Drug Distribution

Hamilton NJ Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer

Illegal drug use is an issue that effects a Mercer County municipality like Hamilton Township just like the rest of the nation. Abuse of prescription drugs has helped to fuel the epidemic with hundreds, if not thousands, of heroin overdoses over the last decade. Cocaine is also quickly regaining popularity. The demand for these controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”) and other drugs has prompted an aggressive effort by police and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to identify those who manufacture, sell or distribute. Basic penalties for distribution of CDS and possession with intent to distribute drugs, as well as engage in these activities in a school zone or public park, are strictly enforced by members of law enforcement.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall with offices in Hamilton, Lawrenceville and Princeton, are well positioned to serve those charged with distribution of drugs throughout Mercer County. Our team of seasoned defense lawyers have been achieving favorable results for individuals arrested for possession with intent to distribute CDS at the Mercer County Superior Court for over a century between us. And even before dedicating our practice exclusively to representation of the accused, several members of our staff served as prosecutors. Contact our office to speak to an attorney who has handled countless manufacturing, distribution and possession with intent to distribute cases. A Trenton CDS Distribution Lawyer is available 24/7 for free consultation at 609–683–8102.

Drug Distribution Charge in Mercer County New Jersey

A drug distribution charge can arise under a broad spectrum of circumstances. There is always the routine traffic stop that leads to an unanticipated arrest for possession with intent to distribute in Mercer County. The truth is, however, that it is more often the case that an offense instituted under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 or N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1 is the result of protracted investigation which often involves use of undercover buys, confidential informants and search warrants. There are also a fair share of cases wiretap cases. Irrespective of the facts that led to you being charge with selling drugs, hiring an attorney who is knowledgeable in the defense of CDS distribution charges is pivotal to your putting yourself in the best position to move on from this experience with minimum consequences. The lawyers at the Marshall Law Firm have the qualities that are necessary to serve you in this role and can assist you in defending any offense for selling or distributing drugs, including:

• Marijuana Distribution
• Distributing Cocaine
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin
• MDMA
• LSD
• Methamphetamine
• Distribution of Prescription Drugs
• Distributing CDS within 500 Feet of a Public Park
• Selling Drugs in a School Zone

The severity of a drug distribution charge hinges on the grade of crime that you are facing. The chart that follows include a break-down of the grading in terms of degree of crime when someone is charged with selling drugs.

Penalties If You Are Convicted of Distributing CDS in Mercer County

A first degree distribution of CDS in the form of heroin, cocaine, LSD and MDMA can result in a fine of up to $500,000 and 10-20 years in prison. The maximum first degree fine for methamphetamine and marijuana is $300,000. A second degree crime for selling/distributing heroin, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, marijuana, methamphetamine or other Schedule I or II drugs results in a maximum fine of $150,000 and 5-10 years in prison. Possession with intent to distribute in the third degree carries a fine of up to $75,000 and 3-5 years in prison for heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine or another CDS found on Schedule I or II. The fine is capped for third degree distribution of marijuana at $25,000. A fourth degree crime for distribution marijuana or a Schedule V CDS carries a $25,000 fine and up to 18 months in jail for marijuana. The maximum fine for distributing/selling prescription drugs in the fourth degree is $10,000.

Is There Any Way To Avoid Prosecution For Distribution of CDS?

There are two ways to avoid prosecution for an indictable crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree involving distribution of CDS/drugs. Drug Court allows an individual to avoid incarceration and continued prosecution but has extremely strict guidelines for eligibility and compliance. Pretrial Intervention is also available in order to avert penalties for drug distribution but is generally reserved to first-time offenders facing a fourth degree or third degree possession with intent to distribute offense. You may only secure this diversion by consent of the prosecutor if you are facing a charge for distributing in the first or second degree.

Lawrence NJ CDS Distribution Attorney

Whether you are a Rider University student who was arrested for allegedly selling CDS or were charged in the municipality under other circumstances, selection of the right attorney to defend you is imperative. The situation is no different if the case originated in West Windsor, Robbinsville, Hightstown, Hopewell Township or Pennington, as the penalties stemming from a conviction are extreme. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our team of savvy criminal lawyers have been successfully defending individuals against drug trafficking and associated charges for decades in Mercer County. A member of our team is prepared to take the time to complete a comprehensive review of your case and provide our recommendation for helping you avert an unfavorable result. A lawyer will challenging the case against you, including any warrantless search of your car or house, and even a seizure resulting from a search warrant. To speak to one of our attorney immediately, contact our Lawrence Township or another one of our conveniently located locations.