Essex County Drug Dealing Defense Attorney
Certain drug crimes can bring on enhanced penalties. For instance, a person distributing, dispensing or possessing drugs with intent to distribute while on school property, or within 1,000 feet of a school, may be found guilty of a third-degree crime. While this law was intended to deter individuals from dealing drugs to children, the impact of the law is far greater. For instance, 1,000 feet is nearly a quarter of a mile. A person who is found with drugs a few blocks away from a school could be charged with this crime even if he or she had no intent to sell drugs to minors. You can be charged with this crime even if school is not in session.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime in a school zone, it is vital that you have a dedicated, experienced advocate on your side. For years, the Morristown law firm of Maynard & Sumner, LLC, has defended individuals across Northern New Jersey against all types of drug crimes.
Fighting the State on Drug Charges
Our New Jersey drug possession in a school zone defense lawyers will review all of the evidence in the defense of your case. In some cases, the state makes this charge without actually measuring if a defendant was within 1,000 feet of a school. If necessary, we will measure the actual distance. There is also an affirmative defense to this charge. If you can show that the drug crime took place in a residence, that no one 17 or younger was present in the dwelling, and that the distribution or dispensation of the drugs in question was not for profit, this charge can be dismissed.
If the evidence against you is strong, it may be a matter of arguing for a lenient sentence or a plea agreement of some sort. Our law firm will always look first for ways of achieving a dismissal or acquittal, but will keep other options in mind if necessary.
Contact Maynard & Sumner, LLC
We provide a free initial consultation to discuss these allegations. Call today at 973-540-0054 or complete our contact form.
