A drug crime includes violating New Jersey’s prohibited drug laws, including state and federal prohibitions. Controlled substances are government-regulated substances ranging from illegal street drugs to prescription treatments. With recent intensified efforts to combat drug crimes and tighter prosecution, it is critical to do everything possible to preserve your future and legal rights.

Krompier Law’s drug possession lawyers near me have extensive experience in clearing drug offense charges of all degrees. We want the same goal: to clear your record of any misconduct or outliers in your performance as a responsible citizen that might disrupt your formal and professional affairs. Read on to learn more about drug offenses and how Krompier Law handles them.

How Serious is This Offense?

Due to the recent surge in prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction, drug enforcement has become more aggressive. Drug cases are once more handled with a more assertive stance on arresting drug dealers and drug users. Several years ago, the criminal justice system shifted from a punitive stance on drug offenses to a greater emphasis on rehabilitation. Unfortunately, rehabilitation might not be what an alleged drug supplier or user might get for their crime.

Offenses involving the manufacture, distribution, or sale of illegal narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or marijuana face harsh penalties in New Jersey. The state recognizes the prevalence of drug-related offenses and has a policy of prosecuting drug offenders to the full extent of the law.

It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, sell, or possess with the intent to sell a controlled substance or counterfeit controlled substance. The severity of the crime hinges on the nature and quantity of the substance involved. Our disorderly persons lawyers in NJ are more than capable of battling all such charges with our range of experience.

Evidence Required for a Conviction

To secure a conviction, the State must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the drugs and intended to distribute them. Possession can be proven as constructive or joint, but joint possession does not imply distribution between two individuals. Nevertheless, intent can be inferred from the circumstances of possession, including the drug’s quantity, quality, and packaging.

How Severe are the Consequences?

If a substantial quantity of drugs is found packaged for easy distribution, an expert in the drug trade can testify that the possessor intended to distribute the drugs. The Legislature seeks to impose strong punishments to deter and incapacitate the most guilty and serious drug offenders and to diminish the demand for unlawful controlled substances and drug-related crimes, according to Act 2C:35-1.1. If you are facing such allegations, you must seek professional legal assistance.

How We Can Help

With a team of experienced drug charges lawyers in NJ, and a reputation for excellence, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal solutions, particularly in criminal defense and related matters. Our mission is to deliver outstanding legal representation and safeguard the well-being of those we serve.

In most drug-related cases, there are several opportunities for our experienced attorneys at Krompier Law to intervene and preserve your rights. The earlier we take on your case, the higher your prospects are of successfully defending against the drug allegations you face. Here are some examples of how we can assist you:

• Immediate Bail Negotiations: Our responsive drug defense lawyers will quickly initiate negotiations for your release on the lowest possible bail amount or even secure your release on your recognizance.
• Thorough Investigation: We will launch an independent and thorough investigation into the charges against you. In doing so, we will carefully examine all the evidence the prosecution has and advocate for excluding any disputable evidence.
• Identifying Weaknesses: We will leave no stone unturned in identifying and highlighting weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our drug lawyers in Middlesex are adept at recognizing when the case against you lacks strength.
• Exploring All Options: We will explore all available options, including facilitating admission to treatment programs, arranging for supervision, or pursuing conditional discharge as appropriate for your situation.
• Negotiating Plea Bargains: Our experienced drug crime attorneys may negotiate skillfully to have the charges against you dismissed or reduced as part of a plea bargain.
• Trial Preparation: Our team is well-prepared to build a compelling case to present to a jury if a trial becomes necessary.
• Sentencing Alternatives: In cases where conviction on a drug charge is unavoidable, we will advocate for the minimum possible sentence and seek alternatives to incarceration.

Potential Drug Charges You May Be Facing:

• Cocaine Possession Charges N.J.S.A 2C:35-10
• Marijuana Possession Charges N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10
• Marijuana Distribution 2C:35-5
• Heroin Possession & Distribution 2C:35-10 and 2C:35–5
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 2C:36-2
• Possession of Synthetic Marijuana 2C:35
• Prescription Drug Charges N.J.S.A 2C:35-10.5
• LSD Possession & Distribution Charge
• Methamphetamine Possession and Distribution
• Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1
• CDS Near or On School Property N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7

Strategies we use to beat these charges:

• Challenging the motor vehicle stop for any violations of your constitutional rights
• Challenging the search of your persons for any violations of your constitutional rights
• Challenging your possession of any substances
• Challenging the chain of custody of the substances once retrieved
• Challenging the lab reports of the substances

Negotiating with the Prosecutor

• In many cases an experienced criminal defense attorney can negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor in these matters to get you the best possible deal without the need for trial or prolonged litigation. Examples of these types of deals can include lowering an indictable offense/felony charge to a non-indictable/misdemeanor charge in municipal court. These new charges are typically referred to as Disorderly Persons or Petty Disorderly Persons Offense.
• If you are facing an indictable offense, most counties offer pre-indictment conferences where the prosecutor will meet with your attorney to offer their best deal before your case is brought to a grand jury. This deal is provided along with limited discovery and is typically the best offer the prosecutor will provide before an indictment has been handed down.

Pre-Trial Intervention/Diversionary Programs

• New Jersey offers a number of diversionary programs for first time offenders. These programs include:
  • Pre-Trial Intervention
  • Conditional Discharge
  • Conditional Dismissal
  • Drug Court
• These programs will allow an individual to have the charges dropped so long as they complete a term of probation without getting into any trouble. Some of these programs require a preliminary guilty plea be placed upon the record. This guilty plea means that if you do end up committing another offense during your probation term, you are then going to be found guilty of the initial charge. However, upon completion of the diversionary program, the guilty plea will be dropped along with the charges.
• In some matters like Domestic Violence related offenses such as Contempt of a Temporary or Final Restraining Order, you may need to submit an addendum to your application explaining why you should be accepted into the program.

Contact Our Defense Attorneys Today!

Our criminal defense and drug lawyers in Monmouth County are adept negotiators collaborating with prosecutors to secure plea agreements and alternative solutions, helping clients avoid imprisonment. Options such as probation, drug counseling, and home detention can be pursued. However, we approach every case with the thoroughness and readiness required for litigation should negotiation prove ineffective.

If you face any drug-related charges in New Jersey, our dedicated drug crime defense attorneys are fully prepared to champion your cause. We understand that individuals arrested for these offenses, particularly first-time offenders, often endure trauma and anxiety.

At Krompier Law, we are committed to vigorously upholding your reputation, privacy rights, and personal liberties. Our goal is to help you avoid incarceration and onerous fines. Contact us today to find out more.