The Former Director of the Middlesex County Drug Task Force Is Ready To Defend Your Edison Heroin Charges
Heroin is definitely an issue that Edison Township faces just like any other community in Middlesex County. It is not immune from this problem despite its being a “best places to live” municipality in New Jersey. Individuals being charged with heroin possession is, in fact, a relatively common occurrence for the Edison Police Department. The point is that you are far from alone if you are faced with an offense for possession or even distribution of heroin arising in Edison NJ. This drug clearly makes up the largest segment of drug crimes of first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. The attorneys at our firm are certainly in tune with this circumstance as members of the largest criminal defense firm in the county.
Highly Experienced Middlesex County Criminal Attorneys For Individuals Charged With Heroin Possession in Edison Township New Jersey
Our firm, Marshall Criminal Defense, defends a large number of individuals arrested for heroin possession and distribution in Middlesex County, including charges arising in Edison Township New Jersey. This only makes sense given that we are the largest criminal law office in the region with an office in not only Edison but opposite the county courthouse in New Brunswick. Our other impressive attributes include:
some form of heroin violation. Our team of former prosecutors and attorneys are highly knowledgeable in defense of all heroin violations. To speak to a lawyer immediately, call us at 732-248-7675.
Edison Township Heroin Charges
A heroin possession charge falls under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 unless it involves selling, distributing or possession with intent to distribute. Possession of heroin is common in Edison and so much so that Edison was ranked last year among the “20 Towns With Most Heroin and Opiate Abuse” by the Division of Addiction Services in the New Jersey Department of Human Services. If you were arrested for third-degree heroin possession, you face various penalties if convicted of this felony crime. You are subject to a fine of up to $35,000, a six-month driver’s license suspension, and up to 5 years in state prison. If the violation occurred within 1,000 feet of school property (i.e. in a drug-free school zone), you also face at least 100 hours of community service.
When heroin is being sold or distributed, or someone possesses this form of controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”) with intent to distribute, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 is the drug law that applies. This statute establishes the following grade of crime and penalties if someone is convicted:
- Third Degree Crime. If you distribute or possess heroin with intent to distribute, your exposure is predicated on the quantity of CDS you sold or intended to sell. Distribution of fewer than .5 ounces of heroin is a third-degree crime that carries the same penalties as a possession charge except the potential fine is increased to $75,000.
- Second Degree Crime. A second-degree crime results where the heroin distribution involves at least .5 ounces but less than 5. There is a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a $150,000 fine that applies.
- First Degree Crime. A first-degree heroin charge results where the quantity distributed is 5 ounces or more. The penalties are extreme for heroin distribution in the first degree with a potential fine of up to $500,000 and up to 20 years in prison.
Separate 2C criminal violations also result where heroin is being distributed within a school zone (i.e. N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7) or public park zone (i.e. N.J.S.A. 2C:36-7.1). The primary additional penalty that stems from these offenses is the mandator y period of parole ineligibility that applies under each of the related laws. An individual must serve a period of incarceration during which they are ineligible for parole.
Edison NJ Heroin Attorneys
While our intention is not to cause panic, you need to know that heroin offenses definitely require representation by a highly skilled NJ heroin defense attorney. Prosecutors recognize just how big an issue this drug poses and are serious about stifling any further growth. If you were arrested for possession of heroin in Edison Township or had the misfortune of being accused of distribution, you absolutely need to consult an attorney and preferably one with experience defending Middlesex County heroin charges. This is something that the lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can provide to you. To discuss what we can offer, contact us at 732-246-7675.
