Hackensack Drug Distribution Lawyer

Defend Against Drug Distribution Charges in Bergen County

In the face of drug-related crimes, you deserve an effective legal representative to protect your rights and defend your future. The Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis cares about results and aims to achieve the goals set forward with their clients. A criminal charge can seriously impact an individual’s future, so it is critical that a defendant seek experienced legal representation to fight against an unfair drug distribution charge.

What is Considered Drug Distribution?

While it's a crime to possess illicit drugs in every state, the distribution of drugs is prosecuted much more severely. Distribution can refer to trafficking large amounts of drugs across state lines or national borders, transporting drugs from a safe house to the point of sale, or selling directly to buyers. In New Jersey, individuals can even be charged with drug distribution merely for the intent to do so.

Under the state statute, it is unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely to:

• manufacture, distribute or dispense, or possess or under their control with intent to manufacture or distribute or dispense a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or
• create, distribute, or possess or have under their control with intent to distribute a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance.

New Jersey’s Drug Classification and Sentencing

Drug distribution offenses are classified according to the type of substance and amount allegedly distributed (either actual or intended), including the weight of any adulterants or dilutants.

The classifications for a heroin- or cocaine-related charge are:

• 5 oz. or more – first degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison
• 0.5 oz. to 5 oz. – second degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in prison
• Less than 0.5 oz. – third degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in prison

Schedule I or II narcotics are classified under the following penalties:

• 1 oz. or more – second degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in prison
• Less than 1 oz. – third degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in prison
• Distribution of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) will warrant 5-10 years in prison (a second degree offense) for an amount less than 100 milligrams or where the amount is undetermined.

For distribution of methamphetamine, individuals could face the following:

• 5 oz. or more – first degree crime carrying 10-20 years in prison
• 0.5 oz. to 5 oz. – second degree offense carrying 5-10 years in prison
• Less than 0.5 oz. – third degree crime with 5-10 years in prison

The classification for marijuana includes:

• 25 lbs. or more, 50 or more plants, or more than 5 lbs. of hashish/concentrate: first degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison and/or $300,000 in fines
• 5 lbs. to 25 lbs., 10-50 plants, or 1 lb. to 5 lbs. of hashish/concentrate – second degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in jail and/or $150,000 in fines
• 1 oz. to 5 lbs. or 5 g. to 1 lbs. of hashish/concentrate – third degree crime carrying 3-5 years in prison and/or $25,000 in fines
• Less than 1 oz. or less than 5 g. of hashish/concentrate – fourth degree crime punishable by 1.5 years in jail and/or $25,000 in fines

Additionally, if the marijuana distribution occurred within 1,000 feet of a school zone, the defendant could possible face an additional 3-5 years in prison and/or $150,000 in fines.

Note: that some convictions for selling drugs or possession with intent to sell drugs in the state are eligible for expungement. New Jersey allows a person to clear a criminal record that contains a third or fourth degree indictable drug offense, depending on the circumstances. Interested individuals must wait 6 years, though, after the completion of any sentencing and payment of fines before applying. Those with a first or second degree conviction cannot have their record expunged.

Accused of Distributing Drugs?

If you are facing drug distribution charges in Bergen County, speak with an experienced attorney immediately to begin crafting your defense. The consequences for such a charge can be severe, but a good lawyer like Attorney Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC can make a difference in the sentencing you might face.

Schedule a free consultation with the Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC by calling (201) 254-8484 or filling out this online form today.