There is a heroin epidemic in New Jersey. The expansion of heroin distribution has produced increasingly stronger heroin laws in the state.
With sizable volumes of heroin flowing into the NJ supply, heroin has become cheaper and more deadly. Heroin in New Jersey even tends to be purer than typical heroin product across the US. Because of the large quantity and undiluted nature of the drug, many teenagers are forming addictions to heroin in NJ.
Your legal defense plan has to be strong so you can fight heroin possession or distribution charges. Your rights cannot be infringed upon, regardless of whether you have been arrested for drug charges.
Arrested for a heroin drug possession crime in Seaside Heights, NJ? Secure counsel from the criminal defense attorneys at Villani & DeLuca before it’s too late.
Heroin is a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance in NJ and possession is treated as a third degree felony. A conviction for heroin possession merits up to five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $35,000.
Heroin usage has escalated swiftly in New Jersey within just a few years. A study from the Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youths and Young Adults identified as heroin “the number one health care crisis” in New Jersey. If you are battling heroin addiction and have been arrested for possession of heroin, you should retain a practiced NJ drug defense attorney, experienced in handling heroin charges.
Since Villani & DeLuca was founded in 1996, partner and founding member Carmine Villani, Esq. has represented clients charged with drug offenses in NJ. As a former criminal prosecutor, Mr. Villani has experience on both sides of the court (defense and prosecution), which can make a big difference in your defense.
You cannot afford to face heroin charges and the penalties associated with a conviction without a strong drug attorney on your side. Heroin charges on your criminal record can also restrict your career prospects in the long run. Your life as you know it can be much brighter if you can lessen the charges.
Your charges and potential penalties have a lot to do with the circumstances of your arrest. Your level of heroin charge is partially dependent upon the amount of heroin in your possession at the time of the arrest. Your case may be complicated if you were found distributing heroin in a designated 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. First-time offenders may qualify for Pretrial Intervention or conditional discharge. Your criminal defense attorney can also fight charges on the grounds that the events leading up to your arrest were unlawful and against code.
If you have been arrested for the intent to sell, your sentence will be more severe than simple possession. Selling heroin carries larger fines, lengthier prison sentences and a revocation of your license.
Heroin distribution is no different than intent to distribute in the eyes of NJ drug laws. 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. A prison sentence of 10-20 years and a half million dollar fine may be the punishment for a first degree heroin conviction.
An arrest for heroin possession in a school zone can lead to greatly increased penalties and charges. Although you may not believe that you are in a school zone at the time of an arrest, the definition of a school zone does not just include buildings. If you arrested for heroin distribution within 1,000 feet of a school bus, for instance, the school zone laws of NJ will apply to your charges.
Heroin charges are beatable. Protect your life with a good defense plan. The proper defense strategy can earn you the best possible results.
If an unlawful search and seizure of your property occurred prior to an arrest, you may have grounds to have charges dismissed. Ask your drug defense lawyer if you have a case based on your arrest.
If you do not have any prior arrests, conditional discharge is often a smart option for you to pursue. You will be placed on probation and your criminal record will remain unchanged.
Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is another viable option for heroin addicts. PTI is a rehabilitation program that can be requested instead of serving a prison term. This option is designed to help people living in New Jersey kick their drug habit and avoid prison.
Need a lawyer? Contact Villani & DeLuca right away to learn about how to fight your heroin charges in New Jersey. Call (732) 965-3350 today for a free discussion. New Jersey criminal lawyers serving Seaside Heights, New Jersey are here to help.
