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Hunterdon County Drug Charges
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Dealing with Drug Charges in Hunterdon County
Getting charged with a drug crime can be scary. Whether it’s a minor possession charge or something more serious like distribution, it’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. But don’t panic. With the right legal help, you can get through this. I’m going to walk you through some of the common drug charges in Hunterdon County, potential penalties, and defenses that could help your case.
Understanding the Charges
New Jersey divides controlled substances into five schedules, with Schedule I being the most strictly regulated. The specific charges and penalties depend on three main factors – the type of drug, the amount, and your intent (personal use vs. distribution).Some of the most common drug charges in Hunterdon County include:
- Possession of Marijuana – This is usually a disorderly persons offense for having less than 50 grams. But it can become a 4th degree indictable offense if you have more than 50 grams. Penalties include fines up to $1000 and possible jail time.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Things like bongs, pipes, and other equipment used for illegal drug consumption. This is a disorderly persons offense punishable by fines up to $500.
- Possession of Controlled Substances – Charges vary based on the schedule and amount of the drug. For example, possession of less than 5 grams of cocaine is a 3rd degree crime, while having 5-10 grams bumps it up to a 2nd degree crime.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute – Much harsher than personal possession. Even small amounts of marijuana with intent to sell can lead to 3-5 year prison sentences.
- Distribution/Manufacturing – The most serious drug crimes like selling and making illegal substances. You’re looking at 1st degree indictable offenses with long mandatory minimum sentences.
The prosecutor doesn’t need hard evidence to make these charges stick. Things like having a large quantity of drugs, bags/scales, or large amounts of cash can be used to infer intent to distribute.
Understanding the Penalties
A disorderly persons offense for minor marijuana possession will only get you up to 6 months in county jail. But indictable crimes can lead to many years in state prison.
For example, possession with intent to distribute less than 1 ounce of heroin carries a 3-5 year mandatory minimum sentence with fines up to $300,000. Distribution of larger amounts can lead to 10-20 years behind bars.
Other penalties include:
- Fines up to $150,000 for first degree crimes
- Mandatory driver’s license suspension
- Probation up to 5 years
- Permanent criminal record
Penalties tend to increase for second and third offenses. And any violation of probation terms after a drug conviction can land you back in jail.
Finding the Right Defense
Don’t just plead guilty and accept the maximum penalties. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or even dismissed. Here are some of the most common defenses in Hunterdon County drug cases:
- Illegal Search – If the police didn’t have probable cause or a warrant, evidence from an illegal search can be thrown out.
- Improper Testing – The reliability of drug testing methods can be challenged. For example, false positives from field tests are common.
- Unauthorized Possession – You can claim the drugs belonged to someone else without your knowledge.
- Entrapment – Undercover cops can’t coerce you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t.
- Medical Necessity – For marijuana charges, you may argue it was for treating a health condition.
An attorney can also negotiate plea bargains, like getting trafficking charges reduced to simple possession. Diversion programs are another option – charges are dismissed after completing rehab and other requirements.
Don’t wait to explore your options. The sooner you get advice from an experienced drug crimes lawyer, the better your chances of avoiding harsh penalties.
Finding an Attorney
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Hunterdon County, I know how scary and overwhelming this can feel. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
Take some time to research criminal defense attorneys with proven experience handling local drug cases. Be sure to ask about their success winning dismissals or getting charges reduced. Sit down with a few lawyers before deciding who you’ll trust to protect your rights.
Public defenders also provide legal services if you can’t afford private counsel. Just keep in mind they tend to have large caseloads that limit time spent on each client.
Don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. A skilled drug crimes lawyer can thoroughly examine the evidence, identify procedural mistakes, and build the strongest defense to give you the best shot at an acquittal or minimized penalties. This is especially crucial if you have a prior record that could lead to mandatory jail time upon conviction.
What Happens Next?
Arrest is just the beginning of the long legal process. After posting bail and getting released, you’ll be summoned to appear in municipal court for an initial hearing. This starts the clock on the prosecutor’s deadline to obtain an indictment with formal charges from a grand jury.
In the meantime, your attorney will start investigating the circumstances of your arrest and building a defense strategy. Expect multiple court appearances over many months before reaching a final resolution.
Be patient and trust your lawyer. Even minor drug possession charges shouldn’t be taken lightly in New Jersey. The penalties can disrupt your life and livelihood for years to come. So get the best legal defense you can afford.
With an experienced Hunterdon County drug crimes attorney guiding you through the process, staying positive, and focusing on the future, you can move past this difficult situation. Don’t let one mistake define your life. There are always options and hope, if you stay strong and keep fighting.