CDS Distribution Charge in Hillside New Jersey
A serious variety of criminal offense that often arises in Hillside New Jersey is drug distribution. It is illegal to sell, distribute or possess with intent to distribute any controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”) like marijuana, cocaine, MDMA (i.e. Ecstasy & Molly), methamphetamine, heroin, LSD and prescription legend drugs without a license to do so. If you were arrested and charged with distribution of drugs/CDS in the Township of Hillside, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible. You are facing a felony charge that can land you in prison for years and hiring a lawyer who is skilled in defending drug distribution charges is your best move to protect yourself. The lawyers at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can provide you with skills and knowledge acquired over 100 plus years practicing throughout Union County, including in Hillside NJ. If you would like a comprehensive review of the facts surrounding your arrest, including the circumstances under which your car or residence was searched, contact our office at 908-272-1700. Attorneys are available to assist you around the clock so do not hesitate to contact us at your convenience.
Hillside CDS Distribution Offense
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 makes it illegal to manufacturer, sell or distribute any form of CDS in Hillside or elsewhere in New Jersey without a medical license. This law also makes it unlawful to control drugs with the intention of distribution (i.e. possession with intent to distribute). The severity of the penalties for selling or distributing drugs hinges on the type and quantity of CDS being sold. The headings below outline what you face if you have been charged with distribution in Hillside.
- First Degree Crime. It is a first degree crime to distribute 25 pounds or more of marijuana, 5 or more ounces of heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine or cocaine, or 100 milligrams or more of LSD. The period of imprisonment for first degree drug distribution is 10-20 years. The maximum find ranges from $300,000-$500,000 depending on the form of CDS involved.
- Second Degree Crime. Distribution of at least 5 pounds but less than 25 pounds of marijuana, at least one one-half ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin or MDMA, less than 100 milligrams of LSD or 100 or more dosage units of a prescription drug (e.g. Xanax, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc.) is a second degree crime. The penalties for second degree possession with intent to distribute include a fine of up to $150,000 ($300,000 for prescription legend drugs) and 5-10 years in state prison.
- Third Degree Crime. Distributing at least an ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana, less than one-half ounce of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine or MDMA, or at least 5 dosage units but less than 100 dosage units of prescription drugs, is a third degree crime. It is also a The jail exposure for third degree distribution includes up to 5 years in prison.
- Fourth Degree Crime. It is a fourth degree crime to sell or distribute less than one ounce of marijuana or less than five dosage units of a prescription legend drug. The penalties for this fourth degree distribution include up to 18 months in prison.
The consequences of a Hillside drug charge are enhances even further when it involves distribution in a school zone or a public park zone.
There are many defenses to a distribution charge that a savvy attorney may pursue on your behalf including challenging the search or seizure made in a car, house or apartment, the basis for issuance of a search warrant and any other defective manner in which your arrest was conducted. Our lawyers can also assist you in gaining admission into the Pretrial Intervention Program.
Hillside CDS Distribution Defense Lawyer
A CDS distribution offense obviously has the ability to be catastrophic. A conviction always carries that potential for a state prison term and other severe penalties that a skilled defense lawyer can help you avoid. Attorneys with considerable experience and knowledge in defending a indictment or charge for selling drugs is going to provide you with the best chance of maintaining your liberty and averting other penalties that apply under 2C:35-5. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have over a century of experience to insure you are fully protected against a conviction. Call 908-272-1700 to speak to an attorney on our staff immediately.
