New Jersey Cocaine Possession Lawyers
Cocaine Possession
According to federal guidelines, cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance and possession charges are very serious allegations that are prosecuted aggressively. The seriousness of cocaine possession charges vary according to certain factors, including how much of the drug was found in the defendant's possession and where the accused was at the time of the alleged offense.
Simple possession of small amounts, from a trace to half an ounce, is a third degree crime. Even this seemingly minor charge is punishable by steep fines and the possibility of jail time. Possession of larger amounts, more than half an ounce but less than five ounces, may trigger intent to distribute charges and more severe consequences. Possession inside a school zone, public housing complex or public park may carry harsher penalties.
For some people facing NJ cocaine possession charges, pre-trial intervention may be available. If it was a first offense and there was no suspected intent to distribute or other factors (such as school zone or weapons offenses), pre-trial intervention may be the best strategy. Pre-trial intervention allows the court to divert the accused to a drug treatment or other program in lieu of a trial and standard court proceedings. This effectively means jail time is off the table. Upon successful completion of the assigned program, the state can drop the charges and clear the person's record. Only an experienced New Jersey drug crimes defense lawyer can determine whether this is the best possible solution in your case.
While the state has revised its Drug Free School Zones laws in 2010 (the zones now cover just 200 feet around a school property instead of the previous 1,000 feet) cocaine possession in a school zone can still carry steeper sentencing than simple possession would. Even if convicted of possession in a school zone, an experienced Princeton cocaine possession defense attorney can help defendants avoid serving time, as the new law allows probation as an option at the judge's discretion.
Cocaine possession charges can have very serious consequences for those accused, including fines, probation, jail time and lost job opportunities in the future. A highly qualified New Jersey cocaine offense lawyer can minimize the impact of a cocaine possession charge by seeking reduced or dropped charges or penalties. You do not have to let a minor indiscretion have a lasting negative impact on your life. Call Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free case analysis.