NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ DISTRIBUTING DRUGS IN A SCHOOL ZONE IN ATLANTIC COUNTY

Fighting the Severe New Jersey Penalties for Drug Distribution in School Zones and Public Parks

The state of New Jersey has imposed strict drug laws that impose heavy penalties on drug offenses committed within a school zone or 500 feet of a public park. If one is found guilty of distributing illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs within a school zone or park under N.J.S.A § 2C:35-7, they will face severe consequences such as mandatory jail time without early release or parole and pay hefty fines of up to $150,000.

The consequences rise further if the defendant is accused of distributing drugs inside a public park under N.J.S.A § 2C:35-7.1. In such cases, it’s elevated from a third-degree crime to a second-degree offense, carrying harsher penalties. Therefore, if you are facing charges that involve drug distribution within designated school zones or public parks in New Jersey, seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

A seasoned narcotics lawyer can help you navigate the complex court system by informing you of your rights and crafting effective defense strategies. Under N.J.S.A § 2C:35-7 statutes and N.J.S.A § 2C:35-7.1, defendants often charged with drug distribution within designated school zones also get charged with distributing drugs inside public parks since these locations are generally within close proximity.

However, not all controlled drugs attract equal treatment under New Jersey’s law. For instance, the mandatory minimum jail term for those arrested for distributing less than one ounce of marijuana within 1000 feet of a school is only one year compared to other controlled substances’ three years.

Additionally, individuals facing charges for distributing drugs in designated school zones don’t enjoy the benefit of presumption against incarceration available to first-time offenders accused in most other third-degree offenses according to state law. Unfortunately for them, New Jersey’s laws target aggressively prosecuting drug-related offenses in schools and public parks.

Considering the higher stakes associated with charges involving drug distribution within designated school zones, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney becomes more crucial than ever. At Spodek Law Group, we have a team of skilled lawyers capable of defending clients facing such charges. Our firm’s legal defense team comprises former prosecutors who possess intimate knowledge of the court system’s inner workings.

Our top priority is fighting for our clients’ rights and ensuring they receive the possible consequences for their criminal charges. We have represented clients in Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton Township, Mays Landing, Atlantic City, Galloway Township, and other towns in New Jersey charged with some of the harshest potential drug-related penalties such as drug possession, distribution, and other related crimes.

If you are accused of distributing drugs within designated school zones or public parks in NJ, do not hesitate to contact us. At Spodek Law Group, we offer free consultations where we will examine your case’s details and advise on the legal defense strategy. Contact us today via 888-981-9697 or email contact@spodeklawgroup.com.

Penalties for Drug Distribution in School Zones and Public Parks

Under New Jersey law, individuals caught distributing drugs like marijuana, cocaine or heroin close to schools or parks will face severe consequences including:

1) Jail term
A defendant found guilty of distributing drugs within a school zone can face up to three years mandatory jail time without early parole or release while those guilty of selling drugs like cocaine or heroin near a public park face second-degree offense charges which incur even heavier penalties compared to third-degree offenses that arise from selling these substances outside designated areas.

2) Heavy Fines
In addition to mandatory jail terms without parole/early release for convicted defendants involved in school-zone deals, the defendants will pay hefty fines of up to $150,000.

Benefits of Hiring a Narcotics Attorney

When facing charges that involve drug distribution within public parks and designated school zones in New Jersey, it’s essential to seek guidance from a seasoned criminal defense attorney specialized in narcotics laws. Here’s how such an attorney can assist you:

1) Provide legal guidance
A narcotics lawyer can take you through the complex court system and explain your rights under N.J.S.A §§2C:35-7 and 2C:35-7.1 statutes that govern drug-related offenses close to schools or parks.

2) Effective Defense Strategies
A competent attorney can assist you with crafting effective defense strategies that could result in reduced charges, case dismissal, or even acquittal. The lawyer may explore circumstances surrounding your arrest, investigate evidence collected by law enforcement officers during the arrest, and question witnesses/testimonies presented in court.

No Presumption against Incarceration for Defendants Accused of School Zone Drug Distribution

Individuals accused of distributing drugs within a designated school zone are not privileged to get benefit from presumption law against incarceration compared to those charged with most other third-degree offenses under the statutes below.
N.J.S.A § 2C:44-1(1), which authorizes judges to sentence first-time offender convicts to non-custodial probation with supervisory terms if they meet certain criteria like cooperative attitude during their trial proceedings.

Differences in Charging Controlled Substances

The controlled substances distributed in schools attract varying penalties regarding mandatory jail terms. Issuance of less than one ounce of marijuana carries less severe punishment than selling other controlled substances close schools/parks.

For this reason, when facing drug distribution charges within designated New Jersey locations like schools and public parks, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to craft the possible defense strategies for your case. Contact Spodek Law Group today via 888-981-9697 or email contact@spodeklawgroup.com.