Scott Gorman, A Trusted New Jersey Cocaine Lawyer
Approximately one of every 20 people who seek treatment for substance abuse in New Jersey is a cocaine user. Cocaine use is a problem of epidemic proportions, and users will often face long and difficult roads to recovery. However, rather than receiving the treatment they need, many people face criminal charges,; and, when they get convicted, they face even greater challenges when trying to turn their lives around.
If you have been charged with a cocaine crime in New Jersey, you need experienced legal representation. All cocaine crimes carry fines and jail time,; and, in many cases, a conviction can lead to long-term imprisonment. While there are several potential defenses to drug crimes, you will need a skilled New Jersey cocaine lawyer to assert the defenses you have available.
Skilled Defense Lawyer for Charges Ranging from Cocaine Use and Possession to Manufacturing and Distribution
Defense lawyer Scott Gorman represents individuals charged with all types of cocaine crimes in New Jersey. Scott has helped many first-time offenders avoid convictions by entering into one of New Jersey’s diversionary programs, and he has saved many individuals who were facing substantial prison sentences from harsh sentences at trial. If you are facing any of the following charges in New Jersey, Scott can use his skill and experience to help you avoid unnecessary consequences—whether through diversion, plea negotiations or representation at trial.:
- Cocaine Use
- Cocaine Possession
- Cocaine Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Cocaine Manufacturing
- Cocaine Distribution
Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (CDS) under New Jersey law. As a result, crimes involving cocaine are subject to the harshest penalties imposed under New Jersey’s drug laws. Depending on the facts of your case, you could be facing anywhere from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine (for cocaine use) all the way up to 10 to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine (for manufacturing or distributing five ounces or more of cocaine).
Cocaine Crime FAQs
What Happens if You Get Caught with Cocaine in New Jersey?
If you get caught with cocaine in New Jersey, the police will arrest you and you will be charged with a crime. The severity of this crime depends on a few factors, the most important of which is how much cocaine you had in your possession. In New Jersey, the law imposes different penalties for cases involving (i) less than one-half ounce, (ii) one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, and (iii) five ounces or more. If the police also seized scales, baggies, cash or other evidence of manufacturing or distribution, this could significantly increase the severity of your case as well.
How Much Cocaine is a Felony in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, possessing any amount of cocaine is a felony-level crime. These crimes are referred to as “indictable offenses” under New Jersey law. If the police arrested you because they suspected that you were high on cocaine but did not find any cocaine in your possession, then you may have been charged with use only—which is a misdemeanor-level offense (or “disorderly persons” offense) under New Jersey law.
Will I Go to Jail if I Am Convicted of Cocaine Possession in New Jersey?
You could go to jail if you get convicted of cocaine possession in New Jersey. However, if this is your first offense, you may qualify for what is known as the “presumption of non-incarceration.” Your defense lawyer may also be able to help you negotiate a plea deal that keeps you out of prison. To make sure you have every possible opportunity to avoid incarceration, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Is Crack Treated Differently from Cocaine?
Crack and cocaine are treated similarly under New Jersey law. Both are classified as Schedule II controlled dangerous substances, and this means that they are subject to the same crime classifications and penalties.
What Should I Do if I Was Arrested for Cocaine Possession in New Jersey?
If you have been arrested for cocaine possession (or any other cocaine-related crime) in New Jersey, you should exercise your right to remain silent, and you should seek advice from an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible. Cocaine convictions can have life-altering consequences, so you need to do everything you can to protect yourself to the fullest extent possible.
Contact Us for a Free and Confidential Consultation about Your Cocaine Arrest
Have you been charged with a cocaine crime in New Jersey? If so, we strongly encourage you to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Call 862-250-6201 or contact us online to speak with defense lawyer Scott Gorman in confidence as soon as possible. We have offices in Essex County and Morristown.