Camden NJ Drug Distribution Defense Attorney
New Jersey has strict laws that apply in drug distribution cases and the judges at the Camden County Courthouse are not shy about applying them. This is especially true with the distribution of heroin and other highly addictive and dangerous controlled dangerous substances (“CDS’). If you were arrested for selling CDS in Gloucester City, Collingswood, Pine Hill, Lindenwold or another town in the county, you need a highly qualified lawyer. Our Cherry Hill criminal defense firm can offer what you are looking for with several former prosecutors and a team with over a century defending distribution and possession with intent to distribute cases involving a wide array of drugs. Call us 24/7 for a free consultation at 856-662-8300.
Charged With Selling Drugs in Gloucester Township
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, it is unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his or her control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog. It is also unlawful to create, distribute or possess or have under his or her control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance. Many drugs are classified under Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V, including heroin, marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, and prescription legend drugs and the gradation for selling or distributing them is directly related to the quantity being sold or possessed with the intention of distributing. For additional detail regarding charges involving these drugs, referred to the resource page for Marijuana Distribution, Heroin Distribution, Cocaine Distribution and Prescription Drug Distribution.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5(b)(2), it is a second degree crime for a person to knowingly and purposely be in possession with intent to distribute, dispense or manufacture a substance that is classified as a narcotic drug in Schedules I or II, other than those specifically covered elsewhere (i.e. heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, marijuana and cocaine). A person found with a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II in a quantity of less than one ounce with the intent to distribute that drug is guilty of a crime in the third degree and may be subject to a fine of up to $75,000, which is a deviation from normal sentencing guidelines under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3, which makes fines for third-degree crimes subject to fines of up to $15,000. Lastly, a person who distributes any Schedule V substance or its analog is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, but the fines, like the fines for the third degree crime, have been increased from their normal statutory limit of $10,000 for a fourth-degree crime to a maximum fine of up to $25,000.
Needless to say, the gradation of these offenses and the exuberantly large fines that are associated with them show a clear legislative intent on the part of the State of New Jersey to punish drug distribution charges to the fullest extent of the law. Whether it is a second, third, or fourth-degree charge, all of these carry with them the strong possibility of incarceration. A second-degree offense conviction can lead to up to ten years of incarceration and fines of up to $150,000. A third-degree offense conviction can lead to incarceration for between three and five years and, as stated above, a fine of up to $75,000. A fourth-degree offense can lead to incarceration for up to 18 months and, also as stated above, a fine of up to $25,000.
Possession With Intent to Distribute Lawyers in Cherry Hill NJ
You clearly cannot defend yourself against a CDS distribution charge at the Camden County Superior Court and expect to reach the same result that would be achieved with an experienced criminal attorney. Beyond the penalties that you face without proper representation, you undoubtedly also lose any opportunity to successfully challenge the stop, search or defects surrounding your arrest in Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Stratford, Laurel Springs or some other municipality in Camden County. We have the knowledge and commitment to ensure that everything is done to reach the best result in your case. To discuss how we can help you, call our Cherry Hill Office at 856-662-8300 for a free consultation.
