Hackensack Drug Trafficking Attorney
Fighting for Clients’ Rights Throughout Bergen County
There are a wide variety of drug crimes that may be charged in state or federal court. Drug trafficking is a serious type of drug offense, though, that could severely impact your or your loved one’s future. The Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC, understands the impact that trafficking charges can have on their clients’ life. You can trust that Attorney Louis G. DeAngelis will put his knowledge of the laws that govern these types of drug cases to use, and he will work one-on-one with clients to ensure their rights are protected.
Call (201) 254-8484 or fill out this online contact form to speak with Attorney DeAngelis.
What is Considered Drug Trafficking?
The trafficking of drugs refers to the transportation, importation, or sale of narcotics and illegal substances. In New Jersey, this type of case is defined and charged under the same statute as intent to sell charges and is a felony. However, when the trafficking crosses state lines, the act may be charged in federal court.
What Are Illicit Drugs in New Jersey?
Recall that an individual can be charged with a drug crime if they are found unlawfully possessing:
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- Opioids
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription drugs
- Any other type of CDS
Drug Schedules in New Jersey
New Jersey and other states categorize drugs according to their known or perceived danger, from Schedule I, the most dangerous, to Schedule V, the least serious but still requiring regulation:
- Schedule I drugs - are heroin, LSD, marijuana, MDMA, and psilocybin mushrooms. These drugs have the highest potential for abuse and no current acceptable medical use in the U.S.
- Schedule II drugs - which have a high potential for abuse but have an accepted (but tightly restricted) medical use in the country are amphetamine (e.g. Adderall), cocaine, codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone (e.g. Vicodin), methamphetamine, morphine, and oxycodone (e.g. OxyContin).
- Schedule III drugs - have greater medical usage and less risk of dependence, but they must still be used under strict supervision of a medical professional. Such drugs include anabolic steroids, ketamine, Tylenol with codeine, and testosterone.
- Schedule IV and V drugs - include most other prescription drugs with a mild potential for addiction, such as Xanax and Ambien. Some drugs containing less than 200mg of codeine and less than 100mg of opium also fall under the Schedule IV or V category.
Note: that possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription can lead to serious charges, and distributing prescription drugs, even if just handing a Valium to a friend, for example, is a crime under New Jersey law.
What are the Penalties & Sentencing for Drug Trafficking?
The penalties for trafficking depend on the drug and amount. For heroin or cocaine, the sentencing is:
- 5 oz. or more – first degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison
- 0.5 oz. to 5 oz. – second degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in prison
- Less than 0.5 oz. – third degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in prison
Schedule I or II narcotics are classified under the following penalties:
- 1 oz. or more – second degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in prison
- Less than 1 oz. – third degree crime punishable by 3-5 years in prison
Distribution of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) will warrant 5-10 years in prison (a second degree offense) for an amount less than 100 milligrams or where the amount is undetermined.
For distribution of methamphetamine, individuals could face the following:
- 5 oz. or more – first degree crime carrying 10-20 years in prison
- 0.5 oz. to 5 oz. – second degree offense carrying 5-10 years in prison
- Less than 0.5 oz. – third degree crime with 5-10 years in prison
Schedule III or IV drug trafficking offenses are third degree crimes punishable by 5 years in jail and/or $15,000. Trafficking Schedule V drugs is charged as a fourth degree crime punishable by 18 months in jail and $10,000 in fines.
Let the Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC Help
If convicted of drug trafficking, an individual may be facing a range of consequences as listed above. It is important to note that the type and amount of the drug in question are also heavily considered when the prosecution is deciding whether or not the case should be charged in state or federal court. Further, a drug trafficking conviction will appear on the defendant’s criminal record, which can impact the person’s future ability to obtain a job, housing, loans, and more. The Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC understands this and will do its best to fight for favorable results to protect the client and their future.
Schedule a free consultation with the Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC by calling (201) 254-8484 or submitting an online form today!
Don't Risk Your Future
Our Firm Is the Right Choice
At Law Office of Louis G. DeAngelis, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"You Will Not Be Disappointed"
Louis DeAngelis represented me in a few different cases with respect and professionalism. All the cases ended exactly the way they told me.
- P.L.M. -
"Countless Cases Always With Great Satisfaction"
For over 10 years I have used him for countless cases always with great satisfaction. On more than 10 occasions he has helped me resolve many different situations.
- Z.A. -
"Always There When I Needed Him"
If you are in search of not only a great lawyer but a great person, Louis DeAngelis is the one! From the moment I contacted him about a car accident, he was professional and compassionate and kept me calm.
- K.G. -
"He Is Always My First Call"
If Louis takes your case, it is because he is confident that he can defend you and he will give you the best representation for your issue.
- D.S. -
"Skilled and Educated"
Excellent in every way and I was not an easy client. So skilled and educated 1st class!!!!!! I was shocked at how well my ...
- H.P. -
"He Stood Out Amongst His Competition"
I chose Louis Deangelis because he stood out amongst his competition in Bergen County. He was extremely thorough and ...
- M.A. -
"An Easy Phone Call Away"
The Law Office of Louis DeAngelis was an absolute pleasure to work with. The efficiency and speed with which this office ...
- R.L. -
"First Class Lawyer"
Great service all around. Knows and understands the system and will treat you always as a first-class client. FIRST CLASS ...
- A.O.