Facing Drug Distribution Or Manufacturing Charges?
Drug crimes that involve manufacturing and/or distributing illegal or controlled substances can have very serious consequences in the state of New Jersey. The charges and penalties will depend on what type of substance and how much of it is involved in these types of drug crimes.
Regardless of the type or amount of a drug you have been charged with distributing or manufacturing, you deserve an experienced lawyer on your side. Turn to me, criminal defense attorney Jill R. Cohen. With decades of experience handling drug charges, I use my skill as both a criminal defense attorney and a former prosecutor to fully prepare for any in-court scenario and can help you get a more optimal outcome. My goal is to not only protect your rights and future but also to minimize the impact the charges have on your life. I am here to help you throughout the entirety of your case.
New Jersey State Drug Law Definitions
New Jersey state law prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale or dispensation of medication and controlled dangerous substances. It is also illegal to be caught in possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute them to others. What degree someone will be charged with in regard to drug distributions depends on the substance and the amount involved in the specific case. Under these factors, one will be charged with either a first-, second-, third- or fourth-degree criminal charge for distribution or intent to distribute.
Important key terms you need to know as defined in the law include:
- “Deliver” or “delivery” means the actual, constructive or attempted transfer from one person to another of a controlled dangerous substance, whether or not there is a relationship between both parties.
- “Dispense” means to deliver a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) to a final user or research subject by anyone other than a licensed practitioner, including the prescribing, administering, packaging, labeling or compounding necessary to prepare the substance for said delivery.
- “Distribute” means to deliver other than by administering or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.
- “Manufacture” means the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled dangerous substance, either directly or by extraction from substances of natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis. This can include just packaging or repackaging the substance in question as well.
Distribution Or Manufacturing Convictions
In order to be convicted of a drug distribution or manufacturing crime, the prosecution must be able to provide quality evidence and convince a jury that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. One does not need to be financially benefiting to be convicted of one of these drug crimes. If you get involved in another person’s drug crimes and are caught simply delivering a package to another part, it can be considered worthy of drug crime conviction.
It is important to note that simply being in possession of drug packaging materials can be enough to push a guilty verdict in New Jersey criminal court. This can include items such as scales and certain measuring devices, cutting agents, baggies, needles, etc. Any of these items can lead to a charge of intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS).
Get More Information About Your Options
Whether you are being charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled medicine like Adderall or Xanax or are being charged with the manufacture of heroin, contact my firm as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. Call my office at 856-754-5501 or send me a message online to schedule a free initial consultation.
