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As the drug epidemic continues to take lives in the thousands, ruins countless others, and increases the instances of other crimes such as robberies and burglaries, tolerance for heroin distribution, trafficking, and sales in New Jersey’s justice system is non-existent. In a recent year, Fort Lee borough reported the fifth-most heroin and opioid overdoses in Bergen County. Within Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, and Essex County, deaths by heroin overdoses are higher than ever. Based on records to date provided by the New Jersey Attorney General, estimates indicate that over 3,000 opiate-related deaths will occur by the end of 2018. Because of the heroin epidemic within these New Jersey communities, police and prosecutors have become more demanding about the penalties for those who distribute heroin they expect judges to impose in NJ drug crime cases.
As a national leader in the fight against illegal drugs, New Jersey’s penalties for heroin distribution, or trafficking, are strict. But New Jersey heroin possession lawyer Adam M. Lustberg and his team of heroin possession attorneys provide an aggressive legal defense to his clients who have been charged with heroin distribution in Paramus, Fort Lee, Elmwood Park, Newark, or anywhere else in New Jersey.
Committed to providing clients with individual attention and crafting personalized defense strategies based on the facts of the case.
To stem the flow of heroin overdoses and the crimes associated with heroin use and possession, the New Jersey law is cracking down on heroin traffickers. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2, possessing heroin for sale is a felony-level offense. If you’ve been charged with the distribution and possession of heroin in New Jersey, you face a maximum penalty of 10-20 years incarceration for a crime of the first degree, 5-10 years in prison for second-degree heroin distribution, and 3-5 years in state prison for third-degree heroin distribution. Moreover, it is common for first and second-degree heroin trafficking convictions in New Jersey to be sentenced to mandatory minimum periods of incarceration.
There are additional penalties imposed against heroin distributors in New Jersey. The degree of the offense and the penalties attached to the crimes of sales, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing heroin increase with the amount of heroin possessed:
Additionally, leaders of heroin trafficking networks in New Jersey face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000.
If the defendant is charged with a heroin distribution charge with intent to deliver in a school zone, school bus, public park, or housing project, it is automatically a second-degree felony offense that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in NJ state prison and a fine of $150,000.
Also, heroin charges are the same for similar illegal opiates and synthetic drugs. Weights include adulterants (inferior materials or elements) used to cut the pure heroin.
For someone who is charged with distributing heroin, seeking the help of an experienced drug possession and distribution attorney is important. Having a skilled attorney may be able to help the defendant understand their rights and ensure that their freedom is protected. Lustberg Law Offices has a team of skilled heroine possession attorneys who may be able to help.
Call us today at (201) 880-5311 to schedule a consultation.
A conviction for distribution of heroin in New Jersey can result in many years of imprisonment, lengthy probation or parole after a person is released from custody, enormous legal fines, restitution to law enforcement for the costs of investigation, court costs, mandatory drug treatment, registration as a drug offender with local law enforcement, and having your driver’s license revoked. Multiple charges involving heroin trafficking and possession could lead to the defendant being sentenced to consecutive, multiple prison sentences, possibly adding up to a lifetime behind bars.
Beyond that, if a search warrant was executed and police seized your property—homes, cars, money, and anything else you own—you could lose your property permanently after a conviction for distribution and possession of heroin.
It’s common for police to charge a person with possession for sale even when the heroin possessed was only for personal use. If you are facing heroin possession charges in NJ, it is critical that you hire an aggressive New Jersey drug crime lawyer to handle your case. With skilled attorney negotiations, it may be possible to get heroin trafficking charges reduced to a possession charge and reduce the potential penalties. A skilled New Jersey drug possession and distribution attorney could even get your heroin distribution charges dismissed altogether.
We have years of experience in courts through NJ and NY and a proven track record of success in criminal cases.
If you were arrested for the distribution of heroin or possession with intent to deliver, many strategies may be available to defend you against the charges. As an experienced New Jersey heroin distribution lawyer who has successfully represented countless defendants charged with drug crimes involving possession and distribution of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and illegal prescription drugs, Fort Lee criminal defense attorney Adam M. Lustberg will build a strong legal defense to protect your constitutional rights.
For a free case evaluation, contact defense attorney Adam M. Lustberg today. He may be able to help you minimize or eliminate the negative impact that a conviction for the distribution and possession of heroin would have on your freedom and your future.
Call us today at (201) 880-5311 to speak with a top-rated defense lawyer.
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