Police can arrest people for suspected drug possession and distribution for many reasons. Recently, officers in New Jersey claimed to witness one man asking another man for a “wet cigarette” and it turned into a serious arrest for possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute. According to authorities, they knew that calling a cigarette “wet” meant it has been laced with phencyclidine, also known as PCP or Angel Dust. When they saw the man hand over a cigarette, officers then searched his apartment building and report they found an estimated $5,000 worth of PCP in bottles, so they made an arrest.

Penalties for Drug Possession in New Jersey

The penalties for a drug possession conviction in New Jersey depend on the type of drug involved, the amount of drugs allegedly found, and whether authorities believe you intended to sell or distribute the drugs.

For example, PCP is a schedule II controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in NJ. For schedule II drugs, anyone suspected of planning to distribute more than one ounce can be charged with a second degree indictable crime. Second degree crimes can mean the following penalties:

• Up to $150,000 in fines
• Up to ten years in prison

Defense for Drug Cases

Because the penalties for drug possession with the intent to distribute can be so severe, it is imperative to have an experienced attorney handling your case who knows how to build a strong defense for drug cases. One of the most common ways to defend against these charges is to demonstrate that you did not have the intention to distribute the drugs but instead possessed them for personal use. In addition, an attorney can challenge the legality of the search or the arrest and can also show that the lab made errors in identifying the drugs as a CDS. Finally, an attorney can negotiate a favorable plea bargain for you or represent you at trial.

Consult with a New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Any type of drug possession charges can be serious in NJ, especially if you are charged with possession with the intent to distribute. At David W. Polsky Law, we provide highly skilled criminal defense representation for all drug charges, as well as many other criminal charges. A strong and effective defense is imperative in NJ drug cases, so please do not delay in calling our criminal defense attorney at 973-686-9787 for help today.