Heroin Offense Attorneys in Manchester, NJ Will Fight For You
Heroin usage and related offenses, like heroin possession and distribution, are currently a huge issue in New Jersey. The upsurge of heroin distribution has produced increasingly stronger heroin laws in NJ.
Heroin's prevalence in New Jersey makes it far more affordable for buyers to purchase, compared to other states. The grade of heroin is also elevated in NJ. As a consequence of the easy availability and purity of the heroin, many young adults are forming addictions to heroin in NJ.
Being charged with heroin possession or distribution can have life-long consequences and needs a tough legal game plan. The law affords you protection, even in the event of severe drug offenses like intent to distribute heroin or possession.
Connect with Villani & DeLuca criminal defense lawyers to get legal support if you are facing charges in Manchester, NJ for heroin possession or intent to distribute heroin.
Heroin Charges Under New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A 2C:35-10)
Heroin possession is a 3rd degree felony in New Jersey and may result in a five-year jail term and a large fine of up to $35,000.
Have you developed an addiction to heroin in NJ? Heroin is a state-wide problem, especially among today's youth. If you are a heroin addict and picked up for a crime, contact a NJ criminal defense attorney for help.
NJ Drug Possession Lawyers with Extensive Experience
Villani & DeLuca has been representing people arraigned with drug crimes like possession and distribution of heroin since 1996. A lawyer like Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. can use his successful track record of assisting people facing drug crimes like heroin possession to craft the best defense possible.
Protect Yourself from These Serious Heroin Charges
Convictions for heroin have severe repercussions, both regarding jail time and potential fines and in terms of job prospects. Depending on whether or not you are a first-time offender or a repeat offender, consequences can range from probation, with no impact on your criminal record, to up to 20 years in jail, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
How your case ends up hinges on the quantity of heroin found on you, but also on other considerations, such as proximity to a school zone or whether police determine that you are dealing. Arranging for a qualified heroin defense attorney in your corner is necessary to minimize your punishment and receive a reduced sentence from the state.
Simple Heroin Possession in New Jersey
Possession of heroin does not mean an automatic prison sentence in New Jersey. People without a history of drug charges may qualify for Pretrial Intervention and conditional discharge. You may also contest your arrest based on the actions of arresting police officers.
It's important to note that possession of any quantity of heroin – even less than 1/2 ounce – that is found to warrant the intent to distribute, has much more punitive penalties. Heroin possession with the intent to distribute can result in five 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
Intending to distribute and actually distributing have no practical difference in courts in New Jersey. Possession of smaller amounts of heroin (0.5 ounces) with the intent to distribute is deemed a third degree crime, while possession with intent to distribute larger amounts (5 ounces or more) is a 1st degree crime. A jail term of 10-20 years and a $500,000 fine may be the result of a first degree heroin conviction.
Heroin Distribution and Possession in or Near a School Zone
The consequences of a drug arrest in a school zone are much higher. A school zone does incorporates more than the immediate territory around school building. School zones extend 1,000 feet from the school building and official buses.
Protect Your Future from a Heroin Conviction
Drug arrests for heroin possession or distribution don't need to completely destroy your future. Protect your life with a well-thought out defense strategy. The ideal defense strategy can furnish you with the best case scenario.
If an unlawful search and seizure of your house happened prior to an arrest, you may have a call to have charges thrown out. A drug attorney will counsel you based on your individual arrest.
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.
Pretrial Intervention is a big help to many heroin addicts and can be an alternative to jail. PTI is a rehabilitation service that can be requested instead of serving jail time. This program is designed to help people residing in NJ kick their drug habit and stay out of prison.
Villani & DeLuca Heroin Possession Lawyers are Available 24/7 in Manchester
Converse with the legal professionals at Villani & DeLuca in a free discussion in order to discuss your arrest. We will speak to you any time of day and any day of the year. Start arranging your defense in Manchester with a phone call to (732) 709-7757.