Mt. Holly NJ Public Park Charge Defense Attorneys
Possession with intent to distribute escalates into a separate offense when drugs are sold within 500 feet of a public park or housing project. The result when this occurs is for the accused to face prosecution for both distribution under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 and distribution in a public park under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1. Selling or distributing drugs in a public park zone is a second degree offense that results in a prison term of 5-10 years. While this offense is ineligible for Pretrial Intervention, you may be able to eligible for Drug Court provided you do not have prior convictions for manufacturing, distributing or possessing CDS with intent to distribute. Our defense attorneys have handled countless marijuana, heroin, prescription drug, MDMA and other drug cases. This experience has included not only the defense of CDS charges like your but also serving as prosecutors learning how things work from the other side. We are available immediately to discussion your public park offense or any other violation you may be facing. A member of our team is equipped to represent you in any Burlington County drug case including those arising in Burlington City, Shamong, Bass River, Southampton and Palmyra. Call us at 856-234-8900 for immediate attention from one of our lawyers.
Burlington County Distribution in a Public Park Charge
A public park offense arises under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1 when someone distributes or sells drugs/cds within 500 feet of the public park or housing project. The specifics of this law provide that:
Any person who violates subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-5 by distributing, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog while in, on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, a public park, or a public building is guilty of a crime of the second degree, except that it is a crime of the third degree if the violation involved less than one ounce of marijuana.
To qualify as a public park under 2C:35-7.1, the property must be a park, recreational facility or area or playground owned or controlled by the State of New Jersey, Burlington County or a local government unit (i.e. a municipality in the county). When the activity of distributing occurs within this zone, that is all that is needed to establish a violation as there is no requirement under this law that you intend or even be aware that you are selling drugs within 500 feet of a park. A conviction in accordance with this statute is, as previously stated, a second degree crime. An individual faces 5-10 years in state prison and a $150,000 if found guilty of distribution within 500 feet of a public park.
Mount Laurel Distribution in a Public Park Lawyer
A conviction for selling cds in a public park or housing project zone clearly carries significant consequences. The plea offers in these cases always involve a state prison bid and the only way to avoid this punishment is to successfully defend the charge. This is where the skills possessed by our attorney can pay dividends. With thousands of cases under our belts and over 100 years of combined experience to call upon, we have all the tools to effectively represent you in Burlington County. To discuss the specifics of our services, call our Mt. Laurel office at 856-234-8900 for a free consultation.
