New Jersey Cocaine Charges Attorney
Cocaine Drug Crime Lawyers in Haddon Heights Defend Clients’ Freedom and Future Against Drug Charges in Camden County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, and Throughout South Jersey
Have you been charged with possession or distribution of cocaine? Due to the dangers of cocaine use, prosecutors treat cocaine drug crimes as serious criminal offenses. A conviction on cocaine charges can carry significant penalties. You deserve seasoned legal counsel who will help you stand up for your rights and pursue an effective defense to minimize the consequences of your arrest. Let a New Jersey cocaine charges attorney from Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC help. Our firm focuses on providing excellent legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges, building strong case strategies specifically tailored to each client’s circumstances, needs, and goals. Our legal team has experience on both the prosecution and defense side of criminal law, which gives us unique knowledge and insight that we leverage for our clients. We intentionally keep our caseload small to give you the personal attention and effort you and your case deserve.
If you have been arrested in possession of cocaine, you may be facing serious criminal charges. Get legal help to defend yourself against criminal charges and protect your rights and interests. Contact Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC for a free initial case review to discuss how our cocaine drug crime lawyers in Haddon Heights, NJ, will fight to secure a favorable resolution to your charges.
New Jersey Cocaine Possession Crimes
New Jersey criminal law prohibits the possession of cocaine and other drugs derived from the coca leaf. Anyone who knowingly comes into possession of cocaine must immediately turn the drugs over to a law enforcement officer or face a disorderly persons charge in addition to charges of cocaine possession.
Possessing cocaine with intent to transport, distribute, or sell is also illegal under New Jersey law. A person may be charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute instead of simple possession based on the quantity of cocaine found in the person’s possession or other circumstances, such as how the cocaine was packaged or whether the person also had packaging materials or large quantities of cash indicating a distribution operation.
Penalties and Consequences of a Cocaine Conviction in New Jersey
Penalties for cocaine possession will depend on the specific offense charged and potentially on the quantity of cocaine involved in the offense. A charge of simple possession carries a maximum penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment plus a potential fine of up to $35,000. However, penalties for possession with intent to distribute or distribution of cocaine include:
- Less than a half-ounce of cocaine: Up to five years in state prison and a possible fine of up to $75,000
- One-half ounce or more but less than five ounces: Up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $150,000
- Five ounces or more: Ten to 20 years’ imprisonment, plus a potential fine of up to $500,000
Distributing cocaine or possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on or within 1,000 feet of a school or school bus may also result in a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of one-third to one-half of the prison term imposed by the court.
Let Our Cocaine Drug Crime Lawyers in Haddon Heights, NJ, Advocate for Your Rights in a Cocaine Prosecution
A conviction on cocaine charges can have a devastating effect on your future. Experienced legal representation can help you pursue a more favorable outcome to your criminal case. When you turn to Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC for help after an arrest on cocaine possession charges, you can expect a New Jersey cocaine charges attorney from our firm to begin defending your rights and interests by:
- Conducting our own investigation of your case to recover evidence that may support your defense
- Explaining your charges and potential outcomes to you and answering any questions you may have to provide you with the information you need to make decisions at each stage of your case
- Evaluating your legal options, including potential defenses or your eligibility for an alternative disposition of your possession charges
- Aggressively pursuing the best possible outcome in your case, whether that means negotiating a plea deal if we’ve exhausted every other available option or advocating in your defense at trial if you decide to fight your charges
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation to Speak to a New Jersey Cocaine Charges Attorney About Your Legal Options
Don’t wait to talk to a New Jersey cocaine charges attorney about your case after you’ve been arrested for cocaine possession. You have many important decisions to make early in your case. Contact Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC today for a free, confidential consultation to learn how we can help you defend yourself against your charges and protect your freedom and future. Let our firm evaluate your legal options and advise you on the best path to resolve your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocaine Charges in New Jersey
Under New Jersey and federal drug laws, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug. Schedule II drugs have some accepted medical uses but also have a high risk of abuse or addiction. Even though cocaine does not fall into the more dangerous Schedule I, the law still considers cocaine possession or distribution a serious criminal offense and imposes severe penalties for a conviction.
In most cases, the amount of cocaine found in a suspect’s possession will determine whether they are charged with simple possession or possession with intent to distribute. When a person has a large quantity of drugs in their possession, the law infers that they intend to transport or sell those drugs to others. Other factors that may result in a charge of possession with intent to distribute include cocaine being found in packaging for transport or individual sale or in the presence of packaging materials, scales, or substantial quantities of cash.
