Drug Crime Lawyer in Cherry Hill Challenges Police and Prosecutors
New Jersey advocate handles matters relating to controlled substance charges
Many changes have affected the enforcement of laws against drug possession, sale and manufacture but these charges still carry heavy fines and stiff prison terms. At the Law Offices of Joshua A. Benjamin, LLC in Cherry Hill, Mr. Benjamin is an experienced criminal defense litigator who skillfully counters allegations involving controlled dangerous substances. Regardless of whether the specific charge is associated with an opiate, cocaine, marijuana or a "designer drug," he works one-on-one with New Jersey clients to develop the strategy that best suits their needs.
Litigator works to reduce penalties for drug crimes in New Jersey
Starting with a free consultation, our criminal defense firm will outline each aspect of the case against you, including such factors as:
Drug schedules — Punishment for drug-related offenses is based on schedules that classify substances according to the danger they present and to whether they have a medical use. Schedules I and II carry the harshest sentences for offenses involving drugs such as heroin, other opiates, methamphetamine, LSD and MDMA (Ecstasy).
Paraphernalia — Possession of equipment linked to the use or sale of a controlled dangerous substance is a disorderly persons offense.
Alternatives to incarceration — When someone is arrested on a drug charge or for driving while intoxicated, incarceration often isn't the best solution. After evaluating your situation, our firm assesses your situation and may advocate for resolution through Drug Court, pre-trial intervention, substance abuse treatment or another alternative when appropriate.
If you have been arrested on any type of drug charge, we'll review the facts in detail to determine if the allegations against you are based on incorrect assumptions or illegally obtained evidence.
Former public defender assists individuals accused of drug possession
In most cases, possession of a controlled dangerous substance is a third-degree indictable crime, which carries a fine and a prison sentence of up to five years. However, someone caught holding 50 grams of marijuana can be charged with a disorderly persons offense. Aggravating factors include possession in a school zone and a previous drug-related conviction. If you're caught with a certain amount of a particular substance or instruments that might be used in processing or selling drugs, you could be accused of possession with intent to distribute.
Drug trafficking may trigger state and federal prosecution
A conviction of trafficking — namely, distributing or selling a controlled dangerous substance — usually subjects someone to extended prison time and significant fines. Regardless of the drug involved, the offender could face a prison sentence of more than year. For a transaction involving more than five ounces of heroin or cocaine, the top term is 20 years. Southern New Jersey's proximity to Pennsylvania and Delaware increases the likelihood that a purported transaction will cross state lines, potentially giving rise to federal charges. For cases in New Jersey and U.S. courts, our firm offers aggressive, knowledgeable representation
Knowledgeable attorney advises on drug manufacturing cases
The danger posed by manufactured chemical compounds has led to the imposition of severe penalties for convictions. Many of these prosecutions are based on the collection of equipment and materials associated with methamphetamine labs or other drug-making operations. Even growing marijuana plants could trigger a first-degree count punishable by at least 10 years in prison, depending on the amount involved. However, some of the equipment and materials used in drug manufacture can also be employed in legitimate processes. When a client is accused of unlawful drug manufacturing, we push back against faulty assumptions and fight to dismiss unwarranted charges.
Contact a New Jersey defense lawyer for a free consultation regarding drug charges
If you have been charged with a drug crime, you need a skilled and aggressive advocate to counter the potentially severe consequences. At the Law Offices of Joshua A. Benjamin, in Cherry Hill, we will zealously represent your interests in court and help you take back your life. For a free consultation, please call 856-528-8104 or contact us online.