Camden County NJ Prescription Drug Charges Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Collingswood, New Jersey
Being convicted of a prescription drug offense can lead to some serious consequences in New Jersey as the state in recent years has started to prosecute these crimes more aggressively. A common situation that these charges arise from are when someone takes various prescription drugs such as percocet or oxycontin from someone they know that has a legitimate prescription from a doctor. If you have been charged with a prescription drug offense, you will need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to help you get the most desirable outcome in your 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 Cherry Hill, Gloucester, Winslow, and Lindenwold. Also, 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 heroin possession, 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 Prescription Drug Offenses Statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5
a. A person who knowingly:
- Distributes a prescription drug in an amount of four or fewer units is a disorderly person;
- distributes or possesses with intent to distribute a prescription drug in an amount of four or fewer units is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree;
- distributes or possesses with intent to distribute a prescription drug in an amount of at least five but fewer than 100 units is guilty of a crime of the third degree;
- distributes or possesses with intent to distribute a prescription drug in an amount of 100 or more units is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
b. A person who uses any prescription drug other than as prescribed is a disorderly person.
c. A defendant may be convicted for a violation of subsection b. if he manifests symptoms or reactions caused by the use of any prescription drug.
d. A person who obtains or attempts to obtain possession of a prescription drug by forgery or deception is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
e. A person who knowingly possesses, actually or constructively:
- A prescription drug in an amount of four or fewer units is a disorderly person;
- A prescription drug in an amount of five or more units is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Prescription Drug Offense Penalties in New Jersey
Potential consequences for prescription drug offenses include the following.
Second Degree:
- 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison
- Maximum $300,000 fine
- Lab fees
- $2,000 payment for Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction (DEDR)
Third Degree:
- 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison
- Maximum $200,000 fine
- Lab fees
- $1,000 payment for DEDR
Fourth Degree
- Up to 18 months in NJ State Prison
- Lab fees
- $750 payment for DEDR
Disorderly Persons Offense
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Lab fees
- $500 payment for DEDR
Note: Third and fourth degree offenses have a presumption of non-incarceration meaning if you do not have a prior record, you are more likely to receive probation or admittance into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program. Completion of this program will get the charges dropped against you and you will avoid having a criminal record.
Contact a Gloucester NJ Prescription Drug Charge Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
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 prescription drug offense. 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.
