A prostitution investigation involving an Elizabeth man resulted in his arrest for possession with intent to distribute heroin. This drug charge arose when police were conducting a prostitution investigation at a local hotel and uncovered about 120 baggies of heroin and a digital scale. The defendant, who was from the City of Elizabeth, was charged with distribution of CDS, specifically heroin, as well possession of drug paraphernalia.
Distribution of a controlled dangerous substance like heroin is illegal under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The severity of a possession with intent to distribute charge hinges on the quantity being sold. Irrespective, the offense is a felony that may only be dealt with at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth New Jersey. Distributing 5 ounces of more of heroin is a first degree crime. Distribution of at least one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of heroin is a second degree crime. Selling less than one-half ounce of heroin, such as the 120 folds here, is a third degree crime. An individual may be fined up to $75,000 and sentenced to a term of 3-5 years in prison upon conviction for third degree heroin distribution in Elizabeth.
In the reported case, there was no conduct involving distribution of heroin. A charge for distributing the drugs in violation of 2C:35-5 was nevertheless filed based on the circumstantial evidence presented to the police. The quantity that was possessed tended to support distribution as opposed to personal use. In addition, the presence of the scale manifested an intent to prepare units for distribution (i.e. measuring the weight for packaging).
Elizabeth NJ Distribution of Heroin Defense Lawyers
Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County and the locations of its Superior Court. This is the busiest municipality for heroin distribution cases since it is not only the largest city in the county but also the place where each and every offense for distributing or possession with intent to distribute heroin is processed. The defense lawyers at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have extensive experience litigating drug charges in this venue. In fact, the attorneys on our team have over a century of combined experience defending clients in Elizabeth who have been accused of selling heroin in Union County. If you were arrested for distributing heroin, an attorney on our staff, including one of our several former prosecutors, is ready to do whatever it will take to achieve the best outcome on your behalf. Contact our office at 908-272-1700 for a free consultation with a lawyer immediately.
Additional information concerning this case can be found at Elizabeth Man Charged with Possession-Caught in Prostitution Sweep in Allentown.
