New Jersey Cocaine Offense Attorneys
Cocaine Offenses
The two main types of cocaine offenses in New Jersey are possession and distribution. Several factors influence the actual charges pressed against those accused of cocaine offenses, including: the amount or weight of the drug found at the time of arrest, where the accused was arrested (for instance, in a school parking lot) and whether there is evidence that the defendant intended to sell any portion of the controlled substance.
Cocaine offenses include simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, possession in a school zone, public housing or public park, distribution and distribution in a school zone, public housing or park. Possession and distribution of cocaine and crack are both prosecutable under New Jersey drug offense laws. Distribution charges are more serious than simple possession, as are offenses committed within 200 feet of a school, in a public housing complex or at a public park.
Certain areas of New Jersey, including Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties, have been identified by the U.S. National Drug Intelligence Center as high intensity drug trafficking areas. This is due to New Jersey’s proximity to the major metropolis of New York City and because Interstate 95 runs through the length of the state. Local law enforcement and judiciary representatives are keenly aware of drug crimes throughout the area.
Drug crimes carry very severe penalties and it is imperative that you have the most highly qualified legal team at your defense. Cocaine and crack cocaine are Schedule II drugs, according to the Federal Drug Administration’s classification. Schedule II drugs are considered highly dangerous and addictive, and state prosecutors handle cocaine offenses strictly. Simple possession of cocaine, a third degree crime, can lead to imprisonment. The right attorney can mean the difference between five years of incarceration and a pre-trial intervention and diversion program.
Often, the best course of action in the face of accusation of a cocaine related offense is to seek a reduced charge or, if convicted, more lenient sentencing. Without proper representation by a criminal defense attorney, you do not have the tools to achieve either of these. If you are facing drug crimes charges in New Jersey, call the Princeton cocaine defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein now for a free case evaluation.