law firm. A practiced New Jersey heroin lawyer may be able to get your case thrown out, have the charges significantly reduced or kept off your criminal record.
Without probable cause, an officer is restricted in what he may search. Ask your heroin lawyer if you have special circumstances based on your arrest.
Conditional discharge is a good solution for many first-time offenders of heroin possession. You will be put on probation and your criminal record will remain unaffected.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI). The rehabilitation program promotes recovery rather than incarceration and enables defendants to undergo drug treatment therapy to ward off further drug-related crimes and arrests in New Jersey.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Lawyers are Ready For Your Call
Speak with the lawyers at Villani & DeLuca in a free consultation in order to discuss your arrest. We are available at your convenience, night and day. Call (732) 709-7757 now to begin your defense in Bay Head.