Heroin Defense Lawyers in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey Will Fight For You
Heroin usage and related charges, like heroin possession and distribution, have become a huge problem in New Jersey. As heroin fatalities and overdoses grow, NJ authorities are re-prioritizing their attention on heroin crimes, enacting some of the strongest penalties in the nation.
The present heroin epidemic in NJ is not limited to the metropolitan area, but has moved into more residential locations all over the state. New Jersey's geographic location in the drug trade has made it one of the most popular importers of prohibited substances like heroin in the United States.
In order to avoid conviction, you must present a rock-solid case so you can reduce heroin possession or distribution charges. Your rights cannot be infringed upon, regardless of whether you have been charged with a crime.
Speak with Villani & DeLuca drug defense attorneys to get legal guidance if you are facing charges in Harvey Cedars, NJ for heroin possession or heroin distribution.
Heroin Arrests Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin possession is a third degree felony in New Jersey and comes with a five-year prison term and a substantial fine of up to $35,000.
Have you developed an addiction to heroin in NJ? Heroin is ruining the lives of many teenagers and young adults in New Jersey on a yearly basis. If you are an addict and picked up for a crime, contact a NJ heroin defense attorney for assistance.
NJ Heroin Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. has been defending clients for heroin possession and distribution crimes since Villani & DeLuca opened in 1996. As a former criminal prosecutor, Mr. Villani has legal experience on both sides of criminal cases, which can be a huge benefit for your defense.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
You can't gamble with facing heroin charges and the resulting sentence without a strong drug attorney on your side. A conviction can also inhibit your professional prospects in the future. Prison time and fines can be tremendously traumatic to the way your life travels.
The context of your arrest can affect the outcome of your court case. The quantity of heroin on your person during your arrest will help determine if you receive a possession or distribution charge. Your case may be complicated if you were caught in possession of heroin in a designated school zone.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
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. First-time offenders may qualify for Pretrial Intervention or conditional discharge. You may also fight the grounds of your arrest based on whether the proper legal procedures were followed.
If you have been charged with the intent to distribute, your charges will be more serious than simple possession. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can result in 5 years in prison 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
Possession is not typically as serious as distribution. Just 0.5 ounces of heroin can bring about a charge for the intent to sell. Intent and actual distribution are legally identical according to New Jersey state law. Possession with the intent to sell a half ounce of heroin or less is a 3rd degree crime, warranting up to five years jail time with a maximum fine of $75,000. Possession ofquantities more than five ounces with intent to distribute, including any adulterants or dilutants, is a crime in the 1st degree. If found guilty, you will be sentenced to 10-20 years and be expected to pay up to $500,000 in penalties.
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. If you arrested for heroin distribution within 1,000 feet of a school bus, for example, the school zone laws of NJ will be in effect.
Safeguard Your Future from a Heroin Arrest
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. With a solid defense, your drug defense lawyer can help you get significant results.
Probable cause is required to search your property, without which an officer is limited in what he may search. Confer with your drug defense lawyer if you have special circumstances based on your arrest.
If you do not have any prior arrests, conditional discharge is often a smart option for you to pursue. Discharge will permit probation instead, and your record will stay clean.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI). PTI places heroin users in a rehabilitation center rather than jail.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Defense Attorneys are Available 24/7 in Harvey Cedars
Are you looking for an attorney? Contact Villani & DeLuca right away to inquire about how to minimize your heroin charges in New Jersey. Call (732) 709-7757 today for a free consultation. Our lawyers will ?aggressively defend? charges you are facing in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey today.