Defending Your Rights After A Vineland Drug Accusation
The mere accusation of a drug charge can have an impact on all areas of your life. Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A., has represented clients facing the most difficult situations throughout New Jersey. You have rights, and it’s important to have the right attorney to defend them. When your future is on the line, we are the firm to trust. Contact us to discuss your case today.
Representing Those Facing Possession, Distribution And Cultivation Charges
Drug crimes cover a wide variety of charges. We have experience working with those who are facing possession, distribution and cultivation charges. Defenses range based on your unique situation. For example, perhaps the police officer unlawfully or illegally searched you. Maybe you were found with paraphernalia, but it doesn’t belong to you. No matter what you are facing, we will discuss all of the possible options and solutions.
The consequences can range from steep fines to years of jail time. It also depends on whether or not you are facing federal or state charges. Federal charges often carry harsher punishments. You could be facing a felony. State charges on the other hand still carry serious consequences but are less severe. They can be categorized as felonies or misdemeanors. Regardless, this can have an impact on all areas of your life. Our attorneys are here to represent you no matter where you are at in the process.
Understanding The Scheduled Drugs System
The legal system categorizes controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use and the severity of addiction risk.
- Schedule I: Includes drugs like heroin and fentanyl, which have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Convictions involving Schedule I substances often carry the harshest penalties.
- Schedule II: Includes methamphetamines, prescribed drugs such as oxycodone and others with a high potential for abuse but some medical use under strict regulation.
- Schedule III: Covers substances like anabolic steroids, which have a moderate potential for abuse and accepted medical use.
Understanding these classifications can significantly impact your defense, as charges involving Schedule I drugs are often treated more severely than those for Schedule III.
What To Know About New Jersey’s Drug Court
New Jersey offers treatment and diversion programs like drug court, which focuses on recovery from addiction rather than incarceration. This alternative to traditional sentencing is designed for nonviolent offenders who are willing to undergo rigorous supervision and addiction treatment.
Participants must attend regular counseling sessions, submit to frequent drug testing and demonstrate progress in their recovery efforts. Drug court participants may have charges dismissed or reduced upon successful completion of the program.
This option can be life-changing for individuals struggling with addiction amid the opioid crisis and facing charges involving drug trafficking or possession. The program’s goal is to break the cycle of addiction while reducing recidivism and creating a path for individuals to rebuild their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges In New Jersey
Dealing with drug charges can feel overwhelming. Below are answers to common questions that clients often ask:
Is marijuana legal in New Jersey?
Yes, recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey. However, it is illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence. Driving under the influence of marijuana may be treated as a DUI/DWI offense under New Jersey law.
When is a drug crime a federal crime?
Drug crimes become federal when they involve crossing state lines, large-scale drug trafficking or possession of substances like methamphetamines or fentanyl in significant quantities. Federal charges often result in harsher penalties.
What is an “aggravating factor” in a drug crime?
Aggravating factors increase the severity of penalties. For instance, possession of firearms during a drug offense or committing related violent crimes can lead to enhanced charges and harsher sentences.
Act Now; Call Today
The best thing you can do is contact experienced representation as soon as possible. Our attorneys will not back down from a challenge. To learn more about how we can help, call our office in Vineland today at 856-899-5327. You can also email us.