Cocaine Distribution

Seaside Heights NJ Distribution of Cocaine Defense Lawyers

Ocean County criminal cases involving distribution of cocaine are handled at the Superior Court in Toms River. The former prosecutors and highly experienced criminal lawyers at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have been handling cocaine trafficking and distribution charges in this venue for several decades. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and local police are aggressive in attempting to squash the resurgence of cocaine, making the arrest of those who sell or distribute this Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (“CDS) a priority. If you were charged with first degree, second degree or third degree crime for distribution of cocaine or possession with intent to distribute the drug, you need a tough criminal defense lawyer who has the qualifications to effectively defend the offense. The attorneys at our firm have been practicing in Ocean County for over 100 years combined and have also served as prosecutors in the county. We have successfully defended countless clients arrested for selling, distributing and/or manufacturing cocaine throughout Ocean County, including Barnegat, Brick, Little Egg Harbor, Point Pleasant Beach and Lacey. Do not hesitate to contact our Toms River criminal firm at (732) 286-6500 for a free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Cocaine Distribution Charge in Ocean County

It is illegal under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 to possess or distribute powder and crack (a.k.a. “rock”) cocaine. Violation of this law results in a first, second or third degree crime depending on the quantity possessed with intent to distribute. If you are convicted of distributing, selling, manufacturing, or possession with intent to distribute five (5) ounces or more of cocaine, you face a first degree crime. Distribution of at least a half ounce of cocaine but less than five (5) ounces is a second degree crime. Selling less than one half ounce of cocaine is a third degree crime. The grading just described can change, however, if the distribution occurs in a location afforded heightened protection under the law such as a school zone or public park zone.

Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, commonly referred to distribution of cocaine, carries severe penalties if you are convicted. First degree distribution of cocaine results in 10 to 20 years in jail and a fine up to $500,000. You also face a period of parole ineligibility (a.k.a. mandatory minimum sentence) that must be set at between one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed. A second degree conviction for selling cocaine carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and $150,000 fine. Distribution of cocaine in the third degree is punishable by up 5 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $75,000.00. As previously stated, the stakes escalate if you are arrested for selling cocaine or possession with intent to distribute in a school zone, public housing project, or public park. Distributing cocaine within 1,000 feet of school property (a.k.a. “school zone”) results in the imposition of a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment fixed at between one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed, or three years, whichever is greater, during which the defendant is ineligible for parole. When someone is found guilty of distributing, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute cocaine within 500 feet of a public park or housing project, a separate second degree crime results irrespective of whether the quantity involves more than a half ounce or not.

Jackson NJ Cocaine Distribution Lawyers

The reality is that possession with intent to distribute cocaine has the potential to become extremely complicated. The penalties are very serious in these cases and the situation is even more dire when enhanced penalties come into play. Whether you were arrested in Jackson, Manchester, Lakewood, Berkeley or Toms River, you need to retain a skilled lawyer face serious consequences if you fail to successfully defend yourself. The best step you can take to escape a hefty jail sentence and tens of thousands of dollars in fines is to hire an experienced attorney today. An attorney who is highly skilled in the defense of cocaine distribution offenses is available immediately at (732) 286-6500 to assist you. The consultation is free so you have no reason to hesitate to contact our Toms River Office to speak to one of our lawyers.

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