Plainfield, NJ Drug Crime Lawyer

best plainfield drug crime lawyer

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Trusted Drug Crime Attorney in Plainfield, NJ

Facing accusations related to controlled dangerous substances can be overwhelming. Talking to a knowledgeable Plainfield drug crime lawyer can help you understand the charges, possible penalties, and legal process you are facing. Drug charges in New Jersey range from simple possession offenses to complex cases involving distribution and trafficking. In Plainfield and throughout Union County, drug convictions can result in significant penalties.

About the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss

At the Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss, clients come first. Attorney Weiss is a New Jersey Certified Municipal Court Trial Attorney with nearly 20 years of criminal defense experience, which is used to build a defense based on the circumstances of the case, not on a one-size-fits-all approach.

We’re committed to giving your case the individual focus it deserves. Based in Mountainside, NJ, we serve Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield, Cranford, Clark, Rahway, Linden, Elizabeth, Summit, and other Union County communities. You are never passed around from one staff member to another here. You work directly with Jared Weiss from start to finish.

Understanding Drug Crime Charges in Plainfield, NJ

Drug crimes can occur after routine traffic stops by local police, investigations by Union County law enforcement, searches of residences or vehicles, or accusations related to the sale or trafficking of illegal narcotics. Plainfield’s proximity to Route 22, Interstate 78, and the Garden State Parkway means local police often encounter individuals who are simply traveling through Union County and surrounding communities. Examples of drug crimes include:

Possession of a controlled substance
Possession with intent to distribute
Distribution or sale of controlled substances
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Distribution of narcotics in school zones
Distribution near protected public places, such as parks or housing facilities
Prescription drug crimes

Whether or not charges are maintained at the state level or referred to other jurisdictions largely depends on the facts of your case. Of the crimes committed in New Jersey reported to the United States Sentencing Commission, 39.3% were for drugs, including simple possession and trafficking. Out of 830 cases reported to the commission from New Jersey, 326 were sentenced for drugs.

New Jersey Drug Crime Laws

Many drug charges in Plainfield are enforced by state statutes outlined in the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-10 specifically deals with unlawful possession of controlled dangerous substances. New Jersey’s statute for manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances can be found at N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.

Penalties under these statutes vary depending on the drug involved and the amount you are accused of possessing. Prosecutors also can seek sentence enhancements when drug crimes involve schools, parks, and certain public buildings. Since Plainfield is home to many schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods, enhanced penalties can play a large role in your criminal case.

Drug Crime Penalties

Drug crime penalties can vary based on a variety of different factors. A defendant’s criminal history, specific allegations involved in the charge, and the type of drug can all influence how a case is eventually handled.

Possession of drugs can result in probation, fines, mandatory assessment fees, and other penalties ordered by the court. Distribution-level offenses can lead to prison sentences and larger monetary penalties. Other consequences of a drug conviction may include:

Risk of losing your professional license
Loss of future employment opportunities after conviction
Immigration issues if you are not a United States citizen
Diminished eligibility for educational programs
Court-ordered drug treatment
Driver’s license consequences in some cases

Drug crime charges should be discussed with an attorney as soon as possible. Because each case is unique, individuals should know what they are charged with, and a Plainfield drug crime attorney can help you understand the charges against you.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer Today

Many people believe that once police make an arrest, the case automatically ends in a conviction. Drug cases can involve complex legal and factual issues regarding actual possession, intent to distribute, search and seizure issues, and evidence.

When looking to hire a drug crime lawyer, many people want an attorney who can scrutinize police reports, search warrant affidavits, find issues with the police investigation, and evaluate all defenses available under New Jersey law. The Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss can do that for you.

FAQs

What Happens if Drugs Are Found in a Shared Apartment or Vehicle?

If drugs are found in a location that more than one person was occupying, prosecutors need to link the suspect to the drugs. Being present where drugs are located is not enough to prove criminal liability. Ownership, accessibility, statements made to police, and other evidence may be considered when reviewing whether charges are filed.

Can a Drug Arrest Affect Child Custody or Parenting Time?

A drug arrest can affect child custody or parenting time. If your criminal charges or convictions have anything to do with the welfare or best interests of a child, your local family court can take those charges or convictions into consideration. Just the fact that you were arrested may not have an impact on your custody privileges. However, if you are arrested for drug use, distribution activity, or multiple criminal offenses, the issues can become relevant in family court.

What Is the Difference Between State and Federal Drug Charges?

Federal drug crimes usually involve larger quantities of narcotics, allegations of drug trafficking between states, organized crime, or federal law enforcement, as opposed to smaller amounts in state charges. State charges are typically on a much smaller scale than federal charges. Federal drug crimes are governed by separate procedures and sentencing guidelines from those used in New Jersey courts.

What Happens if I Miss a Court Date for a Drug Charge?

Missing court can result in further legal consequences separate from the charges filed against you. The judge can issue a bench warrant, add conditions to your case, or take whatever action the law allows. It can also make it more difficult to have your case resolved promptly. If you’ve missed your day in court, contact the court at your earliest convenience.