Clark NJ CDS Distribution Attorney

Drug Distribution in the Township of Clark

Drug overdose deaths soared to new heights in New Jersey in 2015. In fact, the increase in heroin/morphine deaths increased 214% from 2010 to 2015, and the problem has only gotten worse since then. As a result, New Jersey law enforcement agencies, including the Clark Township Police, are cracking down on those who distribute illegal drugs. While a new direction has been taken with those who possess CDS like heroin, opiate pain medication (e.g. Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc.), benzodiazepes like Xanax and Valium, and other drugs, there is no leniency where distribution is involved. Accordingly, if you have been charged with distribution of CDS in Clark, including cocaine, marijuana, MDMA (e.g. Molly & Ecstasy) and LSD, you need to obtain an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you in court. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have been representing clients in possession with intent to distribute cases arising in Clark and other Union County municipalities for decades with success. Our team of former and seasoned attorneys have the know how to challenge any constitutional and other issues in order to provide you with the best opportunity to avoid a conviction. They use their extensive experience to mount an effective defense on your behalf so that penalties are eliminated or minimized. Contact our firm at 908-272-1700 to speak to a lawyer about the distribution charge that was filed in Clark.

CDS Distribution Offense Clark New Jersey

New Jersey statutes N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, 2C:35-7, and 2C:35-7.1 make it illegal to distribute, or possess with the intent to distribute, a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) or a counterfeit CDS. Our lawyers represent clients charged with distributing drugs in Clark at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth, including the following CDS and intent to distribute offenses:

Penalties for CDS distribution. The amount and type of CDS dictates the penalties for CDS distribution or possession with the intent to distribute. It is a first degree crime to sell or distribute:

• Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine – 5 ounces or more
• LSD or PCP – 100 milligrams or more of LSD, or 10 or more grams of PCP
• Marijuana – 25 pounds or more (or 50 or more marijuana plants)

The penalty for first-degree distribution is 10 to 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine (or $300,000 fine for Methamphetamine and Marijuana). It is a second degree crime where the sale or distribution involves:

• Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine – between ½ and 5 ounces
• LSD or PCP – less than 100 milligrams, or less than 10 grams of PCP
• Marijuana – between 5 and 25 pounds (or between 10 and 49 marijuana plants)
• Prescription Legend Drug – 100 or more dosage units

The penalty for second-degree distribution is 5 to 10 years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine. Distribution of CDS is a third degree crime where the drug and quantity involves:

• Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine – less than ½ ounce
• Marijuana – between 1 ounce and 5 pounds
• Prescription Legend Drugs – 5 to 99 dosage units

The penalty for third-degree distribution is 3 to 5 years in prison and up to a $75,000 fine (or $25,000 fine for Marijuana).

Enhanced Penalties. It is important to note that a sentence for a CDS distribution crime can increase if a crime is committed in any of the following circumstances:

• within 1,000 feet of a school;
• within 500 feet of public housing, library, or park;
• when you are carrying a gun;
• if someone dies because of the drugs you distributed to them; or
• if you distribute drugs to a pregnant woman or someone under the age of 18 years old

Indeed, distributing drugs to someone who is pregnant or under the age of 18 will result in a doubling of the prison term, fine, and parole ineligibility that would otherwise be imposed.

Clark Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer

CDS distribution offenses are extremely serious offenses and can result in consequences that can be devastating to your job, your family, and your life. Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall today at 908-272-1700 to speak to a defense lawyer who is the knowledge to fully advise you of the charge you are facing and, more importantly, who to defend the offense most effectively. Indeed, the attorneys on our staff have over 100 years of combined experience defending CDS charges including those involving allegations of manufacturing, selling, distributing or possession with intent to distribute drugs in Clark New Jersey. Call our Union NJ Office at 908-272-1700 to take advantage of the opportunity to speak to a skilled drug distribution attorney immediately. Our lawyers are available around the clock to assist you.