Trenton NJ Cocaine Distribution Defense Attorneys
A person charged with distributing cocaine in Mercer County, New Jersey is facing life changing consequences. Regardless of the degree of the offense, anyone convicted of distributing cocaine will be facing at a minimum of three years in a State Prison and a fine of $35,000. If you have been arrested and charged with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing heroin, possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute or possessing prescription legend drugs in Mercer County, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. These are extremely serious offenses and ones that require the assistance of an experienced Trenton drug distribution defense attorney.
Our office serves all of Mercer County, including towns like Hamilton, Ewing, Trenton, Lawrence, West Windsor, East Windsor or Princeton. If you would like to come into our office for a face to face consultation with one of our attorneys then please contact us at (609)789-0779. Mr. Oliver’s and Mr. Proetta’s entire careers have been dedicated solely to defending those charged with criminal offenses in towns throughout New Jersey. During his career, Mr. Oliver has represented clients accused of being a leader of a drug trafficking network, operating a drug manufacturing facility, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and cocaine possession charges. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. As always our initial consultations are free of charge. Now here is some information on cocaine distribution charges, including what the penalties are for anyone convicted.
Cocaine Distribution Lawyers in Hamilton NJ
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 is the governing statute in New Jersey for all drug distribution charges. The statute is rather complex and encompasses in essence three different offenses. Those offense include the possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, the distributing of cocaine and the manufacturing of cocaine. Each one of these offenses requires separate elements to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Here is a breakdown in the different elements of each offense.
Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute:
- The Defendant knowingly possessed the cocaine in question; &
- The Defendant had the intent to distribute the cocaine.
To prove this offense the State typically attempts to use circumstantial evidence like the way in which the cocaine was packaged, scales, large sums of money, large quantity of cocaine and the location of the arrest.
Cocaine Distribution:
- The Defendant knowingly distributed the cocaine in question to another.
One thing that seems to always get lost is the fact that to prove a distribution case the State does NOT need to prove money was exchanged. Distribution seem means delivery of the cocaine to another.
Manufacturing Cocaine:
- The Defendant knowingly manufactured the cocaine in question.
It is important to note here that the term “manufacturing” does not just include the actual making of the cocaine, it includes the packaging as well.
What are the Penalties for Distributing Cocaine in NJ?
As stated earlier, cocaine distribution charges can be either a first, second or third degree felony. What degree a Defendant is charged with will depend directly on the quantity of the cocaine seized. Here is the breakdown in the degree and the applicable penalties.
1st Degree Felony:
- A Defendant caught possession more than five (5) ounces of cocaine will be charged with a first degree felony offense. A first degree felony offense is punishable by up to twenty (20) years in a New Jersey State Prison and a fine up to $200,000.
2nd Degree Felony:
- A Defendant caught possessing more than a ½ ounce but less than five (5) ounces of cocaine will be charged with a second degree felony offense. A second degree felony offense is punishable by anywhere from five (5) to ten (10) years in a State Prison and a fine up to $150,000.
3rd Degree Felony:
- A Defendant caught possessing anything less than ½ ounce of cocaine will be charged with a third degree felony offense. A third degree felony offense is punishable by up to five (5) years in a New Jersey State Prison and a fine up to $35,000.
How to Defend Cocaine Distribution Charges in NJ?
Drug distribution charges are serious offenses. They also almost always include some form of a search and/or seizure. An experienced Mercer County drug distribution defense attorney can seek to attack the underlying search or seizure during a suppression hearing. If successful, the underlying charges may ultimately be dismissed. If you would like to speak to one of our attorneys about any potential search issues in which you may have please feel free to contact us at (609)789-0779.
Distributing Cocaine Charges in West Windsor NJ
Being charged with distributing cocaine is a scary thing. If you have been arrested for distributing cocaine, possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault or eluding in Mercer County, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our team is ready and willing to fight to protect your rights. We appear in Courts throughout all of Mercer County including the Hamilton Municipal Court, the Lawrence Municipal Court, the Ewing Municipal Court, the Mercer County Superior Court and the Robbinsville Municipal Court. To schedule a free consultation today please contact us at (609)789-0779.