Our Former Drug Task Director & Other Talented Defense Attorneys Are Ready To Defend Your CDS Distribution Charge in Union City New Jersey
The war on drugs has not slowed down in New Jersey, especially in densely populated Hudson County communities like Union City New Jersey. Police and prosecutors use tough drug distribution laws to arrest and charge anyone caught not only selling or distribution controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”) but also those in possession with intent to distribute. If you were charged with distribution following an arrest in Union City, you need to hire the most talented criminal attorney so that you have the best opportunity to escape the ramifications of a conviction.
Our team has exactly what is needed to defend your distribution charge in Union City NJ. We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, and can offer you:
- Over 200 years of combined experience representing clients accused of selling and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, Fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs
- Former county prosecutors that include a Director of the Drug Task Force, Major Crimes, Special Operations, Juvenile Unit and even an entire Trial Division
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- An office located right across the street from the Hudson County Superior Court where your CDS distribution case shall be heard
You definitely want a capable lawyer at your side to defend your charges. To learn what an attorney on our staff can do to help you in a free initial consultation, call our Jersey City Office at (201) 309-0500. Attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you.
Union City CDS Distribution Offense
It is a crime as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 to engage in manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance. Giving a Xanax to a friend may not seem like a criminal offense, but you could be charged with violating N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The statute does not obligate the prosecution to prove that you received anything of value in exchange for the drug in order to prove that you committed a crime.
The complexity of a drug distribution investigation may provide legal defenses due to shortcuts taken or errors committed by the police. Searches for evidence must be based upon probable cause, yet we routinely see instances of routine traffic stops leading to vehicle searches without permission of the occupants and without probable cause.
Our use of motions to suppress evidence unlawfully obtained by police in violation of your rights under the U.S. Constitution and New Jersey law has proven effective in obtaining dismissals or reduction of charges. We carefully review the facts of your case to identify failures by the police to follow the rules during searches and seizures or instances improper questioning of individuals suspected of committing a crime.
Penalties For Distributing Drugs in Union City New Jersey
Judges may impose harsh penalties upon anyone convicted of violating N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. Some of the punishment depending upon the type and quantity of drug include the following:
Crime of the first degree punishable by imprisonment for 10 to 20 years and payment of a $500,000 fine for distributing 5 or more ounces of heroin, cocaine, MDMA (e.g. ecstasy or molly) methamphetamine or 100 milligrams or more of LSD.
Crime of the first degree punishable by imprisonment for 10 to 20 years and a fine of as much as $300,000 for distribution of 25 or more pounds of marijuana.
Crime of the second degree punishable by imprisonment for 5 to 10 years and payment of a $150,000 fine to distribute at least one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of heroin, cocaine, MDMA (e.g. ecstasy or molly) methamphetamine, 100 dosage units or more of Suboxone, Xanax, Fentanyl, Oxycontin or some other prescription legend drug, less than 100 milligrams or more of LSD, or at least 5 pounds but less than 25 pounds of marijuana.
Crime of the third degree punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and payment of a $75,000 fine to distribute/sell/possess with intent to distribute less than one-half ounce of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA.
Crime of the third degree punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and payment of a $25,000 fine for distribution of less than 5 ounces of marijuana.
Crime of the fourth degree punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months and a $10,000 fine for distribution of less than an ounce of marijuana.
Selling, distributing or possession with intent to distribute drugs/cds because significantly more complicated when the conduct occurs in a public park zone or school zone because additional criminal charges are triggered under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1. You also face a much more complicated situation if you were distributing while in possession of a firearm.
Union City NJ Controlled Dangerous Substance Distribution Attorney
The aggressive defense strategies we use have proven successful in allowing our clients to avoid the harsh penalties and stigma of a criminal record from a drug distribution accusation. Although our lawyers prepare each case to be ready for trial, our capable defense frequently leads to other options including reduction of charges or entry into one of the available diversion programs like Pretrial Intervention and Drug Court. You can learn more about the charge against you and the options you may have by calling the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall at (201) 309-0500 for a free consultation. One of our highly knowledgeable defense attorneys is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to assist you.
