There is a heroin epidemic in New Jersey. The upsurge of heroin distribution has led to progressively stronger heroin regulations in NJ.
Heroin’s availability in New Jersey makes it far more affordable for buyers to obtain, in relation to the rest of the country. The grade of heroin is also elevated in NJ. Because of the abundance and undiluted nature of the heroin, many young adults are forming addictions to heroin in NJ.
As governments at all levels concentrate ever more on the escalating heroin trafficking and drug ring crisis, the amount of heroin-related arrests and sting operations substantially increase. Despite this escalating situation, a charge doesn’t need to be a conviction. Drug users and distributors must be protected with the help of criminal defense attorneys serving places like Brick, New Jersey.
Arrested for a heroin drug related crime in Brick, NJ? Call Villani & DeLuca today to understand how to best defend yourself.
Heroin possession is a third degree felony in New Jersey and may result in a five-year prison term and a hefty fine of up to $35,000.
Heroin usage has gone up quickly in New Jersey within a very small time frame. A report from the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults identified as heroin “the number one health care crisis” in New Jersey. Your NJ heroin attorney ought to have experience dealing with heroin charges.
Villani & DeLuca has been standing up for individuals arraigned 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 confronted with drug crimes like heroin possession to craft the best defense possible.
Your long term plans will be sharply influenced by the end result of your court case. The penalties for being found guilty can be as steep as 20 years in prison for a multiple offender of heroin-related crimes.
Your verdict has a lot to do with the variables of your arrest. The severity of your heroin charge is in part dependent upon the quantity of heroin in your possession at the time of the arrest. Things like school zones also play a major role.
Even though you were arrested for heroin possession or distribution does not mean that you will be required to go to jail. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) and conditional discharge are a couple of options that may be available to someone who has been arrested for a first offense. Your drug defense lawyer can argue that the events leading up to your arrest were unlawful and against code.
You do not need to be in possession of a very large amount of heroin for an arrest to result in intent to distribute charges. The possible fines and jail sentences are greatly enhanced if you have been charged with distribution (or the intent to sell.
Possession is not traditionally treated as harshly as distribution. 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. Heroin possession with intent to distribute a half ounce of heroin or less is a third degree crime, warranting up to five years jail time with a maximum fine of $75,000. 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. There is a fixed prison term of 10 to 20 years, and a fine of up to half a million dollars upon conviction.
School zones will make fines and other consequences of a drug conviction more severe than otherwise. If you are found distributing heroin in a designated school zone, there is a fixed jail sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Contracting a skilled drug crimes lawyer is essential for heroin arrests within school zones.
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 drug lawyer devoted to protecting your rights. Charges may be dropped or decreased with a formidable defense.
Probable cause is required to search your property, without which an officer is limited in what he may search. A drug attorney will advise you based on what occurred prior to and during your arrest.
Conditional discharge is a good solution for many first-time offenders of heroin possession. Discharge will permit probation instead, and your record will not be touched.
Pretrial Intervention is a hand up to many drug users and can be an alternative to prison. It is used to prevent recidivism instead of a jail term. This program is designed to help people living in NJ kick their drug habit and stay out of prison.
Are you seeking an attorney? Contact Villani & DeLuca right away to inquire about how to minimize your heroin charges in New Jersey. Call (732) 965-3350 today for a free assessment. NJ heroin defense lawyers serving Brick, NJ are here to assist.
