NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ SCHEDULE OF CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE NJ

The Law Offices of Todd Spodek: Your Expert New Jersey CDS Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges related to Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), it’s essential to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Such criminal charges can have grave legal consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment. However, not all attorneys specialize in defending drug charges, so finding a reliable lawyer could be the difference between walking free or facing years behind bars.

The Law Offices of Todd Spodek comprises a team of skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorneys who are ready to talk straight with you about your legal options regarding drug crimes in the state. With seven lawyers and nine offices across New Jersey, our seasoned legal team is made up of former prosecutors and public defenders who combine an extensive jury trial experience with over 100 years of combined experience in practicing law.

Once we’re hired to represent you, our team deploys its vast resources and commitment to protecting your rights by ensuring that no stone is left unturned when it comes to building the defense strategy for your case, whether you’re facing drug possession or distribution charges in Monmouth County, Union County, Middlesex County, Mercer County, Ocean County Essex County Hudson County Morris County or anywhere else in N.J.

CDS Drug Schedules

Under the New Jersey drugs law, controlled dangerous substances are grouped into five schedules depending on their potential for abuse. The following is an outline of what each NJ schedule entails;

Schedule I
New Jersey categorizes Schedule I drugs as the most dangerous among CDSs as they have no legitimate medical use and carry a high potential for abuse as well as leading to severe dependence development. Some examples of Schedule I controlled substances include peyote, LSD, mescaline, and heroin. Possessing Schedule I CDSs such as heroin and cocaine is charged as a felony under N.J. Laws even though marijuana was legalized for recreational use in some states. In the event, you are facing charges related to Schedule I drugs, hire a competent criminal defense attorney in New Jersey to represent you.

Schedule II
Schedule II CDSs have currently accepted medical use but carry a high potential for abuse leading to physical or severe psychic dependence. Prescription drugs such as oxycodone, opiates, methadone and fentanyl are examples of Schedule II controlled substances.

Schedule III
Prescription drugs that have accepted medical uses but have potential for abuse fall under Schedule III. They include amphetamines, methamphetamines, and Ritalin. Abusing these substances can lead to low-grade psychic dependence or high psychological dependence.

Schedule IV
Substances with currently accepted medical purposes which have low potential for abuse compared to substances listed on Schedule III are categorized under Schedule IV. For example, xanax, klonopin, valium and ambien fall under this category and could cause limited physical or psychological dependence if abused.

Schedule V
If you sell over-the-counter compounds and substances that have less than 200 milligrams of codeine classified along with medicines containing less than 100 milligrams dihydrocodeine or ethylmorphine medicine with less than 2.5 milligrams diphenoxylate diphenoxylate or opium containing less than 100 milligrams fall into category V.

Determining CDS Schedules

The classification of a substance under a specific CDS schedule falls under the authority of the NJ Commissioner of Health ‘s own regulatory discretion. The Commissioner has the power to add any substance he/she deems appropriate on this list from time to time after considering factors such as the degree and rate at which people abuse the said substance, its harmful impact on public health, possible addiction issues associated with it and scientific information available on it.

Understanding CDS Schedules

The danger that each CDS carries in causing addiction and abuse among users could ultimately lead to deciding where it falls between the CDS schedules. Under New Jersey and federal law, authorities can prosecute anyone who produces, manufactures or possesses controlled substances, with Schedule I being the most dangerous and Schedule V, the least dangerous. Possession of a Schedule II, III, IV or V CDS for which charges usually involve third,fourth-degree felonies subject to fines ranging from $15k to $35 k unless an individual has possession exceeding 50 grams of marijuana specific amount or 5 grams of hashish that carry huge penalties on its own as fourth-degree crime with a fine up to $25K.

A conviction due to possession of CDS automatically creates a criminal record that may make it challenging for you to find employment in the future. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult experienced attorneys specialized in drug offenses such as The Law Offices of Todd Spodek immediately following an arrest so you can have an appropriate lawyer by your side ready to defend you.

The Law Offices Of Todd Spodek Defend The Accused

Our Defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights if accused with any drug-related offense from petty possession of cannabis/marijuana to severe levels of drug distribution and trafficking charges. Our team has vast experience handling different types of drug charges while understanding the nuances involved in each case we take on; we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the possible outcome – whether that means dismissing charges entirely upon finding any police irregularities during searches or presenting compelling defenses at jury trials.

Contact Us Today

With one call away, The Law Offfices Of Todd Spodek will be there for you regarding any CDS charge you’re facing throughout New Jersey 24/7 consultations setups are available with no obligation fees required (except in cases whereby legal representation is retained). At our firm, we understand that every case counts and each client is unique in their circumstances, get started with your defense today!