In an attempt to overcome an increasing number of heroin overdoses, New Jersey has taken a strict stance on heroin possession and distribution. Heroin possession and distribution charges can lead to jail time and expensive fines. It’s crucial to explore your options if you’re being charged with heroin possession.
New Jersey Consequences for Heroin Possession
Heroin possession is a third-degree indictable charge in New Jersey, which means that it’s a felony charge. If convicted of heroin possession and distribution in New Jersey, you may be required to serve up to five years in prison, pay fines of up to $35,000, and your driver’s license may be suspended for up to six months.
New Jersey Consequences for Heroin Intent to Distribute
Distribution of heroin, or intent to distribute, is often a much worse crime than simple possession. Some factors may also worsen your consequences. The amount of heroin in your possession at the time of arrest is one of the biggest factors.
Possession of less than a half-ounce with intent to distribute is a third-degree crime with three-five years in prison and fines up to $75,000. Possession of a half-ounce to five ounces of heroin with intent to distribute is a second-degree crime that can lead to fines up to $150,000 and a jail sentence between 5-10 years.
Possession of five or more ounces of heroin with intent to distribute is a first-degree crime. This could lead to between 10-20 years in jail and fines up to $500,000. Other factors can lead to higher sentencing, including if the crime occurs in a school zone or if the person is accused of leading a narcotics trafficking network.
Heroin Possession and Distribution Options
If this is your first offense, you may have options available. For example, first-time offenders may qualify for the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program. If you successfully complete all the requirements of the program, your charges may be dropped. Because intent to distribute often comes with higher fines and longer jail sentences, it’s important to fight a wrongful charge.
Some people with heroin in their possession may be wrongly charged with an intent to distribute. Possession of heroin for personal use is not the same as intent to sell it for profit.
Some people may also be wrongly charged for constructive possession of heroin. This charge covers being near heroin, even without personal use or possession.
You Need a Drug Defense Lawyer
Heroin possession has some of the strictest laws when it comes to drugs. If there’s any evidence or accusation of distributing heroin, you could be sentenced to 20 years in prison and be ordered to pay a half million dollars. A criminal drug record will also follow you for life, even after trying to move on.
If you’re being charged with heroin possession or distribution, it’s crucial that you reach out to a drug defense lawyer as soon as possible. Drug charges won’t go away on their own. You need someone to help you explore your available defenses.
Contact an Experienced Medford Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Heroin Possession Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with heroin possession in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The Law Offices of Michele Finizio have successfully represented clients charged with heroin possession and other types of drug crimes in Medford, Burlington Township, Moorestown, Camden, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-888-9059 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 9 E Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057, in addition to an office located in Cherry Hill, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
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