In a state like New Jersey with complex and ever-changing drug laws, those accused of drug-related crimes could need expert legal support to ensure their best interests are represented well in court. An experienced Monmouth County drug lawyer may have seen a case exactly like yours before and could combine that knowledge with their expertise in New Jersey drug laws to give you the best chance possible at success.
A capable criminal defense attorney could represent you if you were charged with crimes related to street drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, or prescription drugs like Xanax and OxyContin. Call today to discuss how your case could likely proceed, what your options are, and how you may be able to avoid the staggering penalties and stigma that can accompany a drug conviction.
Drug Crimes in Monmouth County
Drug charges may stem from a number of different criminal offenses, many of which often accompany one another. Drug charges that a lawyer in Monmouth County could help fight include but are not limited to:
- Drug charges
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Drug importation
- Drug conspiracy
- Drug distribution
- Drug manufacturing
- Medical marijuana laws in Monmouth County
- Marijuana
- Pharmacy theft
- Unlawful prescription drug use
Several interrelated factors often further affect the severity of drug crime charges, such as the location where the drug crime took place; any prior criminal record held by the accused, especially any drug-related charges; the amount of the drug possessed and perceived intent of the person possessing it; and the type of drug involved.
Variety of Drug Charges Available
The punishment(s) associated with an individual’s drug-related criminal case depend on the classification of the drug(s) used in the alleged offense. Just like in the rest of the state, drugs in Monmouth County are organized by schedules numbered one through five, based on how likely they are to be abused and what potential legitimate uses they may have.
Schedule I drugs are those that have a significant risk of abuse and have no medical use as dictated by the state of New Jersey. Some examples of Schedule I drugs include LSD, heroin, mushrooms (psilocybin), and ecstasy (molly, MDMA). The schedules extend all the way down to Schedule V drugs, with decreasing potential for abuse, possible medical usage. The higher the schedule, the more severe the penalties.
Potential Criminal Consequences for Drug Crimes
With regards to penalties associated with a particular drug crime, the amount of drugs involved further dictates the severity. For example, being charged with possessing 40 grams of marijuana would result in a disorderly persons charge. This is the equivalent of a misdemeanor in other jurisdictions and carries relatively minor punishments, such as a maximum sentence of six months’ jail time and fines of up to $1,000.
However, if an individual in Monmouth County is found with 60 grams of marijuana, they would instead be charged with a fourth-degree indictable criminal offense, which is the equivalent of a felony in another jurisdiction. The penalties for indictable criminal offenses—even in the fourth degree, which is the least severe degree—are notably harsher, including fines of up to $25,000 and potential prison sentences of up to 18 months. Monmouth County drug attorneys could work with defendants to simplify the complex factors that determine drug charges and their associated punishments.
Consulting a Monmouth County Drug Attorney
If you are facing charges for a drug-related offense in the state of New Jersey, the future may hold hefty fines, tainted permanent records, lost opportunities, and even jail time. However, you do still have legal options to fight the accusations levied against you and defend yourself in court.
In order to have the best chance at a concrete defense, you should contact a Monmouth County drug lawyer today. A knowledgeable legal expert could give you the advice and counsel that you need. To get started on your case, call today to schedule a consultation at (732) 246-0888.