New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyer

Laws legalizing small amounts of recreational cannabis for adults over the age of 21 have removed many lower-level criminal charges from the books in New Jersey, but police still arrest people every day for drug offenses. If you are one of them, you may be wondering what it means for your future and how a drug crime lawyer can help your situation..

An arrest on a drug charge can be frightening, especially if you have never been in contact with the legal system before. An uncharacteristic mistake or a momentary lack of judgment could have serious implications, including an impact on employment, academic standing, professional licenses, financial aid and scholarships, and immigration status. Drug crimes can also carry penalties of jail or prison time.

What happens in the first days and weeks after you’ve been charged with either a New Jersey or federal drug offense can shape your whole case. A skilled drug crime lawyer can help you navigate this legal challenge and protect your future. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your rights can be protected and the more options you may have. Contact Lamparello Law, Education & Advocacy today.

Understanding Drug Charges in New Jersey

The language used to describe drug offenses in New Jersey is somewhat different than that in other states. Drug charges are classified as “disorderly persons offenses” (roughly equivalent to a misdemeanor in other states) and “indictable offenses” (roughly equivalent to a felony). Indictable offenses are graded from first degree (most serious) to fourth degree (least serious). However, even a comparatively minor drug offense can still carry serious consequences, including jail time.

How a drug offense is classified depends primarily on three factors:

• Type of CDS
• Quantity
• Intent of the person charged

New Jersey law also uses the term “controlled dangerous substance” (CDS) rather than “drug.” A CDS can be an illegal drug like heroin; a prescription medication like oxycodone dispensed without a valid prescription; or certain chemicals or compounds used to manufacture drugs.

New Jersey classifies CDS into Schedules I through V, with Schedule I carrying the most serious charges and Schedule V the least serious. How a drug is classified depends on:

• Whether it has an accepted medical use
• The drug’s potential for abuse
• The risk of dependence on the drug

Marijuana remains a CDS under state law, but possession and use by adults within legal limits is no longer charged as a crime.

Protecting Your Future Against CDS Charges

New Jersey drug crime lawyer Adam Lamparello helps you at every stage of the legal process. After an arrest, he advises you on what not to do and say, avoiding inadvertent missteps that could harm your case. He will also review the legality of the search and seizure and advocate for reduced or amended charges.

As a skilled litigator, Adam knows how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. He stands up for you at every stage of your case.

Lamparello Law, Education & Advocacy represents clients in the full range of New Jersey drug charges, including:

• Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)
• Possession of a CDS with intent to distribute
• Distribution of a CDS
• Manufacturing or producing a CDS
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Distribution of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of marijuana or cannabis over the legal limit
• Distribution of marijuana or cannabis without a license
• Possession or distribution of drugs in a school zone
• Prescription fraud or forged prescriptions
• Possession of Schedule I substances (such as heroin or LSD)
• Possession of Schedule II substances (such as cocaine, fentanyl, or methamphetamine)
• Possession of Schedule III-V substances
• Drug trafficking or large-scale distribution
• Underage drug possession or use
• Drug-related conspiracy charges

Adam Lamparello knows that when you are facing allegations, there is no such thing as a “minor” drug charge. It’s the most important thing in your world. Adam understands what is at stake for you and works to achieve a resolution that will cause the least disruption of your life and goals.