Drug Crime Attorneys in Middlesex County, New Jersey

In New Jersey, common drug-related crimes include drug possession, intent to distribute, drug distribution, drug manufacture, and conspiring to sell controlled dangerous substances (CDS). A defendant charged with any of these drug offenses may be facing massive fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, and other social ramifications. With your quality of life, career, and reputation on the line, it is normal to feel frightened and overwhelmed. 

If you're facing drug crime charges in your area, hiring an aggressive New Jersey criminal defense attorney is beneficial to build your defense. At Schwartz, Hanna, Olsen, & Taus, P.C., we understand the challenges and are ready to defend and represent clients in their drug crime cases. As your legal counsel, we can conduct a comprehensive investigation, outline a strong defense strategy to fight your charges, and attempt to keep your record as clean as possible. 

If you're located in the New Jersey areas of Middlesex, Essex, Morris, Bergen, Somerset, and Passaic Counties, or anywhere else in the state, contact Schwartz, Hanna, Olsen, & Taus, P.C. today for an initial consultation.

Drug Charges in New Jersey

Under New Jersey laws, illegal possession, manufacture, sale, or distribution of controlled dangerous substances (unlawful drugs) are prohibited and may result in a drug charge. Some common drug charges in New Jersey include: 

Drug Possession 

According to New Jersey laws, a person may be facing drug possession charges for possessing, being under the influence of, or using controlled dangerous substances without a valid prescription from a licensed physician or medical practitioner.  

Drug Distribution 

A defendant may be facing drug distribution charges in New Jersey for dealing, transferring, selling, importing, or moving controlled dangerous substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, narcotics, LSD, hashish, or marijuana. The offense may result in harsher offenses if the defendant was caught dealing in public parks, school zones, or on a school bus. 

Drug Manufacture 

Under New Jersey law, a person may be charged with drug manufacture for knowingly operating or maintaining a facility where controlled substances are grown, packaged, produced, or processed. 

Intent to Distribute

In New Jersey, a person may be charged with possession with intent to distribute if a large quantity of CDS or illicit drugs that is more than what is meant for personal consumption is found in the person's possession. 

Drug Schedules in New Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, controlled dangerous substances are classified into five "schedules." These include: 

Schedule I: These are substances with a significant potential for abuse and no known medical purpose. Examples include marijuana, heroin, MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms, and LSD. 

Schedule II: These substances have a high potential for abuse but have limited restrictions for medical use. Examples include morphine, cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and methamphetamine. 

Schedule III: These drugs have a moderate potential for abuse but less than Schedule I or Schedule II substances. They are strictly restricted from medical treatments. Examples include Tylenol with codeine, anabolic steroids, Ketamine, Testosterone, and Suboxone. 

Schedule IV: These substances have a lesser potential for abuse compared to Schedule III drugs. They are accepted for medical purposes. Examples include stimulants and depressants, such as Xanax, Phenobarbital, Ambien, and Valium include, such as Xanax and Valium. 

Schedule V: These are substances with an even lower potential for abuse. They are allowed for medical treatments. Examples include smaller quantities of cough syrups, dihydrocodeine, Robitussin AC, and diphenoxylate, 

Additionally, the severity of your penalties will depend on the drug schedule classification, the amount of drugs involved, and other surrounding circumstances. 

Possible Penalties 

Some possible penalties for drug-related offenses in New Jersey include: 

• Prison sentences (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• Substantial fines and court fees 

• A criminal record/history 

• Probation 

• Community service 

• Inability to possess, own, carry or firearms 

• Loss of voting rights 

• Mandatory drug treatment classes 

• Increased difficulty in getting employment, accommodation, or educational opportunities 

• Ineligibility for some financial loans 

• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits

• Possible deportation or inadmissibility to the United States 

• Increased difficulty traveling overseas

• Damages to professional and personal relationships

If you or someone close to you has been arrested or indicted for a drug law violation, you need to reach out to a highly-skilled New Jersey drug crimes defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can fight for your rights and help you avoid the far-reaching consequences of a conviction. 

Work With Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorneys

With more than 80 years of combined experience, our skilled attorneys have the resources and skills to protect individuals charged with drug offenses from the worst possible outcome. With our extensive knowledge, we can help you navigate the New Jersey justice system. Above all, we will fight intelligently to uphold your freedom and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow.