Do Not Give Up Fighting New Jersey Drug Crime Charges
Last updated on August 9, 2024
Although New Jersey has legalized marijuana possession and it is not illegal to possess 6 oz. or less of marijuana on your person, the government still takes drug crime seriously. You may still be arrested for selling a controlled substance, possessing amounts beyond personal use or distributing a controlled substance. Don’t plead guilty assuming you do not have a defense. Educate yourself about options to protect your criminal record and avoid paying unnecessary fines or spending time in jail.
At Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC, we defend people in Atlantic City and throughout New Jersey facing a variety of drug-related offenses. Our founding attorney, Melissa Rosenblum, is a certified criminal trial attorney who has more than 25 years of experience. Whether you feel that your charges are the result of racial profiling, gang activities, or simply being caught with a small amount of an illegal substance, we know what it takes to protect your rights.
Drug Distribution: What You Should Know
In New Jersey, it is against the law to distribute or possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. The state refers to this act as drug distribution. There are different potential penalties for drug distribution crimes determined by the specific controlled substance and the amount of substance in question. The penalties depend on the degree of the offense. For example:
- First-degree: Ten to 20 years in prison
- Second-degree: Five to 10 years in prison
- Third-degree: Three to 5 years in prison
- Fourth-degree: 18 months in prison
Heavy fines usually accompany a conviction, as well. Fortunately, we have managed to secure many positive outcomes for our clients, including dismissal of charges, reduced charges, mitigated sentencing and reduced sentencing. If you are a college student who faces discipline due to your school’s drug policies, we can help you protect your academic future.
No Charge Is Too Small Or Too Large To Fight
Minor drug charges can result in up to six months in prison, and a $1,000 fine. Receiving multiple drug convictions or participating in activity related to drug trafficking can result in decades behind bars and thousands of dollars in fines. This is why you cannot allow a conviction on your record, especially if you already have a prior history of criminal activity. We take every criminal case seriously, whether it is a disorderly persons offense or a felony, and do everything in our power to shield you from the impact of a harsh sentence.
Answers To Your Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes
Here are some of the most common questions clients ask:
Can the police arrest you just for being high?
Generally speaking, no, the police cannot arrest someone just for being on drugs. They can, however, arrest you for certain things that you might do while under the influence of drugs. Public intoxication laws allow the police to arrest you for harassing others, trespassing on private property, breaching the peace or endangering lives by your behavior.
How accurate are drug tests?
Drug tests are not perfect. Different types of drug tests (urine, blood, saliva or hair follicle tests) have varying degrees of accuracy, with some being more sensitive than others. The accuracy of any given test can also depend on the equipment being used. Cheap, roadside drug and alcohol tests, for example, are notoriously unreliable. Improper handling and storage of samples can also lead to contamination of the samples, affecting the accuracy of the results – and errors in sample collection, labeling and analysis are common.
Can I be arrested for drug possession if a friend has drugs on them?
Under the theory of constructive possession, you can be considered in possession of the drugs if you have knowledge of the drugs and the ability to control them, even if they are physically not on your person. This can happen, for example, if your friend is carrying drugs on them while they are a passenger in your vehicle. The law can attribute possession to you.
Can you be arrested for seeking help with a drug problem?
No, but you could ultimately face criminal charges in the future due to your drug problem. Most addicts eventually either get caught with drugs or engage in illegal activity to support their habit. Attorney Melissa Rosenblum understands, however, that drug addiction is a disease – and offers nonjudgmental support for anybody charged with a drug crime or a crime that is related to their addiction.
Begin Your Drug Defense Today
If you are facing drug-related criminal charges, now is the best time to seek the defense counsel of Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC. Schedule your free consultation today to protect your tomorrow. To reach us, please call us at (609) 732-3753 or send us an email.