Possession and Distribution of Cocaine Charges in Summit New Jersey
The Summit Police Blotter recently reported that mail resident was arrested for a cocaine offense following a routine motor vehicle stop on South Avenue. The driver was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) plus an additional charge of possessing a CDS inside a motor vehicle. This type of incident is not unusual despite the fact that it involves a third degree crime, a felony, which carries the potential for years in prison and tens of thousands in fines. The stakes are even higher when someone is accused of distribution, selling or possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Selection of a highly qualified lawyer is therefore crucial for anyone charged with possession or distribution of cocaine charge in the City of Summit.
If you were arrested on charges of possession of cocaine and cocaine distribution, you need an experienced attorney to handle your defense. We specialize in defending criminal cases at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Among our skilled attorneys are former county prosecutors that have handle countless cocaine charges over the last several decades. Our team provides a zealous defense, ensuring that every pertinent constitutional issue is fully explored, so that your offense is downgraded or possibly even dismissed. Lawyers at the firm are available to speak with you 24/7. Contact us at 908-272-1700 for a free consultation.
Summit Cocaine Possession Offense
The New Jersey statue that makes it illegal to possess cocaine is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. The State must establish the following elements, to prove that an individual is guilty of a Summit cocaine possession charge:
- Cocaine was what the Summit police seized;
- The accused actually or constructively possessed the cocaine; and
- The defendant knew that he or she was in possession of cocaine.
A charge of possession of cocaine in Summit NJ is usually a third-degree offense. The possible penalties include 3 to 5 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $35,000. Those penalties can be increased if the accused was within 1,000 feet of school property or within 500 feet of a public park or public housing at the time he or she was in possession of cocaine.
Summit NJ Cocaine Distribution or Possession With Intent to Distribute Offense
The operative law involving manufacturing, distributing, selling, or possession of cocaine with intent to distribute is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The severity of this violation hinges on the quantity of cocaine sold. Distributing more than 5 ounces is a first degree crime that carries a fine of up to $500,000 and 10-20 years in prison. Possession with intent to distribute at least one-half ounce but less than 5 ounces of cocaine is a second degree crime that results in a fine of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years in prison. Possession of one-half to 5 ounces of cocaine is a second degree crime. It is a third degree crime to sell less than one-half ounce of cocaine with a potential fine of $75,000 and 3-5 years in prison. All of these penalties escalate dramatically when distribution takes place in a school zone or within 500 feet of a public park as there is a mandatory period of imprisonment and other independent penalties that then also apply.
Summit Cocaine Defense Attorney
Charges of cocaine possession and distribution are serious matters. Penalties can include up to 20 years in prison, as mentioned above. Retaining a qualified cocaine defense attorney is the best course of action that you can take. The seasoned criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the knowledge to help you escape the consequences of possession and distribution charges. The attorneys on our staff have handled literally hundreds of cocaine cases. We are thoroughly familiar with the strategies that can lead to downgraded or dropped charges. A lawyer is available to speak to you 24/7 and provide the tools you need for success. Call us now for a free consultation at 908-272-1700.
