Drug Crimes and Offenses
New Jersey Drug Crime Overview
Being convicted of a drug crime in New Jersey can destroy a person's reputation, jeopardize their freedom, and ruin their life. Whether you were charged with possession, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, or being under the influence of a drug, you need to know your rights. The decisions you make now and the attorney you choose can have an impact on your future and freedom.
At Cardoso Law, we understand the impact a drug conviction may have on your life. As a former Assistant Prosecutor and Special Deputy Attorney General, VANDO CARDOSO has earned a reputation as an aggressive New Jersey criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record. Through your toughest days, you will have an attorney by your side who has the same training and experience as the prosecutors you face.
HOW CARDOSO LAW CAN HELP YOU
When a person is arrested for a drug crime, it is important to hire Cardoso Law immediately to protect your rights. VANDO CARDOSO is a former New Jersey Special Deputy Attorney General and Prosecutor who has handled all forms of investigations and prosecution into drug crimes. When you hire us, our New Jersey criminal defense team will:
- launch an active investigation into the allegations by the police;
- move to release you from jail;
- review all the evidence that the prosecution possesses and point out the problems in the prosecution's case;
- Take all options into consideration, including assisting with admission into treatment programs;
- look to negotiate the case to a lower charge or negotiate to have the case dismissed; and
- where a conviction is inevitable, argue for a minimum sentence or request alternatives to a jail sentence.
N.J. DRUG PENALTIES
New Jersey has very strong penalties for drug crimes. Depending on the degree and the nature of the drug crime, you could be facing substantial time in jail or state prison. For example:
- A first degree crime, a person may face up to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison;
- A second degree crime, a person may face up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison;
- A third degree crime, a person may face up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison;
- A fourth degree crime, a person may face up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison; and
- a disorderly drug crime, a person faces up to 6 months in the county jail.
In addition to the above New Jersey drug crime charges, a person convicted of specific drug offenses may also face a period of parole stipulation. What that means is that an individual is not eligible for parole until he serves a specific allotted time.