NJ Booby Trapping & Fortifying Premises Used to Sell Drugs

NJ Booby Trapping & Fortifying Premises Used to Sell Drugs – Advice in Simple Words

In New Jersey, it’s illegal to fortify or booby trap a property used for selling drugs. These charges are serious felonies. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help fight the charges and avoid harsh penalties.

What is Fortifying a Drug Premises?

Under New Jersey law, fortifying a drug premises involves reinforcing a building to try to prevent police entry[1]. Examples include:

• Installing steel doors
• Putting bars on windows
• Using surveillance cameras
• Creating obstacles to block access

Fortifying sends a message the property is being used for illegal drug activity and the occupants wish to evade police.

What is Considered Booby Trapping in New Jersey?

Booby trapping goes a step further than fortifying. It involves setting traps to hurt or kill intruders[1]. Some examples of booby traps include:

• Setting up devices like grenades or bombs
• Rigging doors with explosives
• Electrifying doorknobs
• Digging pits with sharpened stakes

These dangerous traps risk seriously injuring police, firefighters, or utility workers responding to the property.

What Are the Penalties for Fortifying a Drug Premises in NJ?

In New Jersey, fortifying a premises used for drug distribution is a second-degree felony[2]. Potential penalties include:

• 5-10 years in state prison
• Fines up to $150,000
• Permanent criminal record

Penalties for booby trapping are even more severe, up to 20 years imprisonment. These serious charges require an experienced defense lawyer.

Can You Fight the Charges?

Yes, an attorney can challenge fortifying and booby trapping charges using defenses like[3]:

• You didn’t own or control the property
• The devices were for legitimate security, not illegal drugs
• The police lacked probable cause for search and arrest
• You were unaware of any traps or fortifications

An attorney will aggressively defend you against these allegations to avoid a conviction.

Should I Just Plead Guilty?

Pleading guilty to fortifying or booby trapping drug premises charges should be avoided. These are serious felonies that will stay on your criminal record and alter your life forever. A conviction can[4]:

• Prevent you from getting a job
• Make you ineligible for student loans and public housing
• Get you deported if you are not a citizen

An experienced lawyer can often negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or pretrial intervention to avoid a conviction entirely.

How Can an Attorney Defend Me?

Retaining an experienced criminal defense lawyer is critical for these complex charges. An attorney can[5]:

• Conduct an independent investigation of what occurred
• Challenge improper police conduct
• Negotiate with prosecutors for dismissal or reductions
• Suppress illegally obtained evidence
• Present expert testimony on your behalf
• Make compelling arguments to the jury if necessary

With an aggressive legal defense, charges can often be defeated pretrial or won at trial.

Don’t Face Serious Drug Premises Charges Alone

Allegations of fortifying or booby trapping a drug premises can completely devastate your life. But an experienced criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights. With skilled legal help, you can avoid jail time and a permanent felony record.