What was once thought of as an 80’s fad has become more common over the years, even in counties like Somerset and Hunterdon. Cocaine arrests seem to be on the rise over the years in New Jersey, especially in wealthier areas like Somerset County. Whether you have been arrested and charged with the possession of cocaine or the possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, it is crucial that you speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer about your options. These are very serious charges and should not be taken lightly. If convicted, a Defendant could be facing up to two decades behind bars. If you would like to speak to one of our Somerset County criminal defense attorneys about your options then please contact us at (908) 533-1064.
The criminal defense lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law have been representing clients accused of distributing cocaine, possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, possessing heroin and distributing prescription drugs for years now. Our entire careers have been dedicated to defending those accused of crimes in courts throughout New Jersey, including courts throughout Somerset and Hunterdon County. If you would like to discuss the specific facts of your case with one of the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law then please contact us at (908) 533-1064. We will give you our honest feedback on how we think we can be of assistance and as always, our initial consultations are free of costs. So, if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us. We serve all of Somerset and Hunterdon County including towns like Somerville, Readington, Flemington, Clinton, Raritan, Hillsborough, Franklin, South Bound Brook, North Plainfield, Watchung and West Amwell. Now here is some key information on cocaine distribution charges in New Jersey.
Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Lawyer in Franklin NJ
Cocaine Distribution Charges in NJ: NJSA 2C:35-5
Like all other drug distribution charges in New Jersey, the charge of distributing cocaine will be governed by NJSA 2C:35-5. This section of the statute will cover in essence three separate offenses. Those offense are the possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, the distribution of cocaine and the manufacturing of cocaine. Although each one of these offenses are separate and apart, the potential penalties one faces for each offense are the same. The degree of the charge that a Defendant is facing will depend directly on the quantity of cocaine seized at the time of the arrest. As you will see below, a Defendant could be charged with either a first, second or third degree felony. The difference between the degrees could be the difference between a Defendant receiving a probationary sentence, maybe even PTI at worse, to them receiving a twenty year prison sentence. Here is a breakdown of the three potential charges that a Defendant could be facing, including what the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute Lawyer in Raritan NJ:
- The prosecution must prove that:
- The Defendant possessed or had under their control a quantity of cocaine; &
- The intent in possessing or controlling the cocaine was to eventually distribute it.
Distribution of Cocaine Attorneys in Flemington NJ:
- The prosecution must prove that:
- The Defendant knowingly or purposely distributed the cocaine to another. (it is important to note here that “distribution” simply means to transfer. It does not require the prosecution to prove that money and/or something of value was exchanged.
Manufacturing Cocaine Lawyer in Somerset NJ:
- The prosecution must prove that:
- The Defendant knowingly or purposely manufactured the cocaine in question. This does not require the prosecution to prove that the Defendant actually made the cocaine in question, labeling and/or packaging can be sufficient.
Will I go to Jail for Distributing Cocaine in NJ
As stated earlier, cocaine distribution charges can either be a first, second or third degree felony in New Jersey. What degree a Defendant is actually charged with will depend solely on the quantity of cocaine in question. Furthermore, the degree of the charge will also dictate what the potential penalties are as well. Here is a helpful chart that will breakdown the degrees and potential penalties.
| Degree | Quantity Possessed | Penalties |
| 1st Degree Felony Cocaine Charges | The Defendant Possessed More than 5 Oz. |
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| 2nd Degree Felony Cocaine Charges | The Defendant Possessed More than ½ Oz but Less than 5 Oz. |
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| 3rd Degree Felony Cocaine Charges | The Defendant Possessed Less than ½ Oz. |
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With that being said, there are several different diversionary programs in New Jersey that a Defendant may be able to take advantage of. Those programs include the Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI) and Drug Court. The PTI program in New Jersey will afford a Defendant the ability to walk away from these charges without a criminal record let alone without serving a day in jail. Conversely, a Defendant accepted into drug court will be afforded the opportunity to walk away from these programs without serving any jail. For more information on these programs, please contact our office at (908) 533-1064.
Hunterdon County NJ Cocaine Distribution Attorneys
Being charged with a criminal offense can be scary, however, being charged with a serious criminal offense like distributing cocaine can be downright terrifying. If you have been arrested and charged with distributing cocaine, possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, the distribution of drugs in a school zone or eluding, the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. These are serious criminal charges and as such require the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you would like to have a free initial consultation with one of our Somerset County criminal defense attorneys then please contact us at (908) 533-1064. We are available around the clock to help assist in anyway that we can. We serve all of Hunterdon and Somerset County including Clinton, Plainfield, Watchung, Bridgewater, Bernards, Montgomery, Manville, Readington, Lambertville and Flemington.