What Are the Penalties for Cocaine Possession in New Jersey?

Certain drugs and substances have a high potential for abuse and have been known to cause debilitating addictions, overdoses, and deaths. These substances are heavily regulated by federal United States agencies. Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled drug that acts as a stimulant for the nervous system. Using this drug speeds up the messages that travel between the brain and the rest of the body. Unauthorized possession or use of cocaine is a crime in New Jersey and can result in several penalties. Speak with a Bergen County NJ cocaine possession attorney today to discuss your defense options and acquire skilled representation.

What is Cocaine Used For?

Controlled drugs are divided into five categories, Schedule I through Schedule V. All of these substances besides Schedule I have some accepted medical use in the United States. Although it is not as common anymore, cocaine does have a few accepted medical uses.

Cocaine can be used as a local anesthetic. When applied to certain areas of the body it can cause numbness and a loss of feeling. This can be beneficial during surgeries to allow surgeons to operate without causing pain to the patient. Cocaine is most commonly used for surgeries related to the mouth, nose, or throat.

Any possession or use unrelated to medicine and signed off on by a licensed doctor or authorized medical professional is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

How is Cocaine Possession Charged?

An individual can be charged with a few different types of cocaine possession.

1. Actual possession: This refers to being caught while physically having the drugs in your hand, on your person, or nearby like under your seat while you are driving.
2. Constructive possession: Constructive possession occurs when cocaine is found in a location where you knew it resided and where you were able to exercise control over it. For example, if it was found in a locked safe that you had the key to you could be charged. Or if police find drugs in your friend’s house while you were there you could be charged if you had the ability to control it.
3. Joint possession: You can be charged alongside someone else if it is found that you jointly own the drugs or went to purchase the cocaine together.

Any of these charges can result in dire consequences.

Penalties for Cocaine Possession

Possession of any amount of cocaine is considered an indictable crime in New Jersey. Any crime that involves cocaine possession will be charged as at least a third-degree crime and is punishable by:

• Fines of up to $35,000
• Suspension of driver’s license for 6 months
• Prison sentence of 3 to 5 years

Depending on the amount of drugs you had and the use, you could be charged with possession with intent to sell. Manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing cocaine can result in fines of $500,000, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, probation, and more. Obtain the help of a skilled attorney to avoid facing the full extent of these charges.