Cocaine Distribution

Cocaine Distribution Attorney in Mount Laurel NJ

Even with the increase in designer drugs, cocaine has maintained a fairly popular profile in New Jersey. Both the number of individual arrests as well as the volume of drugs recovered have increased year-to-year. An example of this can be found in the recently article involving a drug bust at a stash house holding various amount of heroin and crack-cocaine.  The penalties for distributing cocaine vary depending on the amount of cocaine involved, your criminal record and the location of the possession / distribution (i.e. was it in a park, school zone housing development). Whether your charges involve a first degree, second degree or third degree, the penalties will have serious any negative ramifications on your life. You could potentially be facing the majority of your remaining natural life locked up in a New Jersey State Penitentiary. If you or a family member were arrested and charged with marijuana possession, prescription drug possession, cocaine possession, heroin possession, heroin distribution, possession with intent to distribute marijuana or any other criminal charges, it is imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

The offices of Proetta, Oliver & Fay is a New Jersey criminal defense law firm. We have represented clients throughout Burlington County, including Bordentown, Moorestown, Southampton, Bass River, Pemberton, Burlington Township, Evesham, Mount Laurel, Mount Holly, Willingboro and Florence. For a complimentary consultation with firm partner and former New Jersey Deputy Attorney General, William C. Fay, IV, contact our office today at (609) 850-8284

Cinnaminson NJ Cocaine Distribution Lawyers

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, it is illegal to manufacture cocaine, distribute cocaine or possess with intent to distribute cocaine. In each of these three (3) scenarios, it is the amount of cocaine involved.

Cocaine Manufacturing in NJ

“It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely to manufacture cocaine.” Specifically, this requires that the Burlington County Prosecutor prove that: (1) the Controlled Dangerous Substance involved was cocaine; (2) the Defendant manufactured the cocaine; & (3) the Defendant acted knowingly or purposefully in manufacturing the cocaine.

Cocaine Distribution in NJ

“It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely to distribute cocaine.” Specifically, this law requires that the Burlington County Prosecutor prove that: (1) the Controlled Dangerous Substance involved was cocaine; (2) the Defendant distributed the cocaine; & (3) the Defendant acted knowingly or purposefully in distributing the cocaine.

Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute in New Jersey

“It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely to possess or have under his control with intent to distribute cocaine.”  Specifically, this requires that the Burlington County Prosecutor prove that: (1) the Controlled Dangerous Substance involved was cocaine; (2) The Defendant possessed cocaine or had cocaine under their control; (3) The Defendant had the intent to distribute the cocaine when they had in under their control; & (4) The Defendant acted knowingly or purposefully in possessing or having under their control with the intent to distribute the cocaine.

What are the Penalties for Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute in Bordentown NJ?

The penalties for cocaine possession are directly tied to the degree of the offense and the amount of drugs involved. The penalties are as follows:

1st Degree Felony Cocaine Distribution Charges in NJ

• Requires that the offense involves more than 5 Ounces of cocaine
• Between 10 to 20 years in a NJ State Prison
• $200,000 Fine
• Two Year Loss of Driving Privileges
• Felony Criminal Record

2nd Degree Felony Cocaine Distribution Charges in NJ

• Requires that the offense involve between ½ Ounce and 5 Ounces of cocaine
• Between 5 and 10 years in a NJ State Prison
• $150,000 Fine
• Two Year Loss of Driving Privileges
• Felony Criminal Record
  

3rd Degree Felony Cocaine Defense Charges in NJ

• Involves less the ½ Ounce of cocaine
• Between 3 and 5 years in a NJ State Prison
• $35,000 Fine
• Two Year Loss of Driving Privileges
• Felony Criminal Record
  

What is Distribution of Drugs in a School Zone?

New Jersey has enacted laws that enhance that penalties for drug possession and drug distribution within a school zone, public park or certain housing developments. These are separate offenses and are typically charged in addition to any distribution, possession with intent to distribute or manufacturing charges. Additionally, these offenses fall under Brimage Laws, with requires that anyone convicted of these types of offenses must face a period of parole ineligibility before that can even obtain early release from prison. Understanding these laws is imperative for any criminal defendant.

Cocaine Distribution Defense Lawyer in Mount Holly, NJ

The information provided is only a snapshot of what knowledge is required to handle a cocaine possession or distribution case. Defendants must understand that beyond the basic penalties and statutes, there is voluminous case law regarding illegal search issues, custodial interrogation, inadmissible statements and other evidentiary issues. If you wish to defend against your cocaine distribution charges, contact an experienced Burlington County Criminal Defense Attorney today. For an immediate consultation with an attorney, please call (609) 850-8284.