Heroin usage and related offenses, like heroin possession and distribution, have become a huge situation in New Jersey. As heroin deaths and overdoses grow, NJ police are re-prioritizing their attention on heroin offenses, executing some of the strongest penalties in the nation.
Heroin’s prevalence in New Jersey makes it cheaper for users to obtain, in relation to other states. The grade of heroin is also higher in NJ. Both of these elements lead to a dangerous combo that is creating heroin dependence.
As the state and city governments focus more and more on the escalating heroin trafficking and drug ring situation, the amount of heroin-related arrests and sting operations drastically rise. However, even when someone is charged with a heroin charge it does not automatically mean it will result in a conviction. People accused of possession and distribution must be given the chance to defend themselves with the assistance of drug lawyers serving places like Dover, New Jersey.
Connect with Villani & DeLuca criminal defense lawyers to get legal advice if you are up on drug charges in Dover, NJ for heroin possession or heroin distribution.
Heroin is a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance in NJ and possession constitutes a third degree offense. A heroin possession conviction can mean a 5 year prison sentence and a fine of up to $35,000.
Heroin usage has risen swiftly in New Jersey within a very short period of time. Heroin is the “number one health care crisis” in NJ according to the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults. Your NJ heroin lawyer ought to have a history of success in dealing with heroin charges.
The drug lawyers at Villani & DeLuca have extensive experience fighting heroin offenses. An attorney like Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. can leverage his successful track record of guarding clients arrested for drug crimes like heroin possession to create your strongest case.
Give yourself the best chance at success when dealing with a heroin arrest. Your future job prospects will also be greatly diminished if convicted for heroin possession. Jail time and fines can be tremendously detrimental to the outlook of your life.
The individual variables of your charge can impact the outcome of your court case. Whether you are charged with possession or distribution is in part dependent upon the amount of heroin in your possession at the time of the arrest. You may also have an issue if you were caught in possession of heroin in an official school zone.
Even though you were brought up on charges for heroin possession or distribution does not mean that you will be required to go to jail. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) and conditional discharge are two options that may be available to someone who has been arrested for a first offense. Your heroin defense attorney can argue that the events leading up to your arrest were illegal and against code.
The quantity of heroin found in your possession does not cause an arrest to result in intent to distribute charges. Your potential fines and jail terms are much greater if you have been charged with selling (or the intent to sell.
Heroin distribution is treated the same as intent to distribute by the state of NJ. Heroin possession of fewer than a half ounce with the intent to sell is considered a 3rd degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute bigger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a first degree crime. If you are convicted of heroin distribution in the first degree, you can end up with a prison term of10 to 20 years with a fine that reaches half a millions dollars.
School zones will make fines and other consequences of a drug conviction more severe than they would be under normal circumstances. If you are found distributing heroin in a designated school zone, there is a mandatory prison sentence with fines of up to $150,000 if convicted. Calling a knowledgeable drug crimes attorney is essential for heroin arrests within school zones.
Drug charges like heroin possession or distribution do not need to be the end of your life as you know it. You can get your life back with help from a heroin attorney dedicated to protecting your rights. The appropriate defense strategy can earn you the best possible results.
Probable cause is required to search your property, without which a policeman is constricted in what he may search. A heroin defense lawyer will counsel you based on your specific circumstances.
Another approach to avoiding a trial 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.
If you haven’t been arrested before, jail time is extremely unlikely if your lawyer and the state agree to a Pretrial Intervention (PTI). This program is designed for rehabilitation rather than imprisonment and lets defendants to undergo drug treatment therapy decrease further drug-related crimes and arrests in New Jersey.
If you are being charged with heroin infractions, distribution or possession with intent to sell, contact Villani & DeLuca today for legal advice and to arrange a free consultation. We will speak to you any time of day and any day of the year. Call (732) 965-3350 now to begin your defense in Dover.
