Atlantic City Drug Distribution and Manufacturing Lawyer

Facing charges for drug possession alone can, upon conviction, result in harsh criminal consequences. If allegations of drug manufacturing or the distribution of drugs are also leveled, you face even harsher potential penalties. Furthermore, the informal consequences of a drug-related conviction can lead to a social stigma that can remain long after the formal criminal consequences have been served or otherwise satisfied. At the Law Offices of John J. Zarych, our drug distribution defense attorneys provide vigorous, experienced, and aggressive defense for individuals accused of all types of serious drug crimes in New Jersey. A conviction can permanently derail your life and dreams while leading to a host of serious consequences. These consequences can range from prison time and fines to lost employment and loan opportunities. Therefore it is essential to mount a robust defense against charges of this type. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer is the first step to protecting your rights and freedom.

Arrested on Drug Distribution Charges?

Selling or delivering drugs, or possessing more than a certain quantity of drugs, is considered drug distribution. Our New Jersey criminal defense law firm serves clients in New Jersey.  We provide strong and knowledgeable representation for those charged with illegally distributing:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Crack
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Methamphetamine (meth)
• OxyContin
• Opiates
• Prescription drugs
• Other controlled substances

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 it is “unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely … to possess or have under his control with intent to … distribute a controlled dangerous substance (or controlled substance analog).” This means that unless you have a legally justifiable reason, it is illegal to possess controlled substances or offer them or intend to offer them for sale or distribution. To prove drug distribution charges the prosecution must prove each of the following beyond the shadow of a reasonable doubt:

• The alleged substance is a controlled substance
• The defendant possessed or controlled the controlled substance
• The defendant intended to sell or distribute the controlled substance or actually did distribute it.
• The actions by the defendant regarding the distribution was knowing or purposeful.

The penalties one can face for distribution of drugs is based on both the quantity allegedly distributed and the specific drug possessed. The most serious charges can be imposed for the distribution of more than five ounces of heroin or cocaine since first degree criminal charges can be imposed. First degree charges can potentially result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Charges for methamphetamine distribution are similar but carry slightly less harsh monetary penalties. If you have been charged with the sale or distribution of any of the above substances, you face serious criminal charges that can have lifelong limiting effects on your professional opportunities.

Arrested for Allegedly Manufacturing Drugs?

Also under 2C:35-5. Manufacturing, distributing or dispensing, producing illegal drugs is considered drug manufacturing, regardless of whether it involves operating a meth lab or a marijuana grow house. In short, the method of production isn’t generally an issue one can use in a defense provided that a controlled substance is produced.  In part, the penalties you will face if you are convicted depend on the quantity of drugs involved. For instance, growing more than 10 cannabis (marijuana) plants in New Jersey can be considered a first-degree felony crime. Other circumstances where distribution charges can be leveled include:

• Locations where drugs are grown.
• Locations where the chemical processes to create drugs are carried out.
• Facilities where drugs are “cut” or otherwise prepared for sale on the streets.
• Facilities where bulk amounts of drugs are measured and individually packaged for sale.

The foregoing covers only some of the more common types of locations that can be considered drug manufacturing facilities under New Jersey law. Furthermore, as to whether charges can be filed, it is irrelevant whether the facility was discovered in a residential home, apartment building, office building, a warehouse, or an industrial facility. Likewise, outdoor marijuana grow operations are also considered manufacturing facilities.

Experienced Drug Manufacturing & distribution Defense Attorneys

The experienced criminal defense attorneys of the Law Firm of John J. Zarych can protect your rights and defend your freedom if you face serious criminal allegations like drug distribution of the manufacture of drugs. To learn more about how our aggressive and strategic attorneys can fight for you against drug distribution or manufacturing charges in Atlantic County, Cape May County or elsewhere in New Jersey, contact our firm today. Simply call our offices at (609) 616-4956 or contact us online.   We are available seven days a week, including holidays.