Middletown NJ Heroin Possession & Distribution Attorney
There is no doubt that heroin use has become a serious problem and Middletown certainly is not immune to this issue. Many individuals are charged with possession of heroin, as well distribution of the drug, every year. Whether you arrested as a result of a motor vehicle stop, domestic call or a more formal police investigation, you need to secure representation from a skilled attorney. The Middletown NJ Defense Lawyers at our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, has been defending CDS offenses in this jurisdiction for over two decades. Several of our attorneys have even served as prosecutors in the county in the past. There is little doubt that we can offer the qualifications you need for success. Call our Middletown NJ Law Office for an immediate free consultation at 732-615-0039.
Possession of Heroin Attorney in Middletown New Jersey
The biggest percentage of Middletown heroin charges involve person possession under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. Possession can be the result of direct or actual possession, as well as constructive possession. An individual has actual possession if the heroin is found directly on their person or they otherwise acknowledge ownership. Constructive possession applies where the accused is aware of the existence of the heroin and has the intention and ability to exercise control of it in the future. Possession of heroin is a third degree crime that exposes an individual to up to five (5) years in prison and a fine that can reach $35,000. A conviction also results in a mandatory driver’s license suspension of 6-24 months.
Middletown Heroin Distribution Lawyers
Selling or Possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it is a more serious matter. Where the quantity distributed is less than a half ounce, a finding of guilt is a third degree crime that results in the same penalties as previously described with the exception that the maximum fine is $75,000. Second degree distribution of heroin applies where the amount being sold is at least one half ounce but less than five (5) ounces. The period of incarceration for this second degree crime is 5-10 years and the potential fine is up to $150,000. Distributing five (5) ounces or more of heroin or possessing such an amount with the intent to distribute is a first degree crime that triggers a fine of up to $500,000 and 20 years in prison. Distribution in the first degree also results in a period of parole ineligibility which must be set at between one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed during which the defendant cannot be paroled.
Experienced Heroin Offense Defense Attorneys, Middletown, NJ
Addiction to heroin is viewed as an epidemic by police, prosecutors and judges. Not surprisingly, they all take heroin charges very seriously. You need to take a similar approach if you want to avoid a felony conviction and plenty of other negative consequences. Our staff of attorneys possess the tools you need to effectively defend your possession/distribution offense or even a DWI charge based on impairment from heroin or other drugs. Call our Middletown Office now for immediate assistance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
