Mount Holly NJ Heroin Distribution Lawyers
All you have to do is pick up the Burlington County Times and it is immediately clear just how extensive heroin use is in this area. The problem is so bad that at least 30 police departments in the county have been received Narcan, an antidote for those who have overdosed on heroin. Despite all of the attention given to this “epidemic”, distribution of heroin continues to flourish. This has resulted in a much tougher approach by prosecutors for anyone caught selling, distributing or possessing heroin with intent to distribute. The situation is even more severe if these activities are in a school zone or public park zone. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we have the know how and fortitude to successfully defend even the most complex distribution cases. There is no puffery here as we are one of the largest criminal firms in the state with several former prosecutors on staff. We are extremely savvy to what is effective and what is not when it comes to achieving the best possible result for our client. For some clients accused of distributing heroin this means our obtaining admission into Pretrial Intervention for a first offender or Drug Court for someone who has prior convictions. There may also be opportunities to suppress evidence because of an unconstitutional/improper search or seizure (e.g. lack of a warrant or valid basis for the search or arrest). Call us anytime 24/7 if you were charged with intent to distribute anywhere in Burlington County, including Florence, Palmyra, Medford, Evesham, or Bordentown. An attorney in our Mt. Laurel Office is available now for a free consultation.
Heroin Charges Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 (“Selling, Distributing or Intent to Distribute”)
New Jersey has both a general distribution law and more specialized statute targeting dealing in a school zone or public park zone. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 it is illegal to manufacture, sell, distribute or possess with intent even the smallest quantity of heroin. If you violate this law, you face a first degree crime if the quantity is more than five (5) ounces, a second degree crime for a quantity of at least a half ounce but less than five (5), and a third degree crime for distributing under a half ounce. First degree heroin distribution results in up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. In addition, an individual convicted of a first degree crime under 2C:35-5 is automatically extended term eligible thereby resulting in mandatory parole ineligibility to any jail sentence. Second degree heroin distribution is not carry any mandatory minimum term but nevertheless triggers 5-10 years of imprisonment and a $150,000 fine. The lowest grade of possession with intent, a third degree crime, carries up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. All possession and distribution charges are also subject to a 6-24 suspension of your driving privileges.
Pemberton NJ Intent to Distribute Heroin Attorneys
Police are targeting heroin more than ever given all of the overdose deaths and publicity about the growth in addiction. Prosecutors are likewise quick to indict and punish those who are involved in distributing the drug. An experienced attorney is definitely something that can even the playing field. Whether you are really guilty or not, you have rights and should not be railroaded into a conviction or an inflated jail/prison sentence. This is where the skilled heroin defense lawyers at our firm can prove so valuable in defense of a charge arising in a town in Burlington County like Delran, Edgewater Park, Maple Shade, Moorestown, or Willingboro. A lawyer from our firm is always available 24/7 to help with bail or to discuss a case. Initial telephone consultations and meetings in our Mount Laurel Office are free of charge.
