According to the Controlled Substance Act, cocaine is considered a Schedule II drug. Further, a Schedule II drug is one in which there is a high potential for abuse; along with having a restricted yet accepted medical use for treatment in the United States. Undoubtedly, the state of New Jersey enforces severe punishments against any individual who is found in possession of a Schedule II drug such as cocaine. Read on to discover how you might be punished after being found guilty of cocaine possession and how a seasoned Morristown criminal defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can work to lessen these penalties.
Will I be punished for cocaine possession in the state of New Jersey?
In the state of New Jersey, cocaine possession is categorized as a third-degree indictable offense. Of note, a third-degree indictable offense is otherwise known as a third-degree felony in other states. Also worth mentioning is that this charge applies regardless of how much cocaine you were found to have at the time of your stop. Without further ado, upon receiving a guilty verdict, you may be punished in any or all of the following ways:
- You may be ordered to a fine of up to $35,000.
- You may be ordered to a prison sentence of anywhere between three to five years.
- You may be ordered to a temporary suspension of your driver’s license for up to six months.
Are there more severe punishments for cocaine distribution and trafficking?
While cocaine possession is ruled as a third-degree indictable offense, cocaine distribution and trafficking are ruled as second-degree and first-degree indictable offenses, respectively. And unlike cocaine possession, the amount of cocaine you were found to have at the time of your stop does matter for a cocaine distribution charge. Without further ado, for distribution and trafficking, you may be facing any of the following heightened punishments:
- The distribution of less than 0.5 ounces of cocaine:
- You may be ordered to a fine of up to $75,000.
- You may be ordered to a prison sentence of anywhere between three to five years.
- The distribution of 0.5 ounces to five ounces of cocaine:
- You may be ordered to a fine of up to $150,000.
- You may be ordered to a prison sentence of anywhere between five to 10 years.
- The distribution of 5 or more ounces of cocaine:
- You may be ordered to a fine of up to $500,000.
- You may be ordered to a prison sentence of anywhere between 10 to 20 years.
- The trafficking of cocaine:
- You may be ordered to a fine of up to $750,000.
- You may be ordered to a life sentence in prison, with 25 years or more before parole eligibility.
In conclusion, you require the services of a competent Morristown criminal defense lawyer when approaching your trial proceedings. So please schedule your initial consultation with us at Graves Andrews, LLC today.
