Manufacturing, Distributing or Possessing Drugs With Intent to Distribute in Kenilworth New Jersey
There are far more than just drug possession charges in Kenilworth with many individuals arrested annually for selling and distributing controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”). Whether you were arrested in Kenilworth as a result of a stop along the Garden State Parkway, a search warrant of your residence or some other circumstance, you are looking at serious penalties if you are convicted for CDS distribution. New Jersey law imposes stiff consequences for those found guilty of selling drugs in order to deter this conduct so you definitely need to hire a skilled lawyer if you have been charged with this criminal offense. Attorneys with extensive experience in defending CDS cases will provide you with the best opportunity to escape a conviction and the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is here to serve you in this capacity. We are a team of former prosecutors who have been practicing in Kenilworth Borough and elsewhere in the region for over 100 years combined. An attorney from our firm is available 24/7 to review the facts surrounding your Kenilworth distribution offense and to formulate a comprehensive defense strategy for success. Call 908-272-1700 to speak to one of our lawyers immediately.
Kenilworth New Jersey Drug Distribution Offense
Drug distribution is a Kenilworth New Jersey criminal offense that can fall into a wide range of grades under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The severity of this charge hinges on the type and quantity of CDS allegedly being distributed. Irrespective, this violation is always a felony crime of the first degree, second degree, third degree or fourth degree that can only be decided at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth. The headings that follow outline the breakdown of grading:
- First Degree Crime. It is a first degree crime to distribute 25 or more pounds of marijuana, 5 or more ounces of heroin, cocaine, MDMA (a.k.a. Molly or Ecstasy) or methamphetamine or 100 milligrams or more of LSD.
- Second Degree Crime. It is a second degree crime to possess with intent to distribute or sell at least 5 but less than 25 pounds of marijuana, at least one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of cocaine, MDMA, heroin or methamphetamine, less than 100 milligrams of LSD or one hundred dosage units or more of a prescription legend drug like Oxycodone, Xanax, Suboxone and Hydrocodone.
- Third Degree Crime. Distribution of less than one-half ounce of heroin, MDMA, cocaine or methamphetamine, at least one ounce but less than 5 pounds of marijuana and at least 5 but less than 100 dosage units of a prescription drug results in a third degree crime.
- Fourth Degree Crime. Distributing less than an ounce of marijuana, less than 5 dosage units of a prescription drug or a Schedule V CDS is a fourth degree crime.
Penalties for Distribution of CDS in Kenilworth Borough
First degree distribution of CDS results in a prison term of 10-20 years and a maximum fine of $500,000 for MDMA, cocaine, LSD and heroin, and $300,000 for marijuana and methamphetamine. A second degree possession with intent to distribute carries a state prison term of 5-10 years and a fine of up to $300,000 for prescription drugs and $150,000 for other CDS. A third degree crime for distributing drugs triggers up to 5 years of imprisonment and a fine that can reach $75,000 for cocaine, heroin, MDMA and methamphetamine, $25,000 for marijuana and $200,000 for prescription legend drugs. In addition to these penalties, there is a mandatory driver’s license suspension of 6-24 months that applies. And if the conduct involves distribution in a school zone or within 500 feet of a public park, additional penalties and charges apply.
Pretrial Intervention is available to a first time offender charged with distribution but admission is limited. You are strongly encouraged to speak to a knowledgeable criminal attorney if you are interested in obtaining this relief.
Kenilworth Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer
Drug distribution in Kenilworth is something that is taken extremely serious by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and you need to utilize the same level of commitment if you want to secure the best outcome of your case. Hiring a defense lawyer with considerable skill in defending CDS charges is what you need to protect your interests. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall possess the qualifications to achieve a favorable result with over a century of combined experience. Contact our Union Office at 908-272-1700 to speak to an attorney on our team anytime of day or night. Lawyers at the firm are ready to assist you now.
