Cocaine Possession Legal Help in New Jersey
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Our New Jersey Cocaine Defense Law Firm Can Help You
Understanding Cocaine Possession Laws
In New Jersey, cocaine is labeled a schedule II drug, which puts it in the same category as methamphetamine. If you are found to be in possession of cocaine, law enforcement will perform a thorough search. The charges and penalties you face will depend on the alleged amount you are in possession of and a few other factors:
- Cocaine possession A person caught with a very small amount of cocaine could face three to five years in jail and $35,000 in monetary fines.
- Possession with intent to distribute Penalties for a person deemed to be selling cocaine can range from fines of $75,000 to $300,000, with serious prison sentences to match.
- Cocaine trafficking Those charged as leading a cocaine trafficking ring face a 25-year minimum prison sentence and $500,000 in fines.
- Special circumstances For those found with cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, penalties are severely increased. In addition, people accused of selling cocaine to minors or pregnant women also face harsher penalties.
What Should I Expect When Charged With Possession of Cocaine?
When you or a loved one is facing a possession of cocaine charge, the stress of a looming trial can eat away at you and weigh on your entire family. It is important to have a basic understanding of how the New Jersey criminal court system works so you and your loved ones know what to expect. There are many steps leading up to a possession of cocaine trial, which means there are also many opportunities for a skilled drug defense lawyer to negotiate a resolution for your case before it goes to a jury. It is crucial to hire an attorney early in the process so you can start building your defense as soon as possible. Before the first appearance and bail: As soon as you or a loved one is arrested or receives a notice to appear in court in a possession of cocaine case, discuss what’s happening with a trusted criminal defense lawyer. It is important that you have an experienced attorney to represent you at your first appearance because this is when bail will be set. A skilled New Jersey possession lawyer can make an argument for the lowest possible bail. Depending on the circumstances, the attorney may be able to get you released on your own recognizance. Substance abuse evaluation: You can expect that substance abuse evaluators will test you for cocaine and other illegal controlled substances, as well as review your history of cocaine use. The judge will use this evaluation to decide whether you may be a candidate for a drug treatment program. Negotiating before the trial: A seasoned cocaine possession charges law firm in New Jersey can work aggressively behind the scenes to prevent your case from going to trial. This includes discussing the option of downgrading or dismissing the case with the prosecutor, or working out a plea deal to significantly reduce the charges or the penalties. An experienced defense lawyer may also explore the option of pre-trial intervention (PTI) to see whether you can completely avoid formal prosecution. If you are already facing an indictment, there are still moves that an assertive defense lawyer can make to try to resolve your case ahead of a trial. You should know that in New Jersey, 70 percent of cases are resolved without going to trial. If you go to trial: When your best option is to go before a jury of your peers, having a loyal and highly skilled New Jersey cocaine possession law office on your side can make all the difference. Not all lawyers have a lot of experience in the courtroom, and success comes only with experience. A seasoned trial attorney can make sure you are prepared for your day in court and will share insights on how juries operate. A forward-thinking cocaine defense attorney will also keep in mind issues that come up in trial that may be useful if you are forced to appeal. The experienced cocaine defense team at The Law Office of Jason A. Volet aims to quash your possession of cocaine case as soon as possible so you and your family can potentially avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial. However, if going to court is your best option, we will put up a powerful defense before a jury.
Contact Our New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Lawyers Today
The punishment for a possession conviction goes beyond the sentence that is handed down in court. Your record will follow you around for the rest of your life as you search for jobs and try to rebuild your reputation. Hiring the right defense lawyer is an investment that could save you much more than money in the future. Don’t wait to get started on your defense. Schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Jason A. Volet, today. Between his former position as a New Jersey drug crimes prosecutor and his current work as a defense lawyer, Jason A. Volet has tackled more than 2,000 criminal cases over the course of his career. He is a fierce negotiator and a skilled litigator, and he is dedicated to representing the rights of clients in Freehold, Marlboro, Middletown, Wall Township, Manalapan, Howell, Rumson, Red Bank, Ocean Township, Colts Neck, Holmdel, Monroe, Millstone, and anywhere else in Monmouth County and Middlesex County.
