Distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”), also referred to as possession with intent to distribute, is one of the most serious drug offenses a person can be charged with South Brunswick. In an effort to fight the war on drugs, crimes of this nature are strictly enforced and carry severe penalties. If you are facing distribution charges it is absolutely pivotal that you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The team of lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has over a century of combined experience defending individuals who have been arrested for manufacturing, selling or distributing CDS in South Brunswick and Middlesex County. To speak to an attorney who has handled countless distribution cases, please call our East Brunswick Office at 732-227-1200 for a free consultation.
South Brunswick Possession with Intent to Distribute Drugs Offense
It is a major crime in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 to manufacture, dispense, or distribute a controlled dangerous substance. It also a crime to possess such substances with intent to manufacture, dispenses, or distribute. The punishment for possession with intent to distribute is contingent on the type and quantity of the substance in question. The headings below outline the treatment for distributing common forms of CDS in South Brunswick or anywhere else in the state.
Heroin and Cocaine
- It is a crime of the first degree if the amount is five ounces or more. The penalties include a fine of up to $500,000 and a 20 year prison sentence.
- It is a crime of the second degree if the amount of heroin or cocaine is one half ounce or more but less than five ounces. This offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.
- If the quantity if less than one half ounce of heroin or cocaine it is a crime of the third degree. The defendant can be subject to 5 years in prison and a fine of $75,000.
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- If you are found in possession of 100 milligrams or more it is a crime of the first degree. This offense is punishable by a prison term of up to 20 years and a maximum fine of $500,000.
- It is a crime of the second degree if the quantity of LSD is less than 100 milligrams. The penalties include a possible 10 year prison sentence and fine of up to $75,000.
Methamphetamine
- If you are found with over five ounces of methamphetamine it is a crime of the first degree. The penalties for this offense include a max fine of $300,000 and a possible 20 year prison term.
- If the amount of meth is one half ounce or more but under 5 ounces it is a crime of the second degree. This crime includes a possible fine of up to $75,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
- It is a third degree crime if the amount is less than one ounce of methamphetamine. This offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $75,000.
Marijuana
- It is a crime of the first degree to possess 25lbs or more of marijuana. You can be fined up to $300,000 and sent to prison for 20 years.
- It is a second degree crime to have over five pounds but less than 25lbs of marijuana. You can be charged $75,000 and jailed for 10 years.
- Having over one ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana is a third degree crime. You can be fined $25,000 and go to jail for 5 years.
- Possessing less than one ounce of marijuana is a crime of the fourth degree. You can be forced to pay $10,000 and sentenced to jail for 18 months.
Prescription Legend Drugs
- Penalties for distributing a prescription legend drug like Xanax, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Suboxone or other medication in South Brunswick are set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5.
- It is a fourth degree crime to distribute or sell four or fewer dosage units or pills resulting in a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
- Selling at least five but less than 100 dosage units/pills is a third degree crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000.
- Distribution of over 100 dosage units of a prescription legend drug is a second degree crime that carries up to a $300,000 fine and 5-10 years in prison.
There is a mandatory driver’s license suspension of 6-24 months for any drug conviction in New Jersey. You should also know that there are additional charges and penalties that apply if the activities involve distribution in a school zone or possession with intent to distribute in a public park.
South Brunswick Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with possession with intent to distribute in South Brunswick having the best attorney available should be your number one priority. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have successfully defended distribution charges for countless clients charged in Middlesex County, including South Brunswick. Our attorneys will work diligently to so that you receive the best possible result. To speak directly to a defense lawyer at the firm about your case, call 743-227-1200.
