AN OVERVIEW OF DRUG CRIMES IN NEW JERSEY
Like most states, New Jersey has taken a tough stance on the possession, sale and trafficking of controlled substances and illegal drugs. If you face prosecution for a drug crime in New Jersey, the attorneys at Mallon & Tranger can help.
At the Law Offices of Mallon & Tranger, we offer more than 30 years of practice experience to people who have been arrested for and charged with violating one of the state’s drug laws. For a free initial consultation, contact us online or call our office at 732-702-0333.
THE COMMON TYPES OF DRUG OFFENSES IN NEW JERSEY
New Jersey punishes a wide range of crimes involving illicit drugs or controlled substances, such as:
- Simple possession – Simple possession generally involves a relatively small quantity of drugs, typically considered to be for your own personal use.
- Possession with intent to distribute – Under New Jersey law, if you have more than a certain amount of a specific drug in your possession, there is an assumption that it is for more than your personal use, i.e., that you have or had the intent to sell some or all of it. The penalties for possession with intent to distribute are generally much stiffer than for simple possession.
- Sale, distribution or trafficking – This involves participation in transactions involving the transfer of illegal drugs for money, goods or services.
- Manufacture or cultivation of illegal drugs – This can include growing marijuana, making methamphetamines or participating in any way in the production of any controlled substance. Recent New Jersey law imposes “stern punishment” for the illegal manufacture of drugs.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia – Drug paraphernalia includes items such as pipes, bongs, spoons and sifters. Conviction for possessing these items can include the loss of your driver’s license.
- Homicide – If you provide an illegal drug to someone and that person dies as a result of its use, you can be charged with murder or manslaughter.
As a general rule, the penalties for violating drug laws in what are considered to be “drug-free school zones” are substantially more severe than for other areas. You could face monetary penalties of up to $100,000.
CONTACT THE DRUG CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AT MALLON & TRANGER
We offer a free initial consultation in all criminal matters. To set up a meeting, contact us online or call us at 732-702-0333 for an appointment. We have offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant.