One of the largest municipalities and busiest when it comes to drug distribution in Middlesex County is Woodbridge Township. There are many arrests each year involving allegation of intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, marijuana and other controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”). The laws that apply to those who sell or traffic drugs are extremely potent particularly when the conduct is in a school zone or public park. The penalties make an experienced criminal lawyer an absolute necessity for anyone arrested for selling or distributing CDS. If you are faced with a drug distribution charge, call our office today at 732-634-0700 for immediate assistance.
Distributing Drugs in Woodbridge NJ
When someone is arrested for selling or intent to distribute drugs, the base offense which they face is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. This statute makes it anywhere from a fourth degree crime to a first degree crime to sell, distribute or possess with intent to distribute any form of CDS. The severity of the penalties for violating this law depend on the type and quantity of the drugs distributed or sold. Other than less than one ounce of marijuana or less than 5 dosage units of a prescription drug, the lowest grade of 2C:35-5 is third degree. This would obviously apply to drugs like heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine and LSD. A Woodbridge distribution charge can escalate to a second degree or even first degree if the quantity sold is enough to pass the related threshold (e.g. one-half ounce for 2nd and 5 ounces for 1st). In addition, where the distribution occurs in a school zone, an additional offense arises under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7. Another potential possession with intent violation arises where drugs are sold within a public park zone.
First degree drug distribution carries a maximum fine of $500,000 and twenty years in jail. Distributing CDS in the second degree results in potential penalties that include a $150,000 fine and ten years in jail. Third degree charges under 2C:35-5 for heroin and cocaine related substances carry a fine that can reach $75,000 and up to five years in state prison. There are mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment that arise in all first degree cases, as well as where the distribution occurs in a school zone or in a public park. What this means is that your chances of avoiding a lengthy period of imprisonment are much less where one of these circumstances applies.
Woodbridge Township Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer
Our Office on Wood Avenue is conveniently located to serve you if you are facing a distribution offense in Woodbridge. An attorney on our defense team, including one of our former prosecutors, will review the charges and facts surrounding your arrest. If there is any opportunity to challenge the stop, search or other circumstances that gave rise to the offense, we will take advantage of this defense. The consultation to go over your case is free of charge. Call us to reach a lawyer immediately.
