Heroin & Gun Charges Issued in Neptune Twp.
The Neptune Police Department has announced yet another major drug bust. This time it was a joint effort from not only the Neptune Township and Wall Township Police Department but the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force as well.
It is unclear at this point in time what kicked off the investigation but when the dust finally settled on a six month long investigation, the search warrant for the 1500 block of Cherry Lane uncovered two loaded handguns, hallow-point bullets, heroin, crack cocaine, Oxycodone, marijuana, various different pieces of drug paraphernalia that was indicative of drug packaging and $5,000 in cash. In all, six Defendants were arrested and charged with various offenses ranging from the possession of heroin, the possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, the distribution of heroin within 500 feet of a public park, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons not to possess a weapon and possession of prescription legend drugs. Five of the six Defendants were taken to the Monmouth County jail where they are currently being held pending a detention hearing. During that hearing the prosecution will be seeking to convince the Judge that the Defendants must be detained in the county jail, without bail, pending trial. In order to do so, the prosecution must establish by clear and convincing evidence, that to protect society, assure the Defendant’s appearance in court or to prevent them from obstructing the prosecution of their case, they must be detained. This hearing can and always should be contested. For more information on detention hearings, please contact our Middletown office and speak to one of our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys at 732.858.6959.
Drug Distribution Charges vs. Drug Distribution within 500 Feet of Public Park Charges
Under the New Jersey criminal code, if a Defendant is alleged to have been distributing drugs within 500 feet of a public park, they will be charged with what is known as a park zone offense on top of the underlying drug distribution charge. Unlike all other drug distribution offenses, the degree of the offense for a park zone charge will not be dictated by the quantity of the drug in question. Unless the drug in question was marijuana and it was less than one ounce, all park zone charges are considered second degree felony offenses in New Jersey. So, if convicted, a Defendant will be facing anywhere from five to ten years in prison. Furthermore, this offense will be subject to Brimage as well, which will in essence creates a mandatory jail sentence with a mandatory parole ineligibility period. For more information on this offense, please checkout our New Jersey drug distribution in a park zone practice area.
Charged with Distributing Drugs in Neptune Township?
Being charged with a criminal offense can beyond stressful, especially when it is a serious offense like distributing heroin. As such, we strongly recommend that you speak to an experienced Monmouth County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your options. These are not something to take lightly. These offenses can carry life changing consequences if not handled properly. If you would like to speak to one of our Neptune drug charges defense attorneys, then please contact us at 732.858.6959. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs, so if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to call.
For more information on this incident, please checkout the Asbury Park Press column labeled Neptune bust turns up guns, hollow points, cocaine, heroin, oxy, pot, cash.
