Criminal Defense Lawyers

Distribution of Heroin in a School Zone or Public Park Zone in New Jersey

Distribution of Heroin in a School Zone or Public Park Zone in New Jersey

Heroin is a super dangerous, super addictive drug, so it makes sense that there are extra strict laws about selling it near places like schools or parks where kids hang out. This article will break down how heroin possession and distribution charges work in New Jersey, especially when it happens in a school zone or park.

Heroin Laws in New Jersey

In New Jersey, heroin is illegal no matter what – it‘s a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance. But if you get caught with heroin near a school or park, you can get slammed with even harsher charges and penalties.Here’s a quick overview of the main heroin laws in NJ:

• Simple heroin possession is a 3rd degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $35,000.
• Possession of heroin with intent to distribute is a 2nd degree crime, punishable by 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.
• Actually distributing any amount of heroin is a 2nd degree crime.
• Manufacturing or producing heroin is a 1st degree crime, punishable by 10-20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.

So right off the bat, heroin crimes are serious business in the Garden State. But it gets even worse if the crime happens near a school or park.

Enhanced Penalties in School and Park Zones

Under New Jersey’s Comprehensive Drug Reform Act, the penalties for heroin offenses get bumped up if they occur within 1,000 feet of school property or 500 feet of a public park, recreation area, or playground.For example:

• Simple heroin possession goes from a 3rd to a 2nd degree crime if committed near a school or park. Now you’re looking at 5-10 years in prison instead of 3-5.
• Heroin distribution or possession with intent near a school or park gets bumped up from a 2nd to a 1st degree crime. Now you’re facing 10-20 years behind bars instead of 5-10.
• Manufacturing or producing heroin near a school or park stays a 1st degree crime, but judges typically impose longer sentences for putting kids in danger.

In other words, a heroin sale that might normally get you 5 years could get you 20 years if it happens near a school playground. These zone-based enhancements are no joke.

Real World Examples

To see how these school zone laws play out, let’s look at some real cases:

• In Camden County, a man was charged with distributing heroin within 500 feet of a park. He was facing 10-20 years in prison before taking a plea deal for 7 years.
• In Mercer County, two men were convicted of possessing heroin with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school. One man got a 12 year sentence, the other got 15 years.
• In Monmouth County, a man was charged with distributing heroin within 500 feet of a high school. He was initially facing up to 20 years but took a plea deal for 5 years.

As you can see, anyone charged with heroin crimes near schools or parks is looking at major prison time in NJ. Even if they plea bargain, the minimum sentences are stiff.

Defenses and Challenges

So what can you do if you’re accused of distributing heroin or possessing it near a school or park? A few options:

• Challenge the drug lab results – This involves questioning the reliability of the lab tests done on the seized drugs. Errors do happen.
• Challenge the distance measurements – If the sale or possession happened even 1 foot outside the 500-1000 foot zones, the enhancements won’t apply. Measurements must be exact.
• Allege illegal search and seizure – If the police didn’t have proper probable cause for the search or arrest, the evidence could get thrown out.
• Claim false accusations – Witnesses or informants do lie sometimes. Question their credibility.
• Pursue plea bargains – Prosecutors often lower charges to avoid lengthy trials. But expect hefty sentences even with deals.

The reality is, these school zone cases can be very hard to beat. Prosecutors take them very seriously, so the evidence is usually solid. But an experienced drug crimes lawyer may find ways to get charges lowered or dismissed. Don’t give up hope.

Avoiding Heroin Charges Altogether

Of course, the best way to avoid heroin penalties is not to possess or distribute this dangerous drug at all. Heroin addiction is extremely tough to overcome. The high is fleeting but the consequences last forever.If you’re struggling with heroin, reach out for help before you get arrested. Here are some options:

• Rehab centers – New Jersey has many excellent drug rehab facilities, both inpatient and outpatient. Most accept Medicaid and many offer scholarships or payment plans.
• Support groups – Local NA (Narcotics Anonymous) chapters provide mentoring and fellowship to help you stay clean. Many people find these meetings crucial.
• Methadone clinics – Methadone therapy helps heroin users manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. It’s tightly regulated but effective for some.
• Suboxone treatment – Suboxone is a prescription medication that relieves opioid cravings and enables you to function normally.

With determination and support, it is possible to quit heroin for good. You don‘t have to keep risking your freedom and your life. Reach out for help today.

The Takeaway

Getting busted selling or possessing heroin is bad news no matter what. But doing it near a school or park is even worse news in New Jersey. You can expect to get slammed with first degree felony charges and over 10 years behind bars, minimum.So stay far away from schools and parks if you’re involved with heroin distribution. And if you’re addicted yourself, make the smart choice to pursue treatment options instead of jail time. Heroin ruins lives, but it doesn’t have to ruin yours.