Contact The Attorneys In Our Mount Holly Office To Speak To A Former County Prosecutor Who Is Highly Experienced In Defending Burlington County Cocaine Possession Charges
If you thought cocaine possession was an charge of the past, just visit the County Courthouse in Mt. Holly on sentencing day and you will learn otherwise. Arrests involving possession of cocaine are plainly on the rise all over the county including in towns like Burlington City, Mount Laurel and Pemberton. All of these cases end up at the Burlington County Superior Court, Mount Holly NJ, because this is the only place that felony drug charges can be heard. If you were charged with cocaine possession anywhere in Burlington, you need to consult an attorney immediately as you are facing a third degree crime that carries serious penalties, including as much as five years in prison.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are available to help you and have a long history of assisting individuals arrested for possessing cocaine. We are one of the largest criminal firms in the state with an abundance of resources. In fact, our team has over 200 years of combined experience between our ten (10) criminal defense lawyers, with most of our members having served as former prosecutors, even in high level positions like Director of Major Crimes, the Drug Task Force and the Trial Division. To speak to an attorney in our Mount Holly Office, call Let one of the attorneys lawyers on our 100 plus year experienced defense team answer your questions and concerns by calling 609-491-2110.
Burlington Cocaine Possession Charge Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10
The NJ Law that applies to all possession of cocaine offenses is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”) law is limited to personal possession cases as opposed to distribution of cocaine charges. N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 exposes an individual to a third degree crime for possessing any quantity whatsoever of cocaine in Burlington. Whether your charge arose in Willingboro, Bordentown, Riverside, Evesham or another municipality or not, the cases involves a felony and must be transferred to the Burlington County court system in Mt. Holly. It will be the obligation of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office to establish, beyond reasonable doubt, that you knowingly obtained or possessed cocaine. The prosecutor may also pursue a conspiracy offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2. This will involve their proving that you had an agreement to possess cocaine and took an affirmative step(s) to secure the drug. Both possession and conspiracy to possess cocaine are third degree crimes that result in a felony criminal record. In the case of a possession of cocaine conviction, you may be sentenced to up to 5 years in state prison, fined up to $35,000, and/or be placed on a period of probation. You will also face a suspension of your license to drive in New Jersey for a period of six months to two years. A conviction for conspiracy to possess cocaine does not result in a driver’s license suspension and, in addition, the maximum fine is limited to $15,000.
Defending Cocaine Charges in Mount Holly New Jersey
There are several factors that are key to success when it comes to defending CDS charges in Burlington County. Obviously the facts of the case are always important but so too the commitment and skill of the attorney you choose. You need someone who is going to fight on all viable issues rather than be quick to accept a plea. We find that a strong presentation at the very outset, for example, at your initial appearance, can lay the groundwork for a remand/downgrade to a disorderly persons offense. In the event that the charge cannot be reduced in this manner, search and seizure, Miranda, constructive possession and other issues must be fully exhausted. There are also diversionary options such as Pretrial Intervention and Drug Court that are potential avenues for a knowledgeable lawyer to exhaust.
Mount Holly Possession of Cocaine Defense Firm
Irrespective of whether your arrest took place in the Burlington City or Township, you clearly face serious penalties if you are convicted of possession of cocaine. This situation is no different if your charge arose in Cinnaminson, Maple Shade, Palmyra, Eastampton or Mt. Holly. You can be sent to jail and presumptive period of incarceration is 3-5 years. This is nothing to view other than very urgently. So call our Burlington cocaine defense lawyers now at 856-234-8900 (Mt. Laurel Office) for the guidance and counsel you need. An attorney at the firm will go over all of the circumstances of your arrest, including any motor vehicle stop, entry into your house/apartment, and any other search and seizure issues, and offer their perspective on the best approach for success. Contact us now for an immediate free consultation.
Related Legal Resource Pages
Mount Holly Cocaine Distribution Attorney
Burlington County CDS Possession Defense Lawyers
