Have you been arrested or charged with a drug-related offense? Turn to an experienced New Jersey drug crimes lawyer to provide the legal support you need.
Jason Volet’s experience at a glance:
- Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney
- 19+ years experience: handing all Felonies & Misdemeanors
- Former Assistant Prosecutor in Monmouth County
- 4000+ Cases as a prosecutor & Criminal Defense Attorney
Unlike many other attorneys throughout the state, Mr. Volet focuses exclusively on the practice of criminal law. This exclusive focus allows him to refine his defense strategies and understand the practical aspects of the law in their finest detail. This in-depth knowledge can make an immeasurable difference in your case.
Contact The Law Office of Jason A. Volet today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you fight your drug charges and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
What Types of Drug Charges Does Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Handle?
The Law Office of Jason A. Volet defends clients facing a wide range of drug-related charges in New Jersey, including those charged with drug crimes involving marijuana, cocaine (crack cocaine or powder cocaine), heroin, or prescription drugs. No matter the circumstances of your arrest, you deserve a strong legal defense tailored to your situation. We work with clients who face charges that include:
- Drug possession
- Prescription drug charges
- Drug paraphernalia charges
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug trafficking
- Drug distribution or intent to distribute
- Drug distribution near a school or park.
What Are New Jersey’s Drug Laws?
New Jersey has strict laws governing the possession, manufacturing, and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Penalties vary depending on:
- Type of drug
- Amount of the controlled dangerous substance
- Circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, including whether it allegedly occurred near a school or park.
Even a relatively minor drug charge could lead to serious consequences. Severe offenses may lead to lengthy prison sentences and steep fines. Below are some of the most common charges a person may face under New Jersey’s drug statutes:
- Possession of CDS – Having a controlled dangerous substance without a valid prescription can result in criminal charges, with penalties depending on the drug schedule and quantity. (N.J.S. § 2C:35-10)
- Manufacture or distribution of CDS – New Jersey law treats producing or selling drugs severely. If someone dies as a result of the distribution, the distributor can face a first-degree crime. (N.J.S. § 2C:35-5)
- Distribution or possession of CDS in a school zone – New Jersey law enhances penalties for drug-related offenses that occur within 1,000 feet of school property. (N.J.S. § 2C:35-7)
- Selling or distribution in a public park or housing project – Offenses in these areas can lead to harsher sentences than similar charges elsewhere. (N.J.S. § 2C:35-7.1)
- Leader of a narcotics trafficking network – Acting as an organizer or supervisor in a large-scale drug operation is one of the most serious drug crimes in the state, carrying a life sentence with a 25-year wait before becoming eligible for parole. (N.J.S. § 2C:35-3)
Drug Schedule Classifications (Schedule 1 – 5)
Following federal law, New Jersey groups controlled dangerous substances into five schedules. The law ties penalties to the seriousness of the classification. The classification ranges from Schedule I drugs, which have no accepted medical use and a high risk of abuse, and Schedule II drugs, which carry medical uses but pose a serious risk of dependency, through Schedules III and IV drugs, which present lower risks of abuse. Schedule V drugs are subject to the fewest restrictions. Mandatory minimum sentences may apply even in nonviolent drug-related cases, making skilled legal representation critical if you’re facing a drug charge.
What Factors Could Affect the Type of Charge the State May Pursue?
Many factors can influence the severity of drug charges in New Jersey. Chief among these factors is the type and quantity of the substance. Where the alleged offense occurred and whether minors were involved can also impact how prosecutors build their case against you. If you have a prior criminal history can also play a role in the type of charges and determine whether you face misdemeanor-level penalties or more serious felony-level consequences.
What Are Possible Defenses for My Drug Charges?
The Law Office of Jason A. Volet will build the strongest possible defense strategy based on the specifics of your case. Some of the most common defenses pursued in New Jersey drug cases include:
- Violations of the Fourth (search and seizure), Fifth (self-incrimination), and Sixth (right to counsel) Amendments, including the failure to read your Miranda rights to you
- Questioning the handling and documentation of evidence in the chain of custody
- Disputing the accuracy of lab testing
- Claiming the police pressured you into committing a crime (entrapment)
- Arguing that you lacked knowledge that the drugs were present
- Alleging you were wrongly accused (mistaken identity)
- Disputing the validity of the search warrant
- Claiming the charges came after the statutory deadline passed.
Are There Alternatives to Going to Jail for My Drug Charges?
In New Jersey, specific programs may provide alternatives to incarceration for eligible individuals facing drug charges, including:
- Pre-trial intervention – Under N.J.S. § 2C:43-12, pre-trial intervention allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal record by completing supervision and conditions set by the court.
- Conditional discharge – The conditional discharge program (N.J.S. § 2C:36a-1) offers a similar option for minor possession charges, often involving probation.
- Drug treatment court – Drug court provides treatment-focused supervision under N.J.S. § 2C:35-14, giving individuals the chance to address substance abuse issues while avoiding lengthy jail sentences.
Your New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can help you understand whether these alternatives may be available.
