Drug trafficking is a serious offense that can cause serious drug offenses for some individuals. These consequences can change life circumstances for individuals are found to be guilty. Drug trafficking is the sale, distribution, transportation and production of a large amount of drugs. It can include drugs such as cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs, marijuana and more. This can be seen as a more serious charge than drug distribution. It includes many different actions including a large amount of drugs. The state of New Jersey has strict laws against those who are caught in possession of drugs and even stricter laws for those who are caught selling drugs. This may cause years of imprisonment for some individuals.
How are drugs classified?
Different drugs can have different levels of consequences for a guilty individual. Although marijuana is legal in some states for recreational use and legal in other states for medical use, it is not legal in New Jersey for either purposes, making it illegal to have it in your possession. The state still charges people for possession of marijuana. Marijuana is still considered to be a Schedule I drug, along with heroin, ecstasy, LSD, peyote and Quaaludes. Prescription drugs can be considered illegal if you obtain them illegally, meaning that if you do not have a prescription for them, it can cause you to have obtained them illegally. Although prescription drugs are legal, they can be abused by those who do not have the proper documentation for them. Drugs such as Oxycodone and Percocet are abused and people can become addicted to them. The Controlled Substances Act classifies these drugs based on their medical use, their rate of abuse and the addictiveness of them. They are arranged from Schedule II to Schedule IV based off of these aspects. Cocaine and Heroin are more highly addictive drugs that may lead to a felony charge. Depending on how much of each drug are found decides if you will get a misdemeanor or felony charge. If enough of these drugs are found, a case can be built that your intent was to distribute and sell these drugs. This may lead to even more consequences that may be life-changing.
If you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey, it is essential to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact the Law Office of Michael A. Policastro today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your situation.