There are a wide variety of drug offenses recognized in the state of New Jersey. And as such, the penalties range anywhere from minor fines to years in prison. Read on to discover what consequences are associated with a drug offense and how a seasoned Morristown criminal defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can help you combat them.
What are the most common drug offenses in the state of New Jersey?
Namely, the three most common drug offenses reported in the state of New Jersey are drug possession, intent to distribute, and selling drugs in a school zone.
Firstly, you may be accused of drug possession if you are accused of once having owned or once having management over a controlled and dangerous substance. Then, you may be indicted of an intent to distribute if it is believed that you once sold or intended to sell a controlled and dangerous substance to another party. Lastly, you may have to fight against accusations of selling drugs in a school zone if it is alleged that you once sold or intended to sell a controlled and dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school property.
Importantly, controlled and dangerous substances that may be unlawfully possessed include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cocaine.
- Ecstasy.
- Heroin.
- Opioids.
- Methamphetamine.
- Prescription drugs.
What consequences are associated with a drug offense in the state of New Jersey?
To reiterate, there are different consequences associated with different drug offenses in the state of New Jersey. Examples of penalties for drug possession, intent to distribute, and selling drugs in a school zone are as follows:
- Drug possession:
- Disorderly persons offense: a fine of up to $1,000 and a sentence of up to six months.
- Fourth-degree crime: a fine of up to $25,000 and a sentence of up to 18 months.
- Third-degree crime: a fine of up to $35,000 and a sentence of up to 5 years.
- Intent to distribute:
- Fourth-degree crime: a fine of up to $10,000 and a sentence of up to 18 months.
- Third-degree crime: a fine of up to $75,000 and a sentence of up to five years.
- Second-degree crime: a fine of up to $150,000 and a sentence of up to 10 years.
- First-degree crime: a fine of up to $500,000 and a sentence of up to 20 years.
- Selling drugs in a school zone:
- Third-degree crime: a fine of up to $150,000 and a sentence of up to five years.
Importantly, other factors that influence a sentence are the type of controlled and dangerous substance in question and its quantity, along with whether it is your first, second, or third offense. Regardless, you do not want to face any of these sentences. In the end, a competent Morristown criminal defense lawyer is ready and willing to stand by your side throughout your case proceedings. Contact Graves Andrews, LLC today.
