An experienced and diligent criminal defense lawyer can ensure that your legal rights are protected from the onset of your case, that you are not taken advantage of by law enforcement or prosecutors, that you receive fair treatment throughout the duration, and the strong advocacy you need aimed at getting the best result. At Blanch Legal Firm, you will find a legal team with the experience, legal skills, and commitment necessary that can make all the difference in whether your case is dismissed, charges or sentencing are reduced, whether you are acquitted, or convicted in court. 

Charged with a drug crime? Get legal protection and a zealous defense by contacting us at (201) 257-5388. Your initial case review is free.

What is a Drug Schedule?

A drug schedule is a guide that was created in 1970 as part of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five schedules depending upon the drug's medical use and the drug's abuse or dependency potential.

What are New Jersey’s Drug Schedules?

Drug crimes involve various activities related to those narcotics and substances listed on New Jersey’s Schedule of Controlled Substances. These are classified according to their potential for abuse from Schedule 1 (the most addictive and potentially abusive) down to Schedule V. When facing a drug crime, your charges will therefore depend on which Schedule the drugs fall under and what activities you were engaged in.

Common Types of Controlled Substances

Common controlled substances include:

Types of Drug Offenses in New Jersey

Drug crimes in New Jersey can include but are not limited to:

• Drug possession, such as for marijuana, cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, morphine, or others
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, such as crack pipes, bongs, scales, etc.
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug distribution
• Distribution, manufacturing, or selling drugs near a public park or housing facility
• Manufacturing drugs, such as in methamphetamine labs
• Distribution or possession of drugs in a school zone
• Prescription drug crimes, fraud, or theft
• Drug trafficking
• Conspiracy to possess and conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs

What are the Penalties for Drug Possession?

The various crimes all carry different penalties of jail or prison time and fines. Furthermore, in any drug crime, you may face multiple charges depending on the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances in which it took place.

Examples of penalties include the following:

• Possession of more than six ounces of marijuana is punishable by up to one and one-half years in jail and/or a fine of up to $25,000
• Simple possession of cocaine is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000
• Possession of one half up to five ounces of methamphetamine is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000
• Possession of five or more ounces of heroin is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000

Why You Need a New Jersey Drug Crime Defense Attorney

In short yes, charges on a drug crime can be complicated and an attorney can better help you understand the situation you are in. They can also help you understand your best defense in your case.

How Blanch Legal Firm Defends Against New Jersey Drug Charges

Law enforcement and prosecutors may try to convince you that your case will automatically lead to a conviction. That is not true. Many reasons and circumstances exist that can get cases dismissed, charges reduced, or verdicts of not guilty found. At Blanch Legal Firm, we will begin investigating your case to find evidence that can derail the prosecution’s case, such as illegal searches and seizure, lack of probable cause, other police procedural errors, and more. We will leave no stone unturned in making the prosecution’s job an extremely difficult one. Our work can often lead to cases being thrown out even before charges have been filed which is why you should contact us during a police investigation.

We understand what you are up against in any type of drug charge and you can depend on our legal skills, intensive knowledge, and extensive experience in building a defense strategy geared towards a favorable result.

Qualified Legal Help for Drug Charges in New JerseyContact Blanch Legal Firm at (201) 257-5388 for a Free Case Evaluation Today.