Toms River Drug Crimes Lawyer

Are you facing drug charges in Toms River? A conviction could bring serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record that affects your future. With so much at stake, you need someone on your side who knows the law and can fight for your rights.

Whether you face possession charges or more serious drug-related allegations, William Proetta Criminal Law can help. Our Toms River drug defense lawyer has extensive experience defending clients against drug charges and obtaining favorable results.

Contact our law firm today or call us 24/7 at (201) 793-8018 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how our experienced drug crime attorneys can help. Our office in Toms River is conveniently located at 1415 Hooper Ave Suite 204 Unit B. We can help!

Overview of New Jersey Drug Laws

New Jersey law classifies drug crimes based on the type and amount of the substance involved. The law prohibits possessing, distributing, manufacturing, and using certain drugs without authorization.

Penalties depend on the drug’s classification under the state’s controlled dangerous substances schedules. Some offenses, such as the possession and personal use of small amounts of marijuana, no longer carry criminal penalties. More serious offenses like distributing controlled substances near schools can result in higher fines and mandatory prison sentences.

Courts determine penalties based on factors like prior offenses and the circumstances of the case.

Varying Drug-Related Charges and Their Corresponding Degrees

New Jersey law includes several types of drug-related charges. The severity of the charges and penalties depends on the type and amount of the substance, as well as the circumstances of the offense.

• Drug possession – Possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription is illegal. Penalties depend on the type and quantity of the drug. Possession of small amounts of marijuana is no longer a crime, but possessing larger quantities or other controlled substances can lead to criminal charges.
• Drug manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing – Manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing controlled substances without authorization is a serious crime. Penalties increase based on the drug’s classification and the amount involved. Possessing a drug with apparent intent to distribute can result in severe charges.
• Drug distribution near school properties – Distributing illegal drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or school bus carries additional penalties. In most cases, this charge results in a third-degree crime, and a mandatory prison sentence applies if the offense involves a certain quantity of drugs.
• Drug trafficking – Drug trafficking involves the large-scale distribution of controlled substances. Leading a drug trafficking network is a first-degree crime, which carries long prison sentences and heavy fines.
• Maintaining or operating a drug production facility – Running a facility for manufacturing or storing controlled substances is a first-degree crime. A conviction is punishable by a mandatory prison sentence and significant financial penalties.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia – Owning or using drug paraphernalia, such as items used for drug consumption or distribution, is a disorderly persons offense. A conviction can result in fines and possible jail time.

Degrees of Drug-Related Offenses in New Jersey and Their Effect on Sentencing

New Jersey classifies drug crimes by degree. A first-degree crime, the most serious level, carries a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. A second-degree crime can result in 5 to 10 years in prison. A third-degree crime can lead to 3 to 5 years in prison, while a fourth-degree crime carries up to 18 months in prison.

Disorderly persons offenses, which are less severe than indictable crimes, can result in fines and up to six months in jail. Courts consider factors like prior convictions and the amount of drugs involved when determining sentences.

What Penalties Could Be Imposed on Drug Offenders in Toms River?

A drug conviction in New Jersey can lead to more than just jail time. Courts can impose fines, probation, community service, and mandatory drug treatment programs for convicted offenders.

Fines vary based on the severity of the offense. First-degree drug crimes can result in fines up to $200,000, while disorderly persons offenses can lead to fines up to $1,000.

A conviction can also have huge ramifications for your personal life. A drug record can make it harder to find a job because many employers conduct background checks. Certain convictions can also limit your ability to obtain professional licenses. Landlords have the right to deny housing applications based on criminal records. If you are a student, a conviction could affect financial aid eligibility. Some drug offenses can also impact child custody cases.

New Jersey law provides some relief for lower-level offenses. Expungement might be an option after a waiting period, depending on the charge. However, more serious drug convictions can stay on your record permanently. Our Toms River drug crime defense lawyer can assess whether expungement is possible in your case.

Potential Defense Strategies for Individuals Facing Drug Charges in Toms River

Drug charges in New Jersey do not always lead to a conviction. A strong defense can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and weaken the case against you.

Here are several possible defense strategies our Toms River criminal defense attorney could employ for a drug charge in New Jersey:

• Illegal search and seizure – If officers conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, our criminal defense lawyer could argue that the evidence should not be used in court.
• Lack of possession – If the drugs were found in a shared space, such as a car or apartment, our attorney could argue that you had no control over them and they were not in your possession.
• Chain of custody errors – If there are gaps in how law enforcement handled, stored, or tested the drugs, our lawyer could argue that the evidence is unreliable.
• Lab analysis issues – If a drug testing lab makes errors during testing or if test results are missing, the defense could challenge the accuracy of the prosecution’s evidence.
• Medical or legal authorization – If you had a doctor’s prescription or legally obtained the substance in question, our Toms River criminal defense lawyer could present proof that no crime occurred.

How Our Toms River Drug Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Deal with Your Drug Charges

If you are facing drug charges in Toms River, you need legal representation as soon as possible. William Proetta Criminal Law is ready to review your case and discuss your options. Here’s what one former client had to say about working with our criminal defense law firm:

“Mr. William Proetta is a life saver! He’s the best lawyer to hire. I’m glad and thankful that I hired him. He worked hard, and got my case dismissed. If you need a lawyer, I highly recommend you hire him! He gets the best results.”—Eric Vital

Contact William Proetta Criminal Law today or call us 24/7 at (201) 793-8018 for a free initial consultation to take the first step toward defending your future.