Drug Crime Lawyers In New Jersey
In New Jersey, a conviction for a drug offense carries with it very serious penalties including potential prison time and the loss of your driver’s license.
Depending on various factors that are unique to the facts of a particular case, drug offenses can be charged as either a First, Second, Third, or Fourth Degree Crime, or alternatively, as a Disorderly Persons Offense.
The degree of crime for a drug charge is often dependent on type and quantity of the particular drug (controlled dangerous substance) involved.
In addition, the degree of crime for a drug charge is dependent on the individual’s intention with respect the drug in question (i.e. intent to sell or distribute versus intent to use for personal consumption).
What Are The Drug Penalties In NJ?
The penalties for criminal offenses in New Jersey based on the degree of the offense are outlined below:
Felonies (Indictable Offenses):
• First Degree Crime: 10 to 20 years in prison and up to a $200,000 fine
• Second Degree Crime: 5 to 10 years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine
• Third Degree Crime: 3 to 5 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine
• Fourth Degree Crime: up to 18 months in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
Misdemeanors (Disorderly Persons Offenses):
• Disorderly Persons Offense: up to 6 months in county jail and up to a $1000 fine
• Petty Disorderly Persons Offense: up to 30 days in county jail and up to a $500 fine
In addition to the penalties outlined above, there are additional penalties that are uniquely attached to drug offenses, including additional financial penalties and the potential loss of your driver’s license for a period between six (6) months and two (2) years. The license loss is not mandatory and can be avoided if we can show that the license loss would cause a hardship, such as the inability to keep a job or receive necessary medical treatment without a license. The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys of Hoffman DiMuzio can help formulate the best argument possible to ensure that the judge does not suspend your driver’s license.
Given the serious penalties outlined above for a drug conviction, it is very important that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can thoroughly examine the unique facts and circumstances of your case and present any legal defenses to the charges on your behalf.
Speak to a drug charge lawyer today. Call 856.238.5183
We’ll schedule your consultation and meet at the office nearest you.
PTI Programs And Conditional Discharge In NJ
Depending on the degree and nature of the particular drug crime charged, the criminal defense attorneys at Hoffman DiMuzio are frequently successful in helping clients with no prior criminal convictions getting accepted into a diversionary program such as the Conditional Discharge, Conditional Dismissal, or Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) programs.
If accepted, these programs offer first time offenders the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction on his or her record.
The criminal defense attorneys at Hoffman DiMuzio have helped hundreds of clients gain admission into these diversionary programs by showing prosecutors the reasons why a particular client of ours is worthy of admission.
The criminal defense attorneys at Hoffman DiMuzio have the knowledge and experience to defend those charged with the most serious of crimes, including drug offenses. Depending on the facts of your particular case, we may be able to work toward having your charges either reduced or even dismissed by convincing the prosecutor that the State would have difficulty proving the case against you beyond the reasonable doubt standard required by the law.
Meeting With A Local NJ Drug Attorney
Meeting with an experienced New Jersey drug lawyer is easy with our five convenient South Jersey locations. We will schedule a consultation at the office location that is nearest you.
To set up a consultation, simply fill out the quick contact form below and a representative will reach out to you shortly.
Speak To A New Jersey Drug Attorney Near You
Call the firm directly at 856.637.3000.
Disclaimer: please note this page was written to provide information about the law and is not legal advice. Click here to read more about our disclaimer and our fees and services.