You Have a Right to Skilled Representation
Drug trafficking charges in New Jersey should never be taken lightly. A conviction on these charges could lead to significant time in prison, as well as massive fines. Additionally, being convicted of drug trafficking could blemish your criminal record for the rest of your life, which could hinder your ability to find employment, housing or even apply for further education.
If you currently face drug trafficking charges, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced lawyer who will advocate on your behalf. A Marlton drug trafficking attorney will educate you on your rights and help by providing you with a solid defense.
Drug Trafficking Definition & Penalties
Drug trafficking is more than simply the possession or distribution of drugs throughout the state. Drug trafficking generally refers to a national or international scheme that involves the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and ultimately sale of methamphetamines, LSD, GHB or other substances classified as Schedule I or Schedule II, according to law.
In general, individuals can be charged with drug trafficking in New Jersey if they engage in this action as organizers, financiers of drug trafficking schemes, supervisors or simply managers of other people involved.
And because drug trafficking is such a serious crime, New Jersey law provides extremely harsh penalties for those convicted. An individual who is convicted as the leader of a narcotics trafficking network, which may be possible if it can be proven the individual acted in any of the aforementioned positions with two or more people, can face up to life in prison, 25 years of which must be served before becoming eligible for parole. The convicted individual may be ordered to pay a fine of $750,000, or five times the street value of the trafficked drug, depending on whichever is greater.
Defenses for Drug Trafficking Charges in New Jersey
Because the penalties for a drug trafficking conviction are so extreme, it is imperative that you seek the help of an experienced attorney in New Jersey if you face these charges. An attorney may be able to employ any number of different defenses for drug trafficking charges, either by attempting to plead down to lesser charges or in some cases by aiming for an outright acquittal.
In some cases, a criminal defense attorney may be able to assert that the defendant was not engaged in a drug trafficking scheme and instead is only guilty of possession, a crime that carries much lighter penalties. Or an attorney may be able to fight to suppress evidence not gathered according to the defendant’s Constitutional rights, which may help to drop the charges altogether.
Regardless of the circumstances, if you have been charged with drug trafficking or any other drug crime in New Jersey, don’t hesitate to contact the Marlton drug trafficking lawyers at Domers Bonamassa Farrow as soon as possible.
We can help protect your rights throughout your case and help you carry on through this trying time. Call us today at (856) 596-2888 for an initial consultation and to learn how we can help you.