New Jersey Drug Crimes Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in the state of New Jersey, it’s common to feel unsure and anxious about what happens next. This confusion around the potential consequences of drug charges can be intimidating and lead to a lot of uncertainty.

This is why it’s extremely important to work with an experienced drug lawyer who specializes in criminal drug charges in New Jersey. Don’t wait to make the call. The sooner you speak with a seasoned criminal drug defense attorney, the better the results.

From the initial case evaluation, through the examination of the evidence, to questioning witnesses at trial, a trustworthy drug crime defense attorney works closely with clients to obtain the best possible outcomes. Our law office uses a vigorous, aggressive, and comprehensive approach to defend drug charges and protect our clients’ rights.

Types of Drug Charges in New Jersey

Criminal drug charges in New Jersey can range from simple possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, or more severe drug charges, such as the manufacture and distribution of narcotics or opiates.

New Jersey drug charges may also include the possession of certain items with the intent to use them to produce or consume drugs. Examples of this include paraphernalia such as hypodermic needles, grow lights, or certain drug packaging materials and equipment.

Penalties for drug crimes can be severe and range from a crime in the fourth degree with a maximum penalty of up to 18 months in jail, through a crime in the first degree that carries a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of 20 years in prison. If you’d like to know more about New Jersey criminal drug crimes, contact our law office and speak to a defense attorney for guidance on these laws and penalties.

The outlines of the individual crimes as well as the potential penalties can be found in the New Jersey Laws at NJ Rev Stat § 2C:35-5 (2016).

Drug Offense Penalties in New Jersey

Even though a disorderly person offense is considered a lower-level crime, these charges can still result in up to six months in prison with significant fines and loss of a driver’s license.

Additional information about disorderly person level charges is located at Disorderly Persons in New Jersey.

Drug crimes in New Jersey include, but are not limited to:

• Possession or distribution of a hypodermic needle for drug use NJ Rev Stat 2C:36-6 (2016)
• Operating a controlled substance manufacturing facility NJ Rev Stat 2C:35-4 (2016)
• Possession or distribution of heroin NJ Rev Stat 2C:35-5 (2016)
• Possession or distribution of narcotics NJ Rev Stat 2C:35-5 (2016)
• Possession or distribution of marijuana NJ Rev Stat 2C:35-5 (2016)

Drug crime charges in New Jersey are varied and complex. You need a New Jersey drug crime lawyer with extensive knowledge of these criminal drug laws and penalties to guide you through the process.

Experienced Drug Crime Defense Attorney

Only a criminal defense attorney who specializes in drug crime offenses has the experience to provide clients with everything they need to know. If you’ve been charged with anything from a disorderly person infraction to a first-degree drug crime, it’s important to speak with a New Jersey drug crime lawyer as soon as possible.

Our law office is here to take action to protect your rights. Remember that New Jersey drug law penalties are extremely strict. You can face significant fines, a loss of your driver’s license, or even possible jail time.

Even if this is your first offense, a criminal record that includes drug charges can change your life. You need an attorney that has years of experience defending drug crimes to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome considering your unique circumstances. Contact our law firm today to discover how a New Jersey drug crime lawyer can defend you.

Further Information on New Jersey Drug Charges

The state of New Jersey takes drug crimes very seriously. The New Jersey Statute has many different classifications for drug charges. You can read the basic definitions of these drug charges below. Click on the links for a full overview of each drug crime charge and how a New Jersey drug crime lawyer can help.

Drug Conspiracy

While there is no specific drug conspiracy law, the New Jersey conspiracy laws can be linked to several different drug charges.

Read more about drug conspiracy charges and New Jersey drug conspiracy lawyer.

Drug Possession

New Jersey Statute 2C:3-5 defines this illegal possession as:

• To manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under their control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog
• To create, distribute, or possess or have under their control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance.

Read more about drug possession charges and New Jersey drug possession lawyer.

Drug Distribution

In New Jersey Statute 2C:35-5, the law makes it illegal:

• To manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under their control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog
• To create, distribute, or possess or have under their control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance

Read more about drug distribution charges and New Jersey drug distribution lawyer.

Drug Paraphernalia

In New Jersey, drug paraphernalia may legally refer to anything that is used to grow, make, use, or store a drug. Some of the most common types of drug paraphernalia include:

• Bongs or pipes that are used to smoke marijuana or crack cocaine
• Plastic baggies that are used to hold, carry, transport, or distribute drugs
• Grinders that are used to crush marijuana
• Scales that are used to measure drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine
• Equipment that is used to make crystal meth

Read more about drug paraphernalia charges and New Jersey drug paraphernalia lawyer.

Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute

New Jersey Statute 2C:35-5 makes it illegal to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under their control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog. It also makes it illegal to create, distribute, or possess or have under their control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance.

Read more about drug possession with intent to distribute charges and New Jersey drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer.

Drug Manufacturing

New Jersey drug manufacturing law states that it’s illegal to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under their control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.

Read more about drug manufacturing charges and New Jersey drug manufacturing lawyer.

Volume Dealer

Under federal law, a person may not knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription that was issued by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare provider. A New Jersey drug crime lawyer can work with you if you’ve been accused of violating federal laws.

Learn more about drug federal laws and penalties and federal drug lawyer.

Drug Trafficking

New Jersey has a catch-all statute for illegal possession, distribution, and manufacturing of illegal drugs. This is New Jersey Statute 2C:35-5.

Go to New Jersey drug trafficking lawyer to learn more about drug trafficking penalties and possible defense strategies.

Prescription Drug

In the state of New Jersey, possessing or distributing pharmaceutical drugs without holding a valid prescription is illegal.

Go to New Jersey prescription drug defense lawyer to learn more about prescription drug crimes, penalties, and why you should speak with a New Jersey drug crime lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Drug Crimes

Facing criminal drug charges can be stressful, emotional, and confusing. However, the more informed you are about the drug crime laws, penalties, and what a criminal defense attorney can do for you, the easier it is to get through this challenge. That’s why we’re always available to answer our client’s questions and address any concerns about drug offenses. In addition, we provide the resources our clients need to stay informed and feel confident moving forward with their defense.

Here are a few questions that clients frequently ask when facing drug crime charges:

What does a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey do?

A criminal defense attorney that specializes in drug crime uses their extensive background knowledge and expertise to design the best possible defense to produce the best possible outcome. What a client’s defense strategy looks like will depend on the specific drug charge and their surrounding circumstances. The best New Jersey drug crime lawyers will examine your case from multiple perspectives and do whatever it takes to protect you and your rights. Whether it’s settling your case out of court or going to trial, our law firm will find the right path for your case and navigate any obstacles along the way. To find out more of what a criminal defense attorney does and how a New Jersey drug crime lawyer can help you, contact our law office today.

When should you contact a criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey?

As soon as possible. If you’ve been arrested for a drug crime in New Jersey, it’s important to speak with a criminal defense attorney right away that specializes in drug crimes. The sooner you call, the more successful your outcomes will be. Your drug crime defense attorney will want to examine your case from multiple angles, interview witnesses, review evidence, and design the best defense strategy. Completing these necessary steps will take time, so you want to make sure you’re contacting an experienced drug crime lawyer immediately. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a drug crime, contact our law office as soon as possible. Take advantage of a free consultation and discuss your charges with a New Jersey drug crime lawyer today.

What are the most common drug offense charges in New Jersey?

One of the most common drug offense charges in New Jersey is the possession of a controlled dangerous substance or CDS. CDS is the New Jersey state legislature’s way of saying illegal drugs. New Jersey defines a CDS or “drug” as:

• Substances recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia, official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary, or any supplement to any of them; and
• Substances intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals; and
• Substances (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals; and
• Substances intended for use as a component of any article specified in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section; but does not include devices or their components, parts, or accessories.

Drug possession charges and possession with the intent to distribute charges are common. However, the consequences, fines, or penalties of possession will vary according to the type of drug and the amount in your possession. If you’ve been arrested for a drug possession charge, it’s important to speak with a drug crime attorney as soon as possible. Due to the complexities of drug possession laws and the frequently changing marijuana laws, it’s best to speak with a New Jersey drug crime lawyer about your charges to ensure that your rights are protected.

What types of drug crimes charges does your New Jersey criminal defense law firm handle?

Because our law firm specializes in drug crime, our criminal defense firm can handle any drug crime charge. We’ve successfully handled cases involving drug conspiracy charges, drug possession charges, drug distribution charges, drug manufacturing charges, drug possession with intent to distribute charges, drug paraphernalia charges, drug trafficking charges, and many more. Regardless of the specific drug crime you’ve been charged with, we’re the right criminal defense law firm for you. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a trusted New Jersey drug crime lawyer.

What are the penalties for drug crimes in New Jersey?

