Heroin Defense Lawyers in Lavallette, NJ Will Work to Clear Your Charges
Heroin has become extremely prevalent in New Jersey, and because of the availability of the drug, New Jersey has sanctioned tougher repercussions in order to regulate it. Heroin possession and distribution are both severe infractions with major punishments.
With large volumes of heroin flowing into the NJ streets, heroin has become cheaper and more hazardous. Heroin in New Jersey even tends to be purer than normal heroin supplies across the US. As a consequence of the easy availability and undiluted nature of the drug, many teenagers are forming addictions to heroin in NJ.
With the increase in heroin addiction, arrests for heroin have also spiked. In spite of this growing predicament, a charge doesn't need to be a guilty verdict. Drug users and distributors must be protected under the law with the support of heroin attorneys serving places like Lavallette, New Jersey.
If you or a relative is being confronted with heroin possession or intent to distribute in Lavallette, NJ, call the law practice of Villani & DeLuca for knowledgeable heroin lawyers to assist you through the legal process and to preserve your rights.
Heroin Charges Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Being found guilty of heroin possession can lead to large fines and 5 years prison time.
Heroin usage has gone up rapidly in New Jersey within just a few years. 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 criminal defense lawyer needs to have a history of success in dealing with heroin charges.
NJ Drug Possession Attorneys with Extensive Experience
The drug defense lawyers at Villani & DeLuca have years of experience battling heroin charges. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. is a veteran drug attorney who routinely protects clients from criminal allegations, including possession and distribution of heroin. Mr. Villani can draw from his previous history prosecuting criminal drug charges in the New Jersey court system to construct the strongest defense possible for you.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
Your long term plans will be strongly influenced by the end result of your court case. Depending on whether or not you are a first-time offender or a repeat offender, consequences can range from a probationary period, with no criminal record attached, to as many as 20 years in prison, with fines reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The context of your arrest can affect the outcome of your trial. The total number of ounces of heroin on your person during your arrest will factor into whether you should be charged with possession or distribution. You may also have an issue if you were found distributing heroin in a designated school zone.
Simple Heroin Possession in NJ
Just because 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 have options available to them such as Pretrial Intervention and conditional discharge. You may also contest your arrest based on whether the proper legal procedures were followed.
If you have been arrested for the intent to sell, your sentence will be more serious than simple possession. Selling heroin carries larger fines, longer prison terms and a revocation of your license.
Heroin Distribution and Intent to Distribute Laws in New Jersey
Possession is not generally as serious as distribution. Just 0.5 ounces of heroin can result in a charge for the intent to distribute. The intent to sell is no different than being arrested for actually distributing in regard to penalties. Heroin possession with intent to sell a half ounce of heroin or less is a third degree crime, requiring up to five years incarceration with a maximum fine of $75,000. If arrested for attempting to sell more than 5 ounces of heroin, you will be charged with a first degree crime. There is a mandatory prison term of 10 to 20 years, and a fine of up to half a million dollars upon conviction.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
Potential sentences are increased substantially when the heroin charge occurs in or near a school zone, which includes school buses and extends to areas up to 1,000 feet from the building or vehicle. 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. Your lawyer should be experienced in drug crimes so that your heroin-related sentence is the best case scenario if sentenced.
Safeguard Your Future from a Heroin Conviction
Drug charges like heroin possession or distribution don't need to completely destroy your future. Protect your life with a good defense strategy. Your charges could be dropped or lessened with a strong defense.
Probable cause is required to search your property, without which a policeman is limited in what he may search. Ask your heroin defense attorney if you have special circumstances based on your arrest.
Conditional discharge is a beneficial solution for many first-time offenders of heroin possession. You will be put on probation and your criminal record will remain unchanged.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is another important program that can be an option for heroin addicts. PTI is a rehabilitation approach that can be required instead of serving jail time. The PTI program can be very beneficial if you are battling with addiction.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Attorneys are Ready For Your Call
Need an attorney? Contact Villani & DeLuca right away to learn about how to fight your heroin charges in New Jersey. Contact Villani & DeLuca by calling (732) 709-7757. Our law firm will ?aggressively defend? charges you are facing in Lavallette, New Jersey today.