Plainfield NJ Drug Kingpin Defense Attorneys
Prosecutors are extremely aggressive when it comes to prosecution of those who they consider to be the leader of a narcotics network, commonly referred to as a drug kingpin. If you or your loved one was charged with being a drug kingpin in Plainfield, Elizabeth, Linden, Union or another Union County municipality, you need an attorney who possesses the knowledge and muscle to deal with this extreme offense. Nothing short of the best lawyer you can afford should suffice as this is probably the most serious form of drug distribution charge set forth in the New Jersey Criminal Code. A conviction even has the potential to result in the accused being sentenced to a life sentence in New Jersey. Our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is equipped to defend those accused of being a leader of a narcotics trafficking network, as we have over 100 years of collective experience, including time prosecuting complex drug offenses like the one you are facing. Attorneys on our defense team are ready to undertake a thorough review of the facts of your case and provide you with their insight as to how they can help. To take advantage of this free initial consultation, contact our Union Township Office at 908-272-1700.
Who Can Be Prosecuted as a Leader of a Narcotics Network?
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3 is intended to eliminate those at the top of a “drug ring”, purported kingpins. As a result, the statute targets not only the leader by “organizers, financiers, managers, and supervisors”. “Organizers” are defined as individuals persons who arrange or plan the narcotics network. “Financiers” are those who provide money or some other form of capital, for intended profit, by funding the purchase of controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”) or otherwise bankroll the network. A “supervisor” is someone who oversees the operations of the CDS trafficking whereas a “manager” qualifying for prosecution under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3 is a person who directs the operations of the network. Given these definitions, more than one person in a network can be prosecuted as a leader.
What Are The Requirements For The State To Prove a Drug Kingpin/Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network Offense?
There are many elements to this charge that must be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, by the prosecutor. These elements may seem straightforward but they are actually more complex than they appear. In this regard, the state must establish: (1) that the substance involved is either methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide, phencyclidine gamma hydroxybutyrate, flunitrazepam, or another controlled dangerous substance contained in Schedule I or II; (2) that there was a scheme or course of conduct to manufacture, distribute, dispense, bring into, or transport the substance; (3) that this was done unlawfully; (4) that it was done for profit; (5) that the defendant acted purposely to promote or facilitate the scheme or course of conduct; (6) that there was an agreement between the defendant and at least one other person that they or one of them would commit, attempt, or solicit the commission of, that crime, or to aid another person or persons in planning, committing, attempting, or soliciting the crime; and (7) that the defendant was either an organizer, supervisor, financier, or manager in the conspiracy.
What are the Penalties for Being the Leader of a Narcotics Network?
As noted above, being the leader of a narcotics network is a first degree charge. Conviction for this first degree offense carries a life sentence without eligibility for parole for a minimum of 25 years (i.e. this is typically referred to as a mandatory minimum term and/or parole ineligibility period). Courts can also impose a fine of up to $750,000.00 or five (5) times the street value of the drugs involved, whichever is greater, and suspend the defendant’s driver’s license for up to two (2) years.
Elizabeth NJ Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network Lawyer
Although a drug kingpin offense is as serious as it gets in terms of drug distribution charges in NJ, you can also see from this discussion that there are many requirements/elements that must be established by the prosecutor to convict someone of this violation. This is where a savvy drug crimes defense attorney can be extremely beneficial. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall absolutely possess the capability to serve you in this role in defending the charge that was filed in Rahway, Roselle, Hillside, Clark, Cranford or elsewhere in the county. A lawyer with years of experience handling CDS cases at the Union County Superior County, Elizabeth, New Jersey, is available immediately to assist you at 908-272-1700. Call us for the guidance you need.
