Union County Defense Lawyers: Cocaine Charges
Many individuals are charged with cocaine possession, including intent to distribute or sell, every year in Union County. These can be extremely serious charges, especially when they allege distribution of cocaine or crack. Given the frequency of coke and crack arrests, our defense lawyers have handled literally hundreds of these cases over their years in practice. In this regard, Jonathan F. Marshall is a former prosecutor with almost 20 years of experience, Thomas V. Campo is also a former County prosecutor with over 15 years as a lawyer, and Colin Bonus has been defending individuals for almost 30 years. We would be happy to put our skill and knowledge to work on your Union County cocaine charge or indictment. To learn more about how our attorneys can help, please feel free to contact our Cranford office for a free initial consultation. An attorney on our staff can be reached 24/7 at 1-877-450-8301. We hope you find the information that follows of assistance in assessing your Union County charges.
New Jersey Cocaine Law
The primary laws that govern cocaine offenses in NJ are N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 (Cocaine Possession) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 (Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute or Sell). Each of these sections of the New Jersey cocaine law provide, in pertinent part, as follows:
2C:35-10. Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition
a. It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, [cocaine]…Any person who violates this section with respect to:
(1) A controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, [such as cocaine]…is guilty of a crime of the third degree [and]…a fine of up to $ 35,000.00 may be imposed;
2C:35-5. Manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a. [I]t shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely:
(1) To manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, [cocaine]…or
(2) To create, distribute, or possess or have under his control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit [cocaine].
b. Any person who violates subsection a. with respect to:
(1) …a quantity of five ounces or more [of cocaine] including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the first degree. The defendant shall, except as provided in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-12, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court. The term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term which shall be fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. [A] fine of up to $ 500,000.00 may be imposed;
(2) …a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces [of cocaine], including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;
(3) …a quantity less than one-half ounce [of cocaine] including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Reach an attorney immediately to discuss your options if you have been charged with possessing or selling cocaine. A lawyer experienced in possession and intent to distribute cases is available to assist you at 1-877-450-8301.
