Penalties for Cocaine Trafficking in New Jersey
Cocaine trafficking is defined as the sale of or distribution of cocaine. In New Jersey, the punishment for cocaine trafficking typically depends on the amount of drugs seized by the authorities. Trafficking charges not only carry heavy penalties but they also often result in additional penalties such as possession and possession with intent to distribute. Anyone facing drug trafficking charges in New Jersey should to immediately contact an experienced drug crime defense attorney.
Federal law "prohibits the manufacture, import, export, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance (or a counterfeit substance) or the possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, import, export, distribute, or dispense."
In New Jersey, it is crucial to determine if the individual had intent to sell the drugs or if he or she was transporting the drug for personal use. While either scenario can result in serious penalties, possession with intent to distribute charges will result in more severe penalties than simple possession.
The amount of drugs found, the type of drugs, and the way they are packaged can affect the resulting charges. For example, the discovery of large amounts of cocaine that are packaged for sale will result in more severe penalties than small amounts of marijuana possessed for personal use. However, every case is different and all accused drug traffickers need skilled legal representation to help them fight the serious allegations.
The Princeton cocaine defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling cocaine possession, distribution, and trafficking charges in New Jersey. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 if you or a loved one faces one of these serious charges.
