Freehold Drug Crime Attorneys

Representing clients charged with various drug crimes

Drug laws in New Jersey are some of the harshest in the country. Law enforcement is proactive in fighting the issue and courts are ready to hand down serious consequences when hearing cases. Even the smallest amount of drugs can affect your future with a criminal record. Obviously, a criminal record can impact your ability to make a living, putting you in a serious predicament. Depending on the amount in your possession, you could face more serious allegations, including intent to distribute, distribution, and sales. If you are charged with a drug crime, you need to contact an attorney to explore the circumstances of the arrest and fight the charges. If you need effective criminal defense for a drug crime, contact Tomes Law Firm, PC for a consultation to discuss your legal options.

New Jersey and federal drug laws are intertwined

New Jersey’s drug laws are mostly contingent on the federal scheduling of drugs. The main exception to that rule is with marijuana. With that said, New Jersey still enacts some of the harshest marijuana possession laws in the country. The federal scheduling of drugs is based on the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. Schedules range from Schedule I (considered most dangerous) to Schedule 5 (considered least dangerous.) Schedule I drugs are considered to have no medical benefit and are highly addictive. These include:

  • Heroin
  • LSD
  • Marijuana
  • Ecstasy
  • Peyote

Schedule II drugs are “less dangerous”, have some medical benefits, but come with a high risk of addiction. These include:

  • Vicodin
  • Methadone
  • Dilaudid
  • OxyContin
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Adderall/ Ritalin

Schedule III drugs are considered even less dangerous, have a potential for abuse, and have known medical benefits. These include:

  • Ketamine
  • Anabolic Steroids
  • Codeine
  • Testosterone

Schedule IV and V are saved for drugs that have a low potential for abuse and known medical benefits. These include drugs like Xanax, Ambien, Valium, Darvocet, and other drugs with low amounts of codeine. Though many believe the Controlled Substance Act is outdated, many states, including New Jersey, have drug laws with consequences that coincide with it.

Drug possession charges

Regarding marijuana, drug possession charges don’t necessarily reflect the seriousness of the federal scheduling. A simple marijuana charge of possession of less than 50 grams is a disorderly person offense. A person charged with simple possession could face fines and possible jail time up to 6 months. In other cases, like methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine possession, courts are more aggressive. Possession of such a drug for personal use could be considered a felony, known as a third-degree crime. A person charged with this offense could face consequences, including serious jail time. For the charge of simple possession, a skilled attorney may be able to work with the prosecutor to avoid jail time. Most New Jersey drug charges depend on the amount in your possession, the location of the arrest, and where there was evidence of sales or more serious acts. If you are caught with an amount that constitutes sales or intent to distribute, the charges against you are going to be severe and deserve the attention of a criminal defense attorney.

Contact an experienced drug crimes attorney

Tomes Law Firm, PC handles all drug crime cases for New Jersey clients. Our firm recognizes the impact a simple possession charge to a more serious accusation can have on one’s life. We are ready to fight for your future and will explore all legal defenses to lessen or avoid the impact of a criminal record. If you need quality legal support from an effective law firm, contact Tomes Law Firm, PC