Princeton Cocaine Lawyer
Arrested for Cocaine Possession in Princeton New Jersey
There probably is not a drug more on the rise in Princeton New Jersey than cocaine. The number of individuals charged with possession of cocaine and even cocaine distribution is definitely on the rise. Irrespective of whether your charge involves possessing cocaine in Princeton or possession with intent to distribute this form of controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”), the penalties are extremely harsh and include an associated felony record. Retaining a skilled lawyer is unquestionably the proper course of action for anyone arrested for a cocaine offense.
If you find the prospect of a drug possession or distribution conviction scary, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you get on track. Our defense team is made up of accomplished criminal lawyers and former prosecutors with more than 100 years of combined experience defending people at the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton against cocaine charges. An attorney with the skill, knowledge and commitment to aggressively defend you against any cocaine offense is ready to assist you anytime of day or night in a free consultation. A skilled lawyer can be reached in our Princeton Office at (609) 683-8102 now.
Cocaine Possession Offense in Princeton New Jersey
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 makes it illegal to purposely or knowingly possess cocaine in Princeton or anywhere in the state of New Jersey. You can be charged with possession of cocaine even though you do not have it physically on your person if you are deemed in constructive possession of the drug/CDS. As long as there is evidence proving you knew the cocaine was present and had the ability and intention to exercise control over it, you have violated 2C:35-10.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1) makes possession of cocaine a third degree crime which is the equivalent of a felony in other states. The penalties if you are convicted of cocaine possession under 2C:35-10a(1) include a fine of up to $35,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least six months, but it could be for as long as 24 months. Possessing cocaine on or within 1,000 feet of a school zone allows a judge to add at least 100 hours of community service to your sentence.
Selling, Distributing or Possession With Intent To Distribute Cocaine in Princeton
When an arrest is based on distributing, selling or possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the relevant law is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The severity of this violation hinges on the amount of cocaine involved with the range including a first degree crime (i.e. 5 ounces or more), second degree crime (i.e. one-half to 5 ounces) or a third degree crime (i.e. less than one-half ounce). An additional criminal charge arises on top of one under 2C:35-5 if the cocaine was being distributed in a school zone or public park zone.
A first degree cocaine distribution results in 10-20 years in prison and a fine that can reach $500,000. The penalties under 2C:35-5 for a second degree possession with intent to distribute are 5-10 years in prison and a fine that can reach $150,000. A third degree distribution of cocaine charge carries up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $75,000.
All of the penalties previously outlined are negated if we can gain admission into the Pretrial Intervention program on your behalf. The criteria for admission and completion of this program includes a limitation to first time offenders and also crimes of the third degree.
Princeton NJ Cocaine Defense Attorney
A Princeton cocaine defense attorney from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will aggressively pursue all defenses and legal challenges, including motions to suppress evidence and statements obtain in violation of your rights under the U.S. Constitution. Our attorneys are committed to helping you avoid a criminal record that could prevent you from finding employment, prevent you from owning a firearm, and keep you from being issued a license to practice certain professions. Contact us today by calling (609) 683-8102 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled cocaine lawyer on our staff. Lawyers are available any time of day or night to assist you in securing release or any other issue that may be confronting you.