If you have been charged with the possession of cocaine, it can be a terrifying time as your freedom is at stake. However, you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced Bergen County Drug Possession Defense Attorney can help fight to protect you from an uncertain future. Please continue reading to learn the potential penalties you could face for this criminal offense in New Jersey.
What Are the Penalties for Cocaine Possession in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey law, cocaine is classified as a controlled dangerous substance. However, under federal statutes, it’s classified as a Schedule II drug. As such, the state of New Jersey considers possessing any amount of cocaine as a third-degree indictable offense.
The penalties for cocaine possession include a fine of up to $35,000, a prison sentence of anywhere between three to five years, and, depending on the circumstances of the arrest, you may face a driver’s license suspension for as long as six months. However, it’s essential to understand that you may be facing heightened penalties if you are charged with selling or trafficking cocaine in New Jersey. The following include but are not limited to some of the penalties you could face:
- If you were charged with selling 0.5 ounces or less of cocaine, this crime is punishable by a fine of up to $75,000 and a prison sentence between three to five years.
- If you were charged with selling between 0.5 ounces and five ounces of cocaine, this crime is punishable by a fine of up to $150,000 and a prison sentence between five to 10 years.
- If you were charged with selling over five ounces of cocaine, this crime is punishable by a fine of up to $500,000 and a prison sentence between 10 to 20 years.
- If you were charged as a leader of a cocaine trafficking network, this crime is punishable by a fine of up to $500,000 and a life sentence in prison with a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility.
Under limited circumstances, the New Jersey judicial system offers treatment and rehabilitation for non-violent drug offenders with no prior criminal record as part of a drug court program. This diversion program can potentially help you avoid jail time.
If you’ve been charged with cocaine possession, distribution, or another drug-related offense in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact a trusted Bergen County criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights while promoting a vigorous defense. At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we will help you explore all avenues to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Allow our firm to effectively represent your interests and defend your rights.
