Drug offenses range from possession to manufacturing and distribution. Conviction of any of these crimes can have significant consequences on a defendant’s future including fines, jail time and loss of employment.
However, many states have recognized that low level offenses committed by first-time offenders can often be addressed through counseling rather than through the normal criminal court process which typically leads to a conviction and a criminal record. Many states have therefore adopted diversion programs for certain offenses allowing those defendants to avoid the harsh penalties of a criminal conviction in exchange for a guilty plea or admission to a treatment program. In New Jersey, diversion options include Pretrial Intervention, Conditional Dismissal and Drug Court.
A defendant’s eligibility for any of these programs is determined through an interview and assessment conducted by a professional at the District Attorney’s Office. A person’s prior criminal history and the nature of their offense are taken into account as well as whether they have any pending or open charges or warrants. The program may last from six months to three years and requires full participation in a drug treatment program.
During the program participants are informed of the complex nature of substance abuse and addiction. They are also taught how these dependencies impact not only the individual but also the family and community as a whole. Participants are also encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to make positive decisions in the future. In most cases, successful completion of the program results in the dismissal of all criminal charges.
While these programs offer a good opportunity to avoid a conviction, they are not without their risks. Defendants must commit to participate fully in the program and abide by its strict rules of behavior. They must be willing to undergo regular drug testing and must pay for the cost of their involvement in the program, which can often be more than a fine. Defendants must also agree to restitution and community service, as appropriate.
If you are arrested for a drug related offense in New Jersey, it is critical to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can evaluate the strength of a prosecutor’s case, pursue diversion programs for which you may be eligible and help you determine whether pleading guilty or fighting your case in court is the best option for you.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if we can help you gain entry into a diversion program and protect your future from the negative consequences of a drug conviction. A knowledgeable attorney can explain the charges against you, highlight potential Constitutional defenses and facilitate your admission to a diversion program. We have the experience, resources and commitment to aggressively defend your rights and interests.
If you are accused of a drug crime, your future could be irrevocably altered. A conviction can lead to years of jail or prison time, fines and fees, probation, and mandatory drug counseling and classes. It can also have a negative impact on your personal and professional life, making it difficult to find employment or housing, especially if the offense is a serious one.
New Jersey drug crimes laws are very harsh, with penalties ranging from a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanors) to indictable crimes in the first degree that can carry substantial prison time. There are many factors that go into the determination of your punishment, including the type and amount of the controlled dangerous substance (CDS) involved and whether or not it was for sale or personal use.
A criminal drug conviction can ruin your reputation and keep you out of work for the rest of your life. Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side from the very beginning of your case can help you avoid the worst possible outcomes.
Drug court programs are designed to allow people who are charged with certain non-violent offenses to avoid jail time and participate in therapy or other rehabilitation services. These programs operate outside the regular court system, with their own procedures, judges and special prosecutors. New Jersey drug crimes attorneys are very familiar with these programs and can help you determine if this may be an option for your case.
Often, police officers will make mistakes during the course of a drug investigation and you might be arrested on drug charges based on false evidence. These errors can be used to have your case dismissed or the charges reduced. Examples of these errors include illegal searches, failure to read you your Miranda rights or failing to properly seize the drug evidence.
A lawyer who understands drug laws can challenge these mistakes and get your case thrown out or reduced. You need a lawyer who has the skills to negotiate a Diversion or Pre-Trial Intervention for your case and who will fight to have your charges dismissed if they do not prove their case at trial.
Contact an experienced New Jersey drug crimes attorney today to schedule a free legal consultation. Exercise your right to remain silent and do not answer any questions from police officers unless you have an attorney present. Call us today to discuss your case and start planning your legal defense strategy.
In the United States, a drug conviction can impact you in numerous ways. A lawyer can help you fight your case to try and avoid a conviction, or even get the charges dismissed. They can also help you with rehabilitation services and support groups. It is very important to find a good attorney that understands how the criminal system works and can defend your rights.
Many people do not realize how serious a drug offense can be and they accept a plea bargain because they feel that the court will give them a second chance. However, this is not always the case and having a drug conviction on your record can have severe consequences for your life. It can prevent you from getting a job, can cause you to lose your housing, can keep you from seeing your children, and it will make it harder to find a place to live in the future.
A lawyer can help you get your life back on track after a drug conviction. They can do this by initially defending your case, making appeals on your behalf, petitioning the judge to send you to rehab instead of prison, getting your records sealed or expunged, and guiding you toward rehabilitation services and support groups. They can also help you navigate the immigration system if you are not an American citizen.
It is very important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after you have been charged with a drug offense. The sooner that you do this, the more options that you may have available to you to get your life back on track.
Another reason that it is important to talk to a lawyer as soon that you can is because they will know how the prosecutor and judge are likely to handle your case. This can help you make a better decision about whether or not to go to trial.
Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you to get the results that you want. They will also be able to determine if there is any way that your case can be resolved out of court.
A good lawyer will also mentor younger attorneys and will make sure that they are doing their best to help people in need. This helps to create a pool of dedicated and focussed lawyers that will have a positive impact on society. They can also reduce their fees for those that are struggling to afford them which is a great way of giving back to the community. This will be especially helpful to those that cannot afford a proper lawyer and are at risk of having their case go wrong because of their financial situation. A good lawyer can also save you money in the long run.
Lustberg Law Offices, LLC
One University Plaza Dr Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States
(201) 880-5311