Charged With Selling, Distributing or Possession With Intent to Distribute Drugs in Edison New Jersey?
There are very few criminal charges in Edison Township that have the potential to expose someone to greater consequences than a drug distribution charge. Whether you have been arrested for selling heroin, cocaine, marijuana, MDMA (Molly/Ecstasy), Methamphetamine, LSD, or any other drug listed as a Controlled Dangerous Substance in Schedules I, II, III, IV, or V, hiring an experienced defense attorney is an absolute must.
Apart from the potential periods of incarceration and the heavy fines that the law imposes for the distribution of controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”) in New Jersey, there is an enhanced bar for the removal (i.e. expungement) of distribution charges from an individual’s criminal record. Accordingly, a conviction for the distribution or possession of CDS with intent to distribute has an extremely high probability of following you around for the rest of your life if you are convicted. This makes it especially important to hire the right drug trafficking lawyers that you can identify.
The Former Director of the Middlesex County Drug Task Force Is Ready To Defend Your Edison CDS Possession Offense Involving Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Methamphetamine, or LSD
Here at Marshall Criminal Defense & DWI Lawyers, we can offer you the services of one of the largest criminal defense firms in New Jersey. More importantly, our exceptional qualifications include:
- Over 200 years of collective experience fighting drug/CDS charges in New Brunswick at the Middlesex County Superior Court
- 15 lawyers who specialize exclusively in defending the accused
- A team of ex-Prosecutors such as Jason Seidman, the former Director of the Middlesex County Drug Task Force
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- A long history of dismissals and successful outcomes for clients just like you
For a free consultation with a lawyer with the know-how needed to secure an acquittal, contact our Edison Office at 732-248-7675. Attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call and initial consultations are always free.
Edison NJ CDS Distribution Charges
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, person commits a drug distribution offense if they knowingly or purposely manufacture, distribute or Dispense, or possess with intent to distribute any controlled dangerous substance. The prosecutor has the burden of proving the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction:
- The substance in question is CDS;
- It was possessed, or controlled by the defendant;
- He/she sold, distributed to had intent to distribute the drug; and
- The conduct was with knowledge or purpose to distribute.
The grading in terms of severity of this offense varies drastically depending upon the substance in question and the quantity being manufactured, distributed, dispensed, or possessed with intent to distribute at the time of arrest.
Penalties for Distributing Drugs in Edison Township
The grade of a distribution charge is extremely important has it is the largest factor in terms of what you face in potential penalties. The state punishes first degree felony offenses very severely. A first degree offense can lead to incarceration for between 10 and 20 years. In addition, while a normal statutory fine under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3 associated with a first degree offense is $200,000, for some drug distribution charges this fine is greatly increased up to potentially $500,000.
A second degree offense can open you up to between 5 and 10 years of imprisonment, as well as fines ranging as high as $150,000.
A third degree offense can lead to incarceration for between 3 and 5 years, as well as fines, once again deviating from normal statutory fines, of up to $75,000.
Lastly, the fourth degree offense can lead to incarceration for up to 18 months with a corresponding fine of up to $10,000.
It is worth noting that in addition to these heavy fines and potentially lengthy periods of incarceration, a person found guilty of a drug distribution charge will also be subject to a loss of their driver’s license for between 6 and 24 months depending upon the severity of the charge.
It is also worth noting that if an aggravating factor accompanies this drug distribution charge, such as the distribution occurred in or near a school zone in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 or in or near a public park in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1, the imposition of a mandatory minimum term of incarceration is mandated by law. This means that notwithstanding whatever sentence is imposed at trial, you will have to serve a specified amount of it before becoming eligible for parole.
Edison Possession With Intent to Distribute Defense Attorney
There are a slew of potential hurdles that are posed to someone arrested and/or charged with selling CDS in Edison or anywhere else in Middlesex County. The key in dealing with these obstacles is to hire a Middlesex County criminal attorney that is accomplished in defending drug distribution charges at the county courthouse in New Brunswick. Our firm, Marshall Criminal Defense & DWI Lawyers, is blessed with several former prosecutors and a team with decades of success representing clients who have been accused of selling, distributing and possession with intent to distribute heroin, LSD, cocaine and other CDS. To discuss your case in detail with a lawyer at our law office with years of experience handling drug distribution in Middlesex County, call 732-286-7675 anytime 24/7.