The consequences and penalties for drug crimes in New Jersey will vary depending on the specific charges, the type of drugs involved, the amount of drugs, where drugs were discovered, and other factors. It’s important to keep in mind that New Jersey considers drug offenses to be very serious crimes. Clients are often surprised by how severe penalties can be for even lower-level drug crimes. You can face anything from community service and expensive fines to years in prison. To learn more about specific penalties and consequences of your drug crime offense, contact our law office today and speak with a New Jersey drug crime lawyer.

What are New Jersey schedules of controlled substances?

New Jersey schedules of CDS include the following:

Schedule I

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration defines a Schedule I drug as:

Drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are:

• Heroin,
• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
• Marijuana (Cannabis)
• 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy)
• Methaqualone
• Peyote

It’s important to note that marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug according to federal law, even though the state of New Jersey has legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. This can make marijuana drug laws and charges confusing for some. Contact our law office for more information on marijuana drug crime charges.

Schedule II

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration defines a Schedule II drug as:

Drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous. Some examples of Schedule II drugs are:

• Combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin)
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Methadone
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Fentanyl
• Dexedrine
• Adderall
• Ritalin

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration defines a Schedule III drug as:

Drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Schedule III drugs abuse potential is less than Schedule I and Schedule II drugs but more than Schedule IV. Some examples of Schedule III drugs are:

• Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), Ketamine
• Anabolic Steroids
• Testosterone

Schedule IV

he United States Drug Enforcement Administration defines a Schedule IV drug as: Drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples of Schedule IV drugs are:

• Xanax
• Soma
• Darvon
• Darvocet
• Valium
• Ativan
• Talwin
• Ambien
• Tramadol

Schedule V

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration defines a Schedule V drug as: Drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V drugs are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes. Some examples of Schedule V drugs are:

• Cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC)
• Lomotil
• Motofen
• Lyrica
• Parepectolin

Should I agree to a deal to plead guilty on a drug charge?

There will be various ways to handle any drug charge case, but pleading guilty without speaking with a New Jersey drug crime lawyer first is never recommended. Even if your case seems hopeless, a drug crime defense attorney can provide information and legal defense tactics that you may have not known to be possible. Before pleading guilty, accepting a plea deal, or making any other moves with the prosecutor, it’s important to speak with a New Jersey drug crime lawyer first.

What is important to know about drug offenses in New Jersey?

The most important thing you should keep in mind when facing drug offenses is that New Jersey takes drug offenses very seriously. It is never recommended to take any drug charge lightly, even if it’s considered a lower-level drug offense. It’s important to contact a New Jersey drug crime lawyer right away if you’ve been arrested for a drug crime.

Why is it important to hire a criminal defense attorney for a drug crime in New Jersey?

People will often ask if it’s necessary to hire a criminal defense attorney for a drug charge, and the answer to that question is always, YES. As mentioned above, the drug crime laws, penalties, fines, and other consequences can be very confusing, especially if you’re facing your first drug charge. It can be almost impossible to navigate New Jersey’s drug laws and penalties without a background in drug crime law. Not only is the process complex, but it’s also time-consuming. A lot of time, research, and paperwork goes into creating a proper defense for a criminal drug case. Hiring the best criminal defense attorney that specializes in drug crime is your first step and the smartest way to approach your case.

Contact Trusted New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer John B. Fabriele

Contacting the Law Office of John B. Fabriele, III, Esq. should be your first line of defense if you’ve been arrested for marijuana possession, cocaine possession or with prescription medication or an illegal substance or illegal drug which resulted in a criminal charge or drug crime offense. It's essential to hire an experienced attorney to represent you in drug court. We understand that being charged with a drug crime can be terrifying, stressful, and confusing. We’re here to provide you with the information, support, and defense you need. Take advantage of a free legal consultation appointment today and learn more about what drug crime defense attorney John B. Fabriele can do for you.

New Jersey Drug Defense Lawyer John B. Fabriele, III

The Law Office of New Jersey Criminal Lawyer John B. Fabriele, III is open daily to take your case. It is essential that you contact an attorney sooner so we can start working on your case immediately. To achieve the best results, you need an experienced drug defense attorney that knows the area. We are experienced attorneys defending New Jersey citizens with drug offenses or drug related crimes in New Jersey Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Somerset County, Union County and surrounding areas.Contact New Jersey Drug Lawyer John B. Fabriele, III today to get your questions answered and start your defense.