Lawrence NJ Cocaine Lawyer
Cocaine Possession & Distribution Charges in Lawrence Township
Cocaine charges can arise in many contexts in Lawrence New Jersey. The most frequently arising variety is personal possession of cocaine. There are also many instances of individuals charged with CDS distribution in Lawrence for cocaine. Irrespective of the cocaine offense you are facing, the charge you are facing is a felony that can land you in state prison for years. This should be ample reason for you to hire a lawyer who is skilled in defending Mercer County Drug Charges. The attorneys at our firm are highly recognized former prosecutors who have been defending cocaine offenses in Lawrence Township and elsewhere in the region for over a century. If you are facing a cocaine charge in Trenton, whether its for possession or selling, an attorney at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is highly equipped to help you reach the best outcome in your case. To speak to one of the lawyers on our staff immediately, contact our Lawrence Office at 609–683–8102.
Lawrence Cocaine Offense
As previously stated, there are two pedigrees of cocaine offense that someone can be arrested for in Lawrence. The first form is cocaine possession and the second is cocaine distribution. While your arrest for either charge may have occurred in Lawrence Township, there is no jurisdiction for your case to be heard in Lawrence Municipal Court. The offense must be directed to the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton for resolution. The headings below outline what you need to know if you have been charged with either cocaine violation.
Possession of Cocaine. A charge for possession of cocaine stems from N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This law makes it a third degree crime to possess cocaine in any quantity. If you are convicted of violating 2C:35-10, you are subject to a fine of up to $35,000 and 3-5 years in prison.
Distribution of Cocaine. Selling or distributing cocaine is illegal under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The grading of this crime is predicated on the quantity of cocaine distributed, sold or possessed with intent to distribute. First Degree Distribution (i.e. 5 ounces or more) results in a fine of up to $500,000 and 10-20 years in prison. It is a second degree crime to distribution/sell at least one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of cocaine with potential punishment that includes 5-10 years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine. Possession with intent to distribute less than one-half ounce of cocaine is a third degree crime that results in a fine of up to $75,000 and 3-5 years in prison.
When possession or distribution occurs in a school zone (i.e. within 1,000 feet of school property), there are enhanced penalties. For additional details on this subject, you can refer to school zone possession with intent to distribute charges.
Lawrence NJ Cocaine Defense Attorney
As one of the largest and most populated municipalities in Mercer County, it makes sense that there would be many Lawrence NJ possession charges involving cocaine every year. There are also more than a few cocaine related arrests for CDS distribution in Lawrence Township. Irrespective of which variety of cocaine offense you are facing, you definitely want to seek out the most skilled defense attorney you can find. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we can offer representation from a staff of lawyers that have been defending cocaine charges for decades throughout the region. If you would like to speak to a lawyer on our team, including one of our former prosecutors, call our office anytime 24/7. Attorneys are available immediately to assist you without obligation at 609–683–8102.