Elizabeth NJ Cocaine Defense Lawyers
There is little doubt that the demand for cocaine has been resurrected in Union County and throughout New Jersey in recent years. The result is a sharp rise in the number of cases at the Superior Court in Elizabeth involving allegations of distribution and possession of cocaine. If you have been charged with a cocaine related offense in Elizabeth, Cranford, Westfield, Roselle, Plainfield or another area municipality, you are exposed to severe penalties that should serve as good reason for you to hire a savvy attorney. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can offer the level of protection that you need. We are former prosecutors and a team of criminal defense lawyers that is one of the largest in the state. A lawyer with considerable experience in defending cocaine charges in the Union County court system is available to assist you. Contact our Union Township Office at 908-272-1700 for a free consultation.
Cocaine Charge in Union County New Jersey
It is illegal to possess or be under the influence of cocaine. An individual is exposed to a third degree crime, which is a felony, under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 if they engage in either of these activities. Jurisdiction to decide an indictable offense such as this rests with the Union County Superior Court. Irrespective of where in the county you were arrested and initially charged, your cocaine case will be sent to Elizabeth for resolution.
It naturally follows that selling, manufacturing or distributing cocaine is also unlawful. The severity of the penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 for this variety of cocaine offense hinges on the quantity being sold. The charge is a first degree crime where five or more ounces are involved, a second degree crime where at least one-half ounce but less than five ounces is being sold and a third degree crime if less than one-half ounce of cocaine is being distributed. An additional and separate cocaine violation arises where the conduct is distribution in a school zone or distribution in a public park.
Irrespective of the cocaine charge you are facing in Union County, a conviction also carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension. The court is required to revoke your driving privileges for at least six months and as much as twenty-four months. This sentencing requirement is triggered whether the cocaine violation is in a motor vehicle or not.
Cocaine Attorney for Charge in Elizabeth
Hundreds and possibly thousands of individuals are indicted or otherwise prosecuted for some form of cocaine offense in Elizabeth annually. Whether the cocaine charge stems from “powder” or crack cocaine, the exposure is the same in the event that you plead guilty or are convicted. You will have a felony on your record and be subject to potential penalties that include tens of thousands in fines and five years in state prison. If you were arrested in Linden, Hillside, Rahway, Union, Mountainside or elsewhere in Union County, it is clearly in your best interests to retain an attorney immediately.
Our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has extensive knowledge and experience handling cocaine associated matters with over 100 years in criminal practice combined. An attorney on our defense team is ready to put their skill into action on your behalf. To learn how our attorneys can help you, call our office at 908-272-1700.
