If you have been caught in the possession of marijuana or worse, you may be facing serious penalties. The consequences of being convicted of a drug crime are severe, and they may impact your life significantly. Certain felony crimes may not allow you to purchase the home you want, land the job of your dreams, and more. If you are charged with a drug crime, here are some of the questions you may have:
If you are convicted of possessing 50 grams of marijuana or less, you may be facing a disorderly persons offense, a fine of up to $1,000, and up to 6 months of jail time. If you are charged with the possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, you are facing a misdemeanor crime, up to 1.5 years in jail, and a fine of up to $25,000. Additionally, if you were arrested within 1,000 feet of a school, you are subject to 100 hours of community service and additional fines.
Heroin and its derivatives are among the most deadly drugs in the world, which is why heroin is considered a Schedule I drug. Consequences are based heavily on the circumstance. For example, possession consequences depend on the amount of heroin you were caught with at the time of your arrest. However, if you have over a certain amount of heroin and it is determined you intended to distribute the drug, you may be facing a first or second-degree crime, which may land you in jail for a long time. Additionally, if someone overdoses and dies and the heroin is traced back to you, your consequences may be even more severe.
Cocaine is a Schedule II drug, meaning it is dangerous and highly addictive. If you were arrested on cocaine possession charges, the court will assess a number of different factors, including the amount of cocaine in your possession at the time of your arrest, whether you had the intent to distribute to others, whether you are a part of a larger drug trafficking operation, and whether you were in a school zone at the time of your arrest.
Rather obviously, just because a drug is legal does not mean it is safe for everyone. Each case is unique, but New Jersey courts are getting more and more strict with prescription drug cases. If you were caught with enough prescription drugs that lead law enforcement to believe you had the intent to sell, you may be facing up to 10 years of imprisonment if charged in the second degree.
If you or someone you know was charged with a drug crime and wishes to speak with an experienced attorney, contact The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway today.
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