What are the penalties for selling cocaine in New Jersey?

Penalties for Selling Cocaine in New Jersey

Selling cocaine in New Jersey can lead to some pretty harsh penalties, my friend. The specific charges and sentences really depend on how much cocaine you’re caught with, whether you were selling it or just possessing it, and some other factors. Let’s break it down so you know what you’re looking at if you get busted.

Possession of Cocaine

First off, just having any amount of cocaine on you in New Jersey is illegal. It’s considered a third-degree crime if you possess even a tiny bit of coke. The penalties for simple cocaine possession include:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Fines up to $35,000
• 6 month driver’s license suspension

So just having a little coke in your pocket could land you several years behind bars plus a big ol’ fine. Not good, my dude.

Selling Smaller Amounts

Now if you’re caught selling less than half an ounce of cocaine, that’s still a third-degree crime but they’ll come down on you harder than just for possession. You’re looking at 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $75,000. And if you’re selling it near a school or public area, forget about it – the judge will max out your sentence for sure.

Selling Larger Amounts

Here’s where the penalties start getting really steep. If you’re busted selling between half an ounce and 5 ounces of cocaine, that’s a second-degree crime. Now you’re facing 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Not fun. But it gets way worse…

If you’re caught with 5 ounces or more, now it’s a first-degree crime. This is as serious as it gets in New Jersey. You’ll get 10-20 years minimum in state prison, and fines up to $500,000! You’ll be in prison until you’re an old man.

Defenses

Yikes, those penalties are no joke! But don’t panic just yet – a good criminal defense lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced or even dismissed. Here are some of the most common defenses they may use:

• Illegal search – If the police didn’t have probable cause or a warrant, the evidence could get thrown out.
• Entrapment – If an undercover cop pressured you into committing a crime you wouldn’t normally do, you may have a case for entrapment.
• Misidentification – If the cops got the wrong guy and you weren’t actually selling drugs, then you’re off the hook.
• Addiction – You may be able to get treatment instead of jail time if you can show you’re struggling with addiction.

A skilled lawyer will look at every angle of your case to figure out the best defense. Don’t try to go it alone against the prosecutors – they’ll eat you alive. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you.

Bottom Line

I know times are tough and selling coke might seem like easy money. But trust me, my friend – the risk ain’t worth the reward. Those cocaine penalties are no joke – you’re looking at years behind bars and huge fines if you get caught slinging coke in Jersey.

Do yourself a favor and find another way to make ends meet. Spend more time with your kids, pick up some extra shifts at work, or start your own business. Don’t throw your life away over some white powder.

Stay safe out there. Your family and friends care about you – make smart choices so you can watch your kids grow up. Holla if you need someone to talk to.