New Jersey Lawyers for Heroin Charges

Top Rated Defense Lawyers Represent Clients Arrested on Heroin Charges in New Jersey

Heroin is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs on the streets today.  Unsurprisingly, conviction on heroin charges almost always carries serious jail time and financial penalties.  Despite this generalization, every client is different, and every case is unique.  A heroin charge is not a conviction and you deserve a strong defense.

At Team Law, our defense lawyers have over more than 60 years’ legal experience.  We understand how the criminal justice system works.  We know that there are options available if you have been arrested for a heroin offense—and prison is not always inevitable. 

While the New Jersey courts have authority to punish heroin offenses harshly, rehabilitative programs are also available.  Our lawyers won’t rest until we have explored every available defense option in your case. 

If you are facing heroin charges in New Jersey, don’t make the mistake of putting your trust in an inexperienced lawyer.  Our lawyers are skilled at negotiating and advocating to get the best results possible in your case.  We offer a free consultation, so call or contact Team Law today to take the first step to protecting your future.

Understanding the Range of New Jersey Heroin Charges

Heroin is a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (CDS).  Schedule I drugs include those that have a high potential for addiction and abuse, and that have no generally accepted medical use.

Like any other drug charge case, the possible penalties for heroin charge conviction vary depending upon what you are accused of doing.  Possession of heroin is a third-degree indictable offense (felony) under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a).  Punishment on conviction can include:

• Up to five years in prison
• A maximum $35,000 financial fine
• Driver’s license suspension for between six months and 24 months
• Community service
• Mandatory drug counseling

Third-degree felony charges apply regardless of the amount of heroin in your possession.  If the prosecution can prove that you had the heroin and intended to distribute it, even more serious penalties can apply.  The prosecution can grade heroin distribution, or intent to distribute heroin, as first, second or third-degree felonies.

The prosecution can infer intent to distribute from the circumstances.  If you have an unusually large amount of heroin in your possession, that can provide sufficient evidence to support distribution charges.  Distribution charges can also apply if:

• The heroin was packaged for sale (divided into smaller amounts that would make it easier to distribute)
• The police discovered you in the act of selling the drugs
• The police discovered the drugs and related paraphernalia (scales, measuring tools, etc) used for packaging drugs for distribution

Heroin charges involving distribution are even more serious than heroin possession.  Second-degree distribution charges carry up to 10 years in state prison, in addition to financial fines and penalties. 

Our Experienced Defense Lawyers Will Develop a Strong and Effective Defense

Conviction on heroin charges can change your life completely.  You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner to fight to minimize the consequences.  At Team Law, we have the experience you need to help you navigate the criminal justice system. 

Cases involving heroin charges are rarely cut and dry.  Our lawyers never try to use a cookie-cutter defense strategy—and we never try to push our clients to accept a plea deal that isn’t in their best interests.  Your defense strategy might include:

• Lack of probable cause for the search that uncovered the heroin
• Lack of probable cause for a traffic stop if heroin was discovered during the stop
• Challenging the legal basis behind a search warrant
• Presenting evidence that important witnesses in your case are not telling the truth
• Challenging the admissibility of any statements you made upon arrest if your Miranda rights were violated
• Innocence, which can be shown by poking holes in the prosecution’s case (for example, challenging whether you knowingly possessed the heroin in question)

In other cases, our lawyers can focus your defense strategy upon the need for rehabilitation.  

We know that heroin is highly addictive.  We are committed to helping you get whatever help you need—and for most heroin users, prison can only serve to make things worse.  A New Jersey diversionary program could help you get back on your feet again through rehab and counseling, rather than punishment.

At Team Law, we have the experience you need to explore every option for successful resolution of your case.  We review your case for free, so call us today to learn more.

Arrested on Heroin Charges? Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Defense Lawyers Today

Every strong defense begins with your first call to an experienced criminal defense lawyer.  At Team Law, we know that it can be difficult to ask for help.  Our lawyers take nothing at face value.  We will listen to your story, and we treat you with compassion and respect.  We conduct our own investigation—because relying on the prosecutor’s evidence alone is rarely a good defense strategy.

Call Team Law today to schedule your free case review.  You can also contact our experienced defense lawyer team for heroin charges by using our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Defending Heroin Charges in New Jersey