NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ DISTRIBUTION OF CDS IN A SCHOOL ZONE

Distributing drugs is already a severe criminal offense, but when it takes place within 1,000 feet of school property in New Jersey, things can become even more dire. In such cases, an individual can face a third-degree crime charge and penalties under the state’s N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 – a drug-free school zone law – even if they were unaware of their proximity to the school grounds. If you find yourself in this scenario, a skilled attorney with extensive experience defending N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 cases can help you fight your case.

Understanding N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7

N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 is a state law in New Jersey that imposes additional criminal charges for individuals selling or distributing controlled dangerous substances (CDS) within designated school property boundaries or 1,000 feet outside them. This law considers anyone selling drugs within this perimeter as committing a third-degree offense, which carries mandatory imprisonment, fines and other severe consequences.

Penalties for Violating N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7

If an individual is found guilty of selling drugs within school property boundaries or within 1,000 feet from the same boundary line, they will be met with substantial criminal penalties mandated by the N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 laws. For cases involving less than one ounce of marijuana, there is a minimum sentence of one-third to one-half of the total sentence while others attract three years’ jail time and fines not exceeding $150,000.

Defense Strategies for Fighting N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 Charges

A knowledgeable defense attorney can devise effective strategies to help you avoid imprisonment or obtain case dismissal/downgrade/admission into Drug Court. With extensive experience, your preferred legal representative can help identify critical issues in your case such as search and seizure, Miranda rights and more. If you’ve been arrested for distributing CDS in a school zone, hire a defense attorney from Todd Spodek Law Group to protect your interests.

Why You Should Choose Todd Spodek Law Group?

Todd Spodek Law Group boasts of an experienced team of former prosecutors and defense attorneys with over two decades of combined experience offering comprehensive legal services. Our attorneys possess the knowledge and resources necessary to defend complex cases under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 laws effectively. Contact us today at (856) 234-8900 for help with your charges.

What You Should Do When Arrested for Distributing Drugs In a School Zone

If you’re charged with violating N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 after being arrested, it’s imperative to seek out help from a skilled defense attorney immediately. Here are some critical steps to take:

Contact an Attorney: After getting arrested, avoid making any statement or confession to the police or anyone else, irrespective of how innocent they may seem. Instead, request an attorney right away so that nothing you say would be used against you in court.

Keep Quiet: One of the most important things you can do when arrested is to remain silent since your words could work against you in court later on. Avoid talking with police officers or anyone else associated with them except your defense lawyer as he/she prepares to defend your rights aggressively.

Do Not Resist Arrest: It’s vital to cooperate with police during arrest, even if the charges levied against you are wrongfully accused ones. Resisting arrest, trying to flee them or obstruct justice could exacerbate the situation and lead to more severe penalties for you.

In Conclusion

It’s a severe offense to sell CDS within school property boundaries or within 1,000 feet of the designated area in New Jersey, irrespective of whether it was intentional or not. The N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 law mandates harsh criminal penalties that could ruin your future if not adequately tackled. Therefore, if you’re caught in that situation, contact Todd Spodek Law Group at (856) 234-8900 and speak to an attorney dedicated to protecting your rights.