Experienced Essex County Drug Trafficking Attorney

Unlike other states, New Jersey does not have a statute that specifically criminalizes drug “trafficking.”  Instead, the concept of trafficking is addressed in Section 2C:35-5 of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, which imposes severe penalties for manufacturing, distributing or dispensing “controlled dangerous substances.” Controlled dangerous substances include all drugs listed on Schedules I through V, and the penalties for trafficking vary depending upon the specific drug and quantity involved.

But, in all cases, the penalties for drug trafficking are severe. Many trafficking offenses are indictable crimes of the first degree in New Jersey, which carry the potential for hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and decades behind bars. Drug trafficking can also be charged as a federal offense. Even for “lesser” drug trafficking crimes that constitute second- and third-degree offenses, the penalties still include a minimum of three to five years in prison and $15,000 to $150,000 in fines for each individual charge. Without the help of an Essex County drug trafficking lawyer, your consequences may be dramatic.

Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges Under New Jersey Law

In addition to understanding the penalties for drug trafficking in New Jersey, it is also important to understand what is meant by the word “trafficking.” To be guilty of trafficking, you do not need to be involved in smuggling pounds of heroin or marijuana across the border. Section 2C:35-5 penalizes trafficking as little as half an ounce of heroin or cocaine as a second-degree offense, and trafficking a single ounce of marijuana is a third-degree indictable offense. Other examples of trafficking offenses under Section 2C:35-5 include:

• Trafficking heroin or cocaine in a quantity of five ounces or more is a first-degree indictable offense with mandatory imprisonment of at least one-third of the sentence imposed.
• Trafficking marijuana in a quantify between five and twenty-five pounds is a second-degree indictable offense.
• Trafficking marijuana in a quantity of twenty-five pounds or more is a first-degree indictable offense.
• Trafficking methamphetamine in a quantity between one-half ounce and five ounces is a second-degree indictable offense.
• Trafficking methamphetamine in a quantity of five ounces or more is a first-degree indictable offense.

Scott Gorman, Your Choice for an Essex Count Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Attorney Scott Gorman provides strategic and aggressive legal representation for individuals facing drug trafficking charges in New Jersey. With offices in Essex County and Morristown, Scott represents clients statewide, and he has handled hundreds of drug crime cases in New Jersey’s state and federal courts. When you are at risk for long-term imprisonment, your choice of legal representation matters. Scott has the experience and relentlessness required to protect you to the greatest extent possible.

At The Gorman Law Firm, every case starts with a free and confidential consultation. During your initial consultation, you will meet with Scott personally, and he will help you begin to make informed decisions about your drug trafficking defense. If you retain Scott as your Essex County drug trafficking lawyer, he will work diligently to resolve your case favorably prior to trial, and, if going to court is your best option, he will fight aggressively to secure a verdict in your favor.

Speak With New Jersey Drug Crime Attorney Scott Gorman

To schedule your free initial consultation with attorney Scott Gorman, please call (201) 489-9199 or send us your contact information online. Acting quickly will give you the best chance to present a successful defense, so it is important that you contact us as soon as possible. Our offices are in Essex County and Morristown.