Possession of Heroin Attorneys in Morristown NJ
New Jersey as a whole has seen a tremendous increase in heroin related overdoses. As a result, law enforcement agencies throughout the State have been out in full force trying wrap up anyone and everyone that is associated with heroin, including users and distributers. Morris County is no different, towns like Mount Olive, Parsippany, Roxbury, Morristown, Rockaway, Dover, Mendham, Montville and Randolph have seen a tremendous increase in heroin users. The governing statute in New Jersey for heroin possession is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1). Provided the Defendant is caught with less than 1/2 ounce, they will be charged with a third degree felony. However, if they are caught possessing more than 1/2 ounce but less than 5 ounces they will be charged with a second degree felony and anything over 1/2 ounce is considered a first degree felony. With that being said, if a Defendant is caught possessing those quantities of heroin, they will most likely also be facing possession of heroin with the intent to distribute or heroin distribution charges as well. For more information on heroin distribution charges please click the link.
Outsides of the heroin related deaths that have been taking over the State, heroin abuse leads to a tremendous amount of other crimes as well. Most heroin abusers are financial broke as a result of their addiction. They are usually unable to keep a job and once family members refuse financial support, they turn to a life of crime. Some of the most common crimes committed as a result of a heroin addiction in Morris County, include but are not limited too burglary, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, robbery, check fraud, credit card fraud, theft, shoplifting and forgery. If you or a loved one has been charged with possessing heroin or any other criminal offense for that matter in Morris County, in towns like Madison, Butler, Boonton, Pequannock, Jefferson, Harding or Long Valley, the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall can help. Our office has eight criminal defense attorneys on staff, making our office one of the largest criminal defense firms in the State, let alone Morris County. To schedule a free initial consultation today, please contact our Morristown office at 973.309.7050.
What are Penalties for Possessing Heroin in NJ?
As mentioned above, most heroin possession charges are third degree felonies. A third degree felony possession charge subjects a Defendant to be punished by up too five (5) years in a New Jersey State Prison, a fine up to $35,000, up to a two year loss of their driver’s license, community service, mandatory drug treatment and a felony criminal record. Depending on a Defendant’s criminal record, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to get the Defendant into one of New Jersey’s diversionary program known Pretrial Intervention. If a Defendant is accepted into the program and successfully completes the program without an issues, the then pending felony criminal record will be outright dismissed. That means no jail time, no felony criminal record and no loss of driver’s license. If a Defendant is not eligible for that program, they may be eligible for a program called Drug Court. Drug Court is an intensive five (5) year program. If admitted, a Defendant will be required to go through structured five phase drug treatment program wherein which if they violate any of the terms they automatically go to a State Prison. For more information on drug court please click here.
Heroin Possession Lawyers in Roxbury NJ
If you or a loved one has been charged with heroin possession, cocaine distribution, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, burglary, theft by deception or aggravated assault, the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall can help. Our office has extensive extensive representing clients charged with various drug offenses in towns like Mount Olive, Roxbury, Washington, East Hanover, Florham Park and Denville. If you would like to come into our office to discuss all your options, we can be reached 24/7 at 973.309.7050.