NJ Drug Trafficking Lawyers

If you are charged or arrested with drug trafficking in New Jersey, then you should immediately seek out legal representation from a New Jersey drug trafficking lawyer.

A drug trafficking conviction can have serious consequences, including possible time in prison. To ensure that your rights are protected and you receive a fair resolution, contact an NJ drug trafficking lawyer.

What constitutes drug trafficking?

According to New Jersey law, a person may be charged with drug trafficking if there is evidence that you illegally sold, produced, transported, moved or distributed illegal drugs or controlled substances. In New Jersey, you can receive drug trafficking charges regardless of the amount of the substances involved.

The drugs that may result in trafficking charges include:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamines
• Marijuana
• LSD
• PCP
• Prescription medications

In order to be convicted of drug trafficking, the prosecution must be able to prove all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

What are the penalties for drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking is a felony offense. The severity of the consequences that may be imposed depends upon the type of substance involved. For example, if the drug involved in marijuana, then the fine may range from $25-200K and a prison sentence between 3-15 years. If heroin is involved, then the fine may be more significant, ranging between $50-500K and prison between 3-25 years.

The court may impose fines, prison time, probation, court-ordered treatment, drug testing, GPS monitoring, community service and other penalties. A felony conviction may also result in a loss of certain civil rights. For those who are not legally in the United States, you could face deportation.

The specific penalties that may be imposed depend upon the facts of the case and your criminal record. If you have prior drug convictions, then your likelihood of facing significant prison time increases.

To learn more about the penalties that you could face and for an opinion that is specific to your situation, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Are there any defenses to drug trafficking?

Depending upon the facts of your case, there may be defenses available to challenge the charges or to allow for plea negotiations. In some drug trafficking cases, the prosecution may be able to prove possession, but not necessarily an intent to deliver, sell or otherwise transfer the drugs. If the prosecution cannot prove each element of drug trafficking, then the charges should be dismissed or otherwise amended to the appropriate charge.

In some drug trafficking cases, the police failed to comply with certain procedures and your constitutional rights may have been violated. For example, if the police obtained evidence in your case without a search warrant, then it may be an illegal search. If there was no warrant, then the police must be able to identify some exception to the warrant requirement to justify the search. If an applicable exception is not identified and shown, then the evidence must be suppressed and excluded from consideration.

If the drugs were possessed or transferred legally, then the charges should challenged. This sometimes arises when a person had a legal prescription for the substance.

Identifying and raising defenses in a drug trafficking case can be complicated, so you should confer with an experienced drug trafficking lawyer.

What should you do if you are charged with drug trafficking?

If you are charged or investigated for drug trafficking, you should exercise your right to remain silent. You should immediately seek out an attorney to represent you in the case. An attorney can provide legal representation during all phases of the case, including the time when an investigation is ongoing. Try to document and preserve any evidence or information that may be relevant to your case, including witness information.

When you meet with an attorney, be sure to share with them your version of events and any information that may be relevant.

Why should you contact an attorney?

An attorney will help you understand and invoke your rights. An attorney will provide you with legal advice about how to proceed. We will help you know what to expect and the different options that you can pursue. We will advocate for you to receive the best outcome possible under the circumstances.

When choosing an attorney, it is important to seek out someone who is experienced and understands the law. Our legal team has the experience necessary to present a defense. We strive to protect our clients’ interests. If you have been charged, arrested or are being investigated for drug trafficking, contact us to schedule a consultation. We look forward to assisting you with your case.