New Jersey Methamphetamine Possession Lawyer
Methamphetamine, frequently known simply as meth or crystal, is an increasingly popular narcotic that can have devastating consequences for its users, including severe addiction and other health issues, as well as the destruction of the meth user’s personal life. For this reason, law enforcement agencies have increasingly begun pursuing arrests for the possession and distribution of methamphetamine.
Unfortunately, this can often have as devastating an impact on a meth user’s life as the drug itself.
If you or someone you love has been arrested on methamphetamine possession or distributing methamphetamine in New Jersey, you need the assistance of an experienced drug crime defense lawyer to help protect your legal rights and interests.
At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, LLC, our dedicated legal team is ready to fight for you. A former Monmouth County criminal prosecutor-turned-defense attorney, Jason A. Volet has handled serious drug crime cases from both sides. He understands what moves the prosecution is likely to make in a meth possession case, and he will craft a smart defense aimed at protecting you and your future. Even if you are caught with methamphetamine possession and distribution charges.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the charges against you and learn how our law firm can help.
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What Are the Methamphetamine Possession Laws in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, which means a conviction on possession or distribution charges carries significant criminal penalties. Even for simple possession of methamphetamine.
The actual charge and penalties you may face will depend on several factors:
- Methamphetamine possession: Even if you are found with a minimal amount of methamphetamine, you may be sentenced to three to five years in jail, as well as $35,000 in fines.
- Methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute: If you are found guilty of possession with intent to distribute (selling methamphetamine), you could face a much longer prison sentence as well as $75,000 to $300,000 in fines.
- Methamphetamine trafficking: If you are convicted on a trafficking offense, you may be sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison and be ordered to pay $500,000 in fines.
- Special circumstances: Possession of methamphetamine in a school zone could lead to even greater criminal penalties. Your prior criminal record may also be taken into account during sentencing in Monmouth County.
- Possession of precursors for manufacturing methamphetamine: You can also face stiff penalties if you knowingly or purposely possess the precursor ingredients for methamphetamine with the intent to manufacture the drug. No matter what type of drug charge you are facing, you need to have an experienced defense attorney on your side from the beginning. There are many opportunities to fight methamphetamine charges before a case goes to trial, so do not hesitate to talk to our knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible about all your legal options.
What Are the Requirements to Be Convicted of Possession with Intent to Manufacture Meth in New Jersey?
In order to be convicted of possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, a defendant must be proven guilty of the following:
- The defendant must be in possession of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine or a substance containing either of these two products; OR
- The defendant must be in possession of certain substances as stated by the Health and Safety Code and intend to use those substances to make methamphetamine.
If you are facing a possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamine charge, a qualified attorney may be able to argue that the charge or the penalties associated with it should be reduced.
What Should I Expect When Facing a Methamphetamine Possession Charge?
The criminal justice system is not as cut-and-dry as it seems on TV and in the movies. You don’t go from an arrest straight to trial. In fact, there are many steps in between, as well as many opportunities for a skilled defense attorney to fight on your behalf.
- Before your first appearance and bail: Immediately after an arrest, you or a loved one should talk to a trusted methamphetamine possession lawyer about representing you at your first appearance. This is when your bail will be set, and your attorney should argue for the lowest possible bail amount or for you to be released on your own recognizance.
- Substance abuse evaluation: After your arrest, you will also be tested for methamphetamine, and a substance abuse professional will evaluate your history of meth use. Your attorney may be able to use this evaluation to ask that you be sent to a drug treatment program, rather than jail.
- Pre-trial negotiations: Your methamphetamine possession lawyer will negotiate aggressively with prosecutors to prevent your case from going to trial. Your attorney may argue to have the charges against you downgraded or dismissed. Or there may be an opportunity for a plea agreement that significantly reduces the penalties you are facing. Your defense lawyer may also argue for pre-trial intervention (PTI) to help you avoid formal prosecution.
- Trial: If your case must go to trial, you need a skilled defense attorney with extensive courtroom experience and a track record of success in criminal trials. Your attorney will help you prepare for court and explain what you can expect in a jury trial. Your attorney will also plan ahead in case you need to appeal the decision. In New Jersey, about 70 percent of cases are resolved without ever going to trial. At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, our dedicated team will work diligently to resolve your methamphetamine possession case or drug paraphernalia as soon as possible. However, if your best option is going to trial, our seasoned attorney will craft a powerful defense strategy to present to the jury.
Contact a New Jersey Methamphetamine Possession Lawyer Today
Unfortunately, a conviction on any drug offense does not go away once the punishment is carried out. Even after serving time in prison, paying fines, completing probation, and jumping through a range of hoops, a person convicted of methamphetamine possession is forever haunted by the criminal record.
If you or a loved one is charged with a drug offense, don’t risk facing down the criminal justice system with an inexperienced lawyer who doesn’t care about your future.
Schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Jason A. Volet, LLC, today. Mr. Volet has successfully handled more than 2,000 criminal cases during his career, and he is committed to his clients’ rights to be presumed innocent unless the prosecution can prove otherwise. Contact us now to get started building your defense.
Our law firm serves 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.
