Aggressively Fighting For Your Rights

  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Criminal Defense
  4.  » CDS Drug Charges

Thorough Defense Against Freehold CDS And Drug Charges

People facing municipal court and superior court drug charges in New Jersey are up against determined prosecutors and a legal environment that, if left unchallenged, can favor the government. If you have been arrested on suspicion of a drug crime, you need an effective and experienced controlled dangerous substances (CDS) defense lawyer who will defend your rights and freedom.

At The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger, we aggressively defend people accused of drug charges, using all of the legal tools and strategies available to us. Knowledgeable and experienced in search and seizure rules, we rigorously examine every aspect of a case, looking for ways to exonerate our client or obtain dismissal of drug charges. Our goal in every case is to obtain the best outcome possible.

New Jersey CDS And Drug Charges Defense Attorney

Our criminal defense attorneys defend clients facing all types of municipal court and superior court drug charges, including:

  • Possession of all types of drugs and CDS – marijuana, cocaine, heroin, painkillers, steroids, methamphetamine, etc.
  • Possession of drugs with the intent to distribute
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Sale and distribution of drugs
  • Manufacturing of drugs
  • Prescription drug fraud

CDS cases vary, depending on the quantity and the drug involved. Serious charges, such as heroin or cocaine distribution, may be prosecuted in superior court, while charges for minor possession of marijuana may be handled at the municipal court level.

Attorneys Who Know New Jersey Law

The founders of our firm understand how a drug arrest happens and how drug possession charges are prosecuted. They know the New Jersey criminal justice system. This insight enables them to provide knowledgeable defense representation.

We look at every possible angle of a case – the search and discovery process, the arrest, seizure of evidence and post-arrest treatment – to find effective ways to counter the prosecutors. We know the law and how to use it to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. We will advocate for your constitutional rights, obtaining motion suppressions of evidence and case dismissals based on Miranda rights violations and search and seizure violations.

Drug Charges: What To Know

Each variety of drug falls into different classifications. These include:

  • Schedule I: Marijuana, heroin, MDMA and LSD
  • Schedule II: Fentanyl, oxycodone, Dilaudid, morphine, codeine, cocaine and methamphetamine
  • Schedule III: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, testosterone and suboxone
  • Schedule IV: Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Valium
  • Schedule V: Small amounts of previously mentioned substances

The crime of drug possession refers to the unlawful possession of controlled substances, including prescription medications not prescribed by a doctor or prescribed under false pretenses. Distribution refers to the sale, transfer or exchange of controlled substances. Manufacturing is the production of a controlled substance at any step in the process; common examples include packing pills, cooking meth or growing cannabis plants.

What Are The Potential Sentences For Drug Crimes?

Every crime is unique. However, broadly speaking, the sentences for certain drug crimes are as follows:

  • Marijuana: Fines up to $15,000 and six to 18 months in prison
  • Illicit drugs of all kinds except marijuana: Fines of up to $35,000 and three to five years in prison
  • Unlawful prescription drugs: Fines of up to $35,000 and three to five years in prison

Sentences for drug crimes depend on several factors. The greater the quantity of a controlled substance involved, the more severe the criminal sentencing. Schedule I substances tend to have the most severe consequences, while Schedule IV substances have the least severe ones. If you have a prior drug-related charge on your criminal record, your sentence will almost certainly increase in length.

Do Not Underestimate The Severity Of Drug Charges

Even minor drug possession charges can have a significant impact on our clients’ lives. Therefore, we employ tactical defense strategies to protect our clients’ rights and freedom. If you have been arrested on suspicion of drug possession or charged with selling a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), contact an experienced drug charge defense attorney at our firm.

Commonly Asked Questions About Drug Crimes In New Jersey

Whether you are facing charges for simple drug possession, trafficking or another drug crime, it is crucial to understand your options before you agree to a plea or other course of action. Throughout New Jersey, prosecutors seek severe punishments for offenses to deter others. If you are in this situation, your future and your rights may be on the line.

It is important to us that you understand your rights so that you can make choices that help you protect them now and in the future. Read the information below to get answers to questions you may have about drug charges in New Jersey.

What sort of impact can a drug conviction have?

Both misdemeanor and felony convictions can have lasting repercussions. College students who are convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession may be restricted from applying for federal loans for a certain time, delaying or ending their ability to earn a degree.

Job applicants with drug convictions face challenges when they are barred from applying for professional licenses or positions. If potential employers discover their criminal records during background checks, they may miss out on positions for which they are highly qualified.

These are just a few of the long-term consequences connected to this type of conviction.

What sort of penalties might be handed down in my case?

Judges consider many factors when they hear a criminal case. Penalties for state and federal crimes can be severe; however, the nature of your charges will determine what penalties might apply. Getting advice from a qualified attorney can help you understand your best options according to your unique circumstances.

Are there programs offered in New Jersey that help first-time offenders avoid jail time?

First-time offenders may qualify for a diversionary program that aims to rehabilitate offenders and limit the impact charges have on their futures. Pretrial intervention programs require individuals to participate in treatment and training that span one to three years. If you complete this program, you may keep a drug charge off your record.

Conditional discharge is another program for drug offenders who receive minor drug convictions. If you are accepted into this program, your charge may be expunged.

Not all first-time offenders are offered the opportunity to participate in these programs. Our lawyers are familiar with the arguments that judges find compelling when they make these momentous decisions.

The police want to talk to me about a case. What should I do?

If you receive this request, call an attorney before you speak to officers. Many law enforcement agencies spend a lot of money on investigating drug crimes. In most cases, if they want to talk to you, they want you to say something that results in strengthening their case against you.

As a result, it will be more difficult for you to defend against allegations you may face in the future. You are entitled to have a lawyer present when you talk to the police. Exercise this right and have him or her present in your interview.

Speak With A Drug Defense Lawyer Immediately

If you need criminal defense representation because you’ve been charged with possession of illegal drugs, please contact The Law Office of Mallon & Tranger at any of our New Jersey offices. Please fill out our contact form online or please call our Freehold or Point Pleasant offices at 732-702-0333.