What criminal laws are involved in drug crimes?

Attorneys at the Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, P.C. work to protect the rights of those charged with drug crimes. Criminal laws in NJ that relate to drug crimes include:

• Manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing drugs
• Distribution of drugs on or near a school property
• Possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs
• Use or possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use
• Possessing drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute or manufacture
• Criminal homicide (if the offender distributed drugs to a person who died from the distributed drug)

In NJ criminal law, illegal drugs are called controlled dangerous substances. Marijuana, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamines, psilocybin, LSD, and designer drugs such as Ecstasy all classify as illegal drugs. Prescription drugs obtained without a doctor’s signature, or from sources outside the United States, are also unlawful.

NJ criminal laws impose stiff penalties

Depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved, the courts may impose a sentence of six months to life in prison. Penalties may also include fines ranging from $500 to $300,000 and driving privileges suspension from six months to two years. Offenders who illegally manufacture drugs and distribute drugs to minors (under the age of 17), and pregnant females receive the stiffest penalties.

If you are caught growing marijuana in your dorm room for instance, you risk up to six months in jail, a mandatory fine of $500−$1,000, and a minimum loss of driver’s license for six months. If you are charged with a drug crime, the experienced criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, P.C. can advise you on the possible penalties you face.

If you plead guilty to a drug offense, there are consequences

Even a lesser drug crime has consequences worth considering before accepting a plea bargain. These consequences can affect your life years from now and may include:

• Appearance in open court and affirmation of guilt to a judge
• Criminal record
• Jail or prison sentence
• Fines and court costs
• Submission to random drug testing
• Probation violations that result in jail time
• Payment of restitution to victim(s) if a loss is suffered
• Possible deportation for illegal immigrants
• Waiting period of 5-10 years to expunge a first offense
• Probation
• Loss of voting rights
• Loss of driving privileges

Contact a NJ criminal law attorney today

Criminal law in NJ is complex. Being charged with a drug crime requires experienced criminal legal advice from proven NJ criminal defense attorneys. If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact us at the Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, P.C. today.