New Jersey Drug Crimes Lawyer

In New Jersey, drug distribution charges range in severity depending upon the specific controlled substance and amount involved. While some drug distribution charges are fourth-degree indictable offenses, many can be charged as crimes in the first degree carrying the potential for decades of imprisonment and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. But, with all drug distribution charges carrying possible jail time and large fines, all cases need to be taken extremely seriously, and anyone charged with distribution or intent to distribute must take aggressive legal action to minimize the risk of a life-changing conviction.

New Jersey’s Drug Distribution Law: Section 2C:35-5

Section 2C:35-5 of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice prohibits distribution, dispensing, and possession with the intent to distribute or dispense any: (i) controlled dangerous substance, (ii) analog to a controlled dangerous substance, or (iii) counterfeit controlled dangerous substance. This includes cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), other illegal drugs and other ingredients required to manufacture illegal drugs.

Under Section 2C:35-5, the potential penalties for drug distribution vary for different types of drugs in different quantities. For example:

  • Distribution of heroin in a quantity of five ounces or more is a first-degree indictable offense carrying a mandatory prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed and a fine of up to $500,000.
  • Distribution of LSD in a quantity of 100 milligrams or more is a first-degree indictable offense carrying a mandatory prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed and a fine of up to $500,000.
  • Distribution of marijuana in a quantity of 25 pounds or 50 plants or more is a first-degree indictable offense carrying prison time and a fine of up to $300,000.
  • Distribution of marijuana in a quantity of five to 24 pounds or 10 to 49 plants is a second-degree indictable offense.
  • Distribution of marijuana in a quantity of one ounce to five pounds is a third-degree indictable offense carrying prison time and a fine of up to $25,000.
  • Distribution of marijuana in a quantity of less than one ounce is a fourth-degree indictable offense.
  • Distribution of methamphetamine or P2P in a quantity of five ounces or more is a first-degree indictable offense carrying prison time and a fine of up to $300,000.
  • Distribution of methamphetamine or P2P in a quantity of less than five ounces but more than one-half ounce is a second-degree indictable offense.
  • Distribution of methamphetamine or P2P in a quantity of less one-half ounce is a third-degree indictable offense carrying prison time and a fine of up to $75,000.

Attorney Scott Gorman is a highly-experienced criminal defense attorney who represents defendants in courts throughout New Jersey. If you are facing drug distribution charges, Scott can protect you against unnecessary consequences. The best way to minimize your risk of long-term imprisonment is to engage legal counsel promptly, and Scott can take immediate legal action if necessary in order to preserve your defenses and legal rights.

Speak With an Experienced Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Confidence

To learn more about the penalties you are facing and the defenses you may have available, contact us now to schedule a confidential initial consultation with attorney Scott Gorman. You can reach our offices by phone at (201) 489-9199, or tell us how to reach you and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

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