Penalties for Heroin Possession in New Jersey
New Jersey law lists the possession of heroin as a third-degree crime. This can lead to a criminal record, as well as the potential for jail time. Understanding the potential penalties and what criminal defense options may be available is important if you are navigating these charges.
New Jersey Legal Penalties for Possession of Heroin
A third-degree conviction of heroin possession in New Jersey can result in the following:
- Jail time of three to five years
- Required probation of up to five years
- Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction (DEDR) fee of $1,000
- Potential of a permanent criminal record
Drug charges, even a third-degree charge, can impact your life in many ways. It can lead to required jail time, as well as a permanent criminal record. Even once you have served your time, you may be ordered to five years of probation time. The fines associated with possession of drug charges can also be expensive.
Your Options Following a First-Time Possession of Heroin Charge
Depending on the detail of your charges, you may have options available. The Pre-Trial Intervention Program is available to some first-time offenders.
This program gives you probation in lieu of jail time. The probation requirements are also often less than what you would receive if not in the program, usually somewhere between one to three years. The best part of the program is that, once you complete the requirements, the charges are dropped. From here, your charges may be expunged and you are given another chance.
Your Options Following a Second-Time Possession of Heroin Charge
Your options are fewer if you have previous convictions. Additionally, New Jersey may consider a second-time possession of heroin charge a second-degree crime. This comes with harsher sentencing. You could be required to serve between five to ten years of jail time and DEDR fines of up to $2,000. Even though you are not eligible for the Pre-Trial Intervention Program with a second offense, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have any options.
Depending on the details of your case, there may be other defenses available. Our lawyers will look at all of the details of your case, including the behaviors of the police officer when you were stopped. The court also needs to prove that you were actually in possession of heroin at the time of the charge. If there are any inaccuracies or questions regarding this, then we may be able to build a defense around it.
Contact a Drug Defense Lawyer Today
New Jersey is one of the strictest states when it comes to drug charges. If you are dealing with potential drug charges, then it is important to reach out to a drug lawyer as soon as possible. Your future is at risk and you can’t afford to choose any lawyer. We will fight for you and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the case. We will also help you evaluate any programs that may be available to you, like the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, assisting you with the filing process.
Contact an Experienced Gloucester County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Drug Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with heroin charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law have successfully represented clients charged with heroin charges in Gloucester County, Camden County, Burlington County, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 474-1450 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 1940 W Rte 70, Suite #4, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
Penalties for Heroin Possession in New Jersey
New Jersey law lists the possession of heroin as a third-degree crime. This can lead to a criminal record, as well as the potential for jail time. Understanding the potential penalties and what criminal defense options may be available is important if you are navigating these charges.
New Jersey Legal Penalties for Possession of Heroin
A third-degree conviction in New Jersey can result in the following:
- Jail time of three to five years
- Required probation of up to five years
- Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction (DEDR) fee of $1,000
- Potential of a permanent criminal record
Drug charges, even a third-degree charge, can impact your life in many ways. It can lead to required jail time, as well as a permanent criminal record. Even once you have served your time, you may be ordered to five years of probation time. The fines associated with possession of drug charges can also be expensive.
Your Options Following a First-Time Possession of Heroin Charge
Depending on the detail of your charges, you may have options available. The Pre-Trial Intervention Program is available to some first-time offenders.
This program gives you probation in lieu of jail time. The probation requirements are also often less than what you would receive if not in the program, usually somewhere between one to three years. The best part of the program is that, once you complete the requirements, the charges are dropped. From here, your charges may be expunged and you are given another chance.
Your Options Following a Second-Time Possession of Heroin Charge
Your options are fewer if you have previous convictions. Additionally, New Jersey may consider a second-time possession of heroin charge a second-degree crime. This comes with harsher sentencing. You could be required to serve between five to ten years of jail time and DEDR fines of up to $2,000. Even though you are not eligible for the Pre-Trial Intervention Program with a second offense, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have any options.
Depending on the details of your case, there may be other defenses available. Our lawyers will look at all of the details of your case, including the behaviors of the police officer when you were stopped. The court also needs to prove that you were actually in possession of heroin at the time of the charge. If there are any inaccuracies or questions regarding this, then we may be able to build a defense around it.
Contact a Drug Defense Lawyer Today
New Jersey is one of the strictest states when it comes to drug charges. If you are dealing with potential drug charges, then it is important to reach out to a drug lawyer as soon as possible. Your future is at risk and you can’t afford to choose any lawyer. We will fight for you and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the case. We will also help you evaluate any programs that may be available to you, like the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, assisting you with the filing process.
Contact an Experienced Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Drug Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with heroin charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with heroin charges in Gloucester County, Camden County, Burlington County, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 474-1450 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rte 70 W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
