Heroin Offense Lawyers in Eagleswood, NJ Will Work to Clear Your Charges
Heroin usage and related charges, like heroin possession and distribution, have grown to be a massive concern in New Jersey. The rise of heroin distribution has resulted in increasingly stiffer heroin regulations in the state.
With sizable quantities of heroin making its way into the NJ streets, heroin has become less expensive and more destructive. The purity of heroin is also elevated in NJ. The combination of purity and price leads to a dangerous combo that is increasing heroin ODs.
With the increase in heroin addiction, heroin possession arrests have also spiked. In spite of this developing situation, a charge does not automatically result in a prison sentence. Drug users and distributors must be protected under the law with the support of heroin lawyers serving places like Eagleswood, New Jersey.
Arrested for a heroin drug related crime in Eagleswood, NJ? Secure counsel from the heroin defense attorneys at Villani & DeLuca before time runs out.
Heroin Charges Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin possession is a third degree felony in NJ and comes with a five-year prison term and a hefty fine of up to $35,000.
Have you become addicted to heroin in NJ? Heroin is a health crisis, particularly among teenagers. If you were charged with drug possession, get legal support from NJ drug defense lawyers.
NJ Drug Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Since Villani & DeLuca opened in 1996, partner and founding member Carmine Villani, Esq. has defended individuals charged with drug crimes in NJ. As a former criminal prosecutor, Mr. Villani has legal experience on both sides of the court (defense and prosecution), which can be a huge advantage for his clients.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
You should take every opportunity to protect yourself from a heroin arrest. Your future job prospects will also be negatively impacted if convicted for heroin possession. Your future prospects in general can be much brighter if you can avoid a conviction.
The total amount of heroin you were arrested with and the site of your arrest significantly impact the severity of penalties. A skilled criminal defense lawyer may be able to secure a better sentence for you.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
If you have been picked up for heroin possession, imprisonment is not inevitable. A first offense may result in a Pretrial Intervention (PTI) if your counsel thinks you qualify. A drug attorney can examine if charges were based on an infringement of your rights.
It's important to note that possession of any amount of heroin – even less than a half ounce – that is found to warrant the intent to distribute, has much more formidable penalties. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can result in five years in jail and a fine of up to $75,000, with license suspension for a period of six months to one year, if convicted.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
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 distribute is deemed a 3rd degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute larger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a 1st 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.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
An arrest for heroin possession in a school zone can lead to penalties that are stricter than under normal circumstances. Whether you are aware of it or not, the legal boundaries 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 Destroy Your Life
Despite being arraigned with heroin offenses in New Jersey, you have many options available to pursue with an experienced NJ drug crimes law firm. A qualified New Jersey drug lawyer may be able to get your case thrown out, have the charges downgraded or kept off your criminal record.
Was the search and seizure of the heroin and other drug paraphernalia legally authorized and correct procedure followed? If not, you may have mitigating circumstances. The heroin lawyer you hire will highlight any improper procedures that led to your arrest.
Another option to avoiding heroin prosecution may be to pursue a conditional discharge, depending on whether this is your first heroin arrest. With a conditional discharge, you are receive probation and can avoid a drug crime on your permanent record.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is another important program that can be an option for heroin addicts. PTI is a rehabilitation plan that can be requested versus serving a prison term. This option is designed to help people who are living in NJ get off of drugs and stay out of prison.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Lawyers are Available 24/7 in Eagleswood
If you have been arrested for heroin infractions, selling or possession with intent to distribute, get in touch with Villani & DeLuca today for legal advice and to set up a complimentary consultation. We will speak to you any time of day and any day of the year. Call (732) 709-7757 now to plan your defense in Eagleswood.