Our Former Prosecutors Include a Drug Task Force Director Who Know How To Effectively Dismantle a CDS Distribution Charge
You might not think of yourself as a drug dealer but something as minor as giving a friend some of your anxiety pills can expose you to a drug distribution charge under N.J.S.A. 2C:35- 5. The situation is even more serious when conduct involves selling or possession with intent to distribute hard street drugs like heroin, cocaine, Xanax, Fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD or other controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”). Penalties for distribution of drugs in Harrison or elsewhere in Hudson County are severe and include the possibility of years in state prison. Whether you are under investigation by the police or have already been arrested, you need a tough, aggressive criminal defense attorney capable of standing up for your rights to avoid a potentially devastating outcome in your case.
The lawyers at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, are adept in defending possession with intent to distribute charges with decades of success stories. Our firm possesses credentials that include:
- 200 years of combined experience representing individuals charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin, xanax, fentanyl, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, marijuana and other drugs/cds
- 10 lawyers that dedicate their practices exclusively to criminal defense
- Former County Prosecutors that have served in key roles like Director of the Drug Task Force, Major Crimes, Trial Division, Financial Crimes & even an entire Trial Division
- Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys
You have a skilled advocate at your fingertips to defend you. To speak to an attorney with the know-how to help you, call us anytime 24/7. Lawyers on our staff are standing by at 201.309.0500 to answer your questions and provide you with the sound legal advice that you need concerning a detention hearing, an initial appearance at Central Judicial Processing (“CJP”) or another proceeding.
CDS Distribution in Harrison
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 makes it illegal for anyone to manufacture, dispense, distribute or possess CDS with intent to distribute. And even if the drug police accuse you of distributing turns out to be a counterfeit or imitation CDS, you stand prosecution under this law. You should also know that prosecution under this statute not only applies to someone who is caught selling but also those who have Fentanyl, LSD, MDMA or other CDS in their possession and have the intention of distributing the drugs in the future. This variety of 2C:35-5 violation is commonly referred to as possession with intent to distribute CDS.
Another important dynamic you should be aware of is the fact that selling/distributing/possession with intent has enhanced consequences where these activities occur within 1,000 feet of a school zone in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 or within 500 feet of a public park or housing project under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1. Selling drugs in either of those zones result in an additional charges that carry with them mandatory periods of parole ineligibility. You can also face a separate offense that must be run consecutive in terms of imprisonment if you were caught in possession of a firearm while distributing CDS.
The lawyers at our Hudson County criminal defense firm challenge the evidence allegedly supporting an intent to distribute offense so that a favorable downgrade or even dismissal can be achieved. We critically review the facts to identify defenses and weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. For example, there may be a defect in the procedures followed by the police in searching or seizing the drugs.
Penalties For Manufacturing, Selling, Distributing or Possession With Intent to Distribute Drugs
A conviction for drug distribution in Harrison New Jersey can have life altering consequences. For instance, possession with intent to distribute 5 ounces of heroin, cocaine or heroin, 100 milligrams or more of LSD, or 25 pounds or more of marijuana, is a crime of the first degree punishable with minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000. Distributing less than 100 milligrams of LSD, over 100 pills/doses of Xanax, Suboxone, Fentanyl or other prescription drug, 5-25 pounds of marijuana or one-half ounce to 5 ounces of cocaine/heroin/ecstasy is a second degree crime that results in 5-10 years in prison and a maximum fine that can exceed $250,000. Third degree distribution arises when someone sells or possesses cds in an quantity less than those previously described. The penalties for a third degree crime for distribution of drugs carries up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000 or more. In addition to these penalties, a conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, so employers, colleges, landlords and anyone conducting a background search will see that you are a convicted felon for distribution of CDS.
Harrison NJ Drug Distribution Defense Attorney
Simply because you have been accused of a Harrison drug distribution offense does not mean that you will be convicted of it. The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are committed to providing an aggressive defense capable of giving you the best chance to avoid the penalties and stigma of a drug distribution conviction. Call us now at 201.309.0500 to speak to one of our outstanding lawyers so that your questions and concerns are properly addressed.
