Camden County NJ Valium Possession and Distribution Lawyer

Prescription Drug Charges Attorney with Offices in Collingswood, New Jersey

Valium, often known as “downers” or “benzos” is a drug typically prescribed to those with anxiety, panic disorders, and sometimes even alcoholism because of its sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant abilities. At one point, it was the most commonly prescribed drug in the country. Today, however, it is more known for being the most commonly abused drug in the United States, as well as one of the most difficult addictions to get rid of. As a result, prosecutors pursue Valium related cases very aggressively, often seeking the maximum penalties allowed under the law. If you have been charged with possession or distribution of Valium, you will need a skilled attorney who can help keep the penalties to a minimum in you case.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison have had tremendous success handling a huge volume of drug cases for years in Camden County including Brooklawn, Cherry Hill, Gloucester, and Mount Ephraim. In fact, one of the members of our criminal defense team is a former county prosecutor in New Jersey who used to prosecute drug charges for the State which means we know what kinds of arguments the prosecution might make. This sort of knowledge and expertise can be extremely valuable in your case. If you have been charged with possession or distribution of Valium, having an attorney who knows what it takes to potentially beat the charges against you is imperative. Call the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison at 877-450-8301 anytime for a free initial consultation.

New Jersey Possession and Distribution of Valium Statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5

Valium is considered to be a benzodiazepine which is a main ingredient of a number of other drugs including xanax and restoril. Valium is a schedule IV drug since it has accepted medical use but can also lead to addiction. It is illegal to carry this drug unless it has been prescribed by a doctor and illegal to distribute unless you are licensed to do so. As the statute explains below, the degree you are charged with is based on the number of pills in question.

Second Degree: Valium Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution – This is the most serious offense under the statute. You will be charged in the second degree if you are found with 100 or more pills and you have them for financial gain. Penalties can include 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison with a presumption of incarceration, and a fine of up to $300,000.

Third Degree: Valium Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution – If you arrested with between 5 and 99 pills, you will be charged with this offense in the third degree. Penalties for this include 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $200,000.

Fourth Degree: Valium Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution – If you are found with less than 5 pills, you will be charged in the fourth degree. Penalties can include up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.

Disorderly Persons Offense: Valium Possession – Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-24, possession of less than 5 pills outside of its original bottle, you be charged with a disorderly persons offense. Further, even being under the influence of Valium in public can be a disorderly persons offense. Penalties can include up to 6 months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.

Note: According to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(c), a person can also be charged for not turning over Valium to a law enforcement officer. This is a disorderly persons offense punishable by 6 months in county jail and potential drivers license suspension. Many Valium related cases get downgraded to this.

Note: There are several defenses to possession and distribution of Valium that might be available in your case. For example, if there was a problem with the way the police conducted their search, the entire case against you would have to be thrown out. Further, depending on what degree you have been charged with and whether you have a prior record, you might be eligible for a probationary sentence such as the Pre-Trial Intervention Program. Completion of this program will result in the charges being dropped against you.  

Contact a Brooklawn NJ Valium Charges Lawyer for a Free Consultation 

The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison are always available to speak with you about your case and begin to formulate an aggressive strategy to defend you against a Valium possession or distribution charge. Our criminal defense team understands the details of the law in New Jersey and we will use this knowledge to help you best defend against these charges. Call us today at 877-450-8301 for a free initial consultation about your case.