Drug Offenses
Criminal Defense Lawyer Representing New Jersey Residents
New Jersey takes drug crimes seriously, so consulting a criminal defense attorney is essential whenever you have been arrested or charged with a crime. These charges may involve possession, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, and distributing controlled substances. Controlled substances include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, and unauthorized prescription drugs. If you are convicted of a drug offense, you may face legal consequences as well as a social stigma. A criminal record may affect your reputation and ability to get a job, obtain or keep a professional license, and secure housing. New Jersey drug crime attorney Raymond A. Grimes can examine the facts of your case and determine an appropriate strategy for you.
Facing Prosecution for Drug Offenses
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A(4), you may face up to six months in prison, a $1,000 fine, and mandated drug rehabilitation for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana. If you are caught in possession of 50 grams or more of marijuana, you may be charged with a fourth-degree criminal offense. A conviction of this type of offense may carry a sentence of up to 18 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000.
Certain drugs are considered particularly dangerous and carry longer sentences. These drugs include hallucinogens, opiates, depressants, narcotics, and stimulants. Narcotics possession may be punished with 3-5 years of imprisonment, fines of up to $25,000, mandatory education and rehabilitation programs, and the loss of your driver’s license.
Even greater penalties may apply if you are convicted of possessing with intent to distribute, distributing, or manufacturing. The penalties vary depending on the quantity of drugs involved and the type. For example, if the charge involves more than five ounces of heroin or cocaine, you may be charged with a first-degree offense.
You should consult an attorney right away if you are charged with a drug offense. A conviction is not inevitable. The prosecution must prove every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a demanding standard. An experienced criminal attorney will make every effort to poke holes in the case and create a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors.
Before a case gets to trial, the police need to follow numerous rules, and they may not violate your constitutional rights when searching your person or home. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. What is unreasonable depends on the context, but in general if you can show that a search or seizure was unreasonable, you may have the evidence obtained from it suppressed.
For example, in order to conduct a search of a suspect’s home, the police need to have probable cause to believe that the search will show that the suspect was engaged in criminal activity. When the police do not have probable cause but find heroin, LSD, or another controlled substance, you may be able to get this evidence suppressed. Not being able to present the tangible drugs that were illegally seized may destroy the prosecution’s case.
Retain an Experienced Drug Crime Attorney in New Jersey
If you have been charged with a drug offense, you are likely to benefit from knowledgeable legal counsel. We can explore all defense options, including whether your rights were violated and whether we should bring a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence. At the Law Firm of Raymond A. Grimes, we serve people in Neshanic Station and Somerset County, as well as throughout the tri-state area. Call (908) 371-1066 to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey drug crime lawyer Raymond A. Grimes or contact us through our online form. We also can assist you if you need a DUI attorney or help with fighting any other type of charge.