While New Jersey laws regulate well-known drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, along with prescription medications, synthetic drugs, such as bath salts, K2, and other designer drugs, are also covered under New Jersey and federal drug laws. Consequently, the possession and distribution of synthetic drugs is a severe criminal offense that carries harsh penalties. If you have been arrested for a synthetic drug crime, it’s in your best interest to contact a determined Bergen County Drug Possession Defense Attorney who can help shield you from your charges.
What is a Synthetic Drug?
Synthetic drugs also referred to as designer drugs, aim to mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, while bypassing the classification and detection as dangerous controlled substances. They are typically produced in illegal labs using artificial chemicals. Essentially, they have a different chemical structure from illicit substances, enabling them to be marketed as acceptable alternatives to illegal drugs. However, this does not mean that they are safe or legal. Due to the uncertainty of how synthetic drugs emerge, it’s difficult to determine how harmful these drugs are in any dose. That said, it’s important to note that synthetic marijuana is often reported to have more severe side effects than marijuana. Some of the most common types of synthetic drugs include:
- Flakka
- Spice
- MDMA
- Vanilla Sky
- Ivory Wave
- K2
- Bath salts or monkey dust
Nevertheless, these are only a few of the countless varieties of synthetic drugs that have been developed. Those who manufacture synthetic drugs often use different formulas to create new varieties to avoid state and federal regulation.
What Are the Potential Penalties?
In New Jersey, the possession and distribution of synthetic drugs is automatically a felony offense due to the serious public health and safety risks. If you are charged with synthetic drug possession with the intent to distribute, the severity of your penalties will depend on the amount and schedule of the particular drug. For instance, the distribution of synthetic marijuana is classified as a third-degree felony offense. If you were in possession of one ounce or more, you would face a second-degree crime, which is punishable by terms of incarceration of five to ten years of imprisonment and fines of up to $150,000. Possessing less than one ounce with the intent to distribute is a third-degree crime, which carries three to five years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $25,000.
Given the potential consequences of such an offense, it’s in your best interest to contact a skilled Begen County drug possession defense attorney who can help defend your rights. At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our firm today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
