Juvenile Drug Distribution Lawyer in Hudson County, New Jersey

Hudson County, New Jersey has seen a sudden increase in juvenile distributing heroin and marijuana over the last few years. Law enforcement has been on the offense, canvassing the streets of Jersey City, New Jersey attempting to put an end to what has been coined as a heroin epidemic. Although the juvenile criminal justice systems main objective is to rehabilitate rather then punish like the adult criminal justice system, the prosecution tends to take a much harsher approach when dealing with distributing drugs rather than possessing drugs or simple assault charges. The Hudson County, New Jersey drug distribution defense attorneys at the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall has over 100 years of combined experience in the defending juveniles charged with various drug offenses, including but not limited to heroin distribution, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and distributing marijuana. A juvenile convicted of distributing drugs can face incarceration, high fines, house arrest, drivers licenses loss and potential court ordered inpatient drug treatment. A conviction for a juvenile in New Jersey for distributing drugs can have severe life changing collateral consequences. A conviction can prohibit them from attending their dream college, keeping and/or maintaining gainful employment or even graduating high school. The team of juvenile defense lawyers at the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall have been representing juveniles charged with robbery, burglary, distributing prescription drugs and assault in towns like Union City, Hoboken, Jersey City, West New York, Bayonne and Secaucus for over fifteen years. Since the juvenile criminal justice system is procedurally run drastically different then the adult criminal justice system, it is imperative that you make sure you seek out an experienced Hudson County, New Jersey juvenile defense lawyer. If you or your child has been charged with an offense in Hudson County, NJ, the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall, can help. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation with any one of our eight juvenile drug distribution attorneys on staff, please contact our Jersey City, New Jersey office directly at (201) 309-1800.

Juvenile Drug Distribution Attorney in Jersey City, NJ

Juvenile Drug Distribution: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5(1)

To be convicted of distributing drugs in Hudson County, New Jersey, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The juvenile possessed a controlled dangerous substance; &
- The juvenile manufactured, dispensed or distributed the controlled dangerous substance; &
- In doing so, the juvenile acted knowingly or purposely.

Juvenile Possession of a CDS with the Intent to Distribute: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5(2)

To be convicted of possessing CDS with the intent to distribute in Hudson County, NJ, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The juvenile possessed or had control over the CDS;
- The juvenile was aware that it was in fact a CDS; &
- The juvenile possessed the CDS with the underline intent to distribute it.

What is the Degree of the Drug Charge?

The degree in which the juvenile will be charged with will depend directly on the type of drug in question and the quantity possessed at the time of the juvenile’s arrest. Here is a breakdown:

Marijuana:
- 25 pounds or more; 50 or more marijuana plants; hashish in a quantity of five pounds or more:
  - 1st Degree Felony = 4 Years in Jamesburg
- 5 pounds or more but less than 25 pounds; 10 or more but fewer than 50 marijuana plants; hashish in a quantity of one pound or more but less than five pounds:
  - 2nd Degree Felony = 3 Years in Jamesburg
- 1 ounce or more but less than five pounds; hashish in a quantity of five grams or more but less than one pound:
  - 3rd Degree Felony = 2 Years in Jamesburg
- Less than one ounce; hashish in a quantity of less than five grams:
  - 4th Degree Felony = 1 Year in Jamesburg
Cocaine / Heroin / Molly:
- 5 ounces or more, including any adulterants:
  - 1st Degree Felony = 4 Years in Jamesburg
- 1/2 ounce or more but less than 5 ounces:
  - 2nd Degree Felony = 3 Years in Jamesburg
- Less than 1/2 ounce
  - 3rd Degree Felony = 2 Years in Jamesburg

Hudson County NJ Juvenile Defense Attorney

The Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall has the experience and skill set required to successfully defend your child’s rights. As stated above, our team of Hudson County, NJ juvenile heroin distribution defense lawyers are prepared to fight to protect your freedom. We understand what a permanent criminal record for marijuana distribution can do to a child’s future. If you or a loved on has been charged with a juvenile offense like possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, cocaine possession, heroin distribution or prescription drug possession in towns like West New York, Bayonne, Jersey City, North Bergen or Union City, and would like a free initial consultation with any one of our eight juvenile defense lawyers on staff, please contact our Jersey City Office directly at (201) 309-1800.