Man Charged with Drug Possession near New Jersey School
A 34-year-old Nutley man has recently been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell drugs within a school zone. According to a news report in The Nutley Sun, the man was arrested at his River Road home in Nutley. Officials say the illegal drugs seized at his home were mainly prescription medications and he has been charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances near a school because his home lies within a school zone. He also faces other charges including possession of hypodermic needles, possession of CDS, and possession with intent to distribute.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7: "Any person who violates subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-5 by distributing, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog while on any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, is guilty of a crime of the third degree."
Drug distribution in New Jersey within 1,000 feet of a school is a serious offense. Individuals convicted of this offense not only face a lengthy incarceration, but also fines of up to $150,000. These penalties remain the same, whether or not the defendant was aware that he or she was within a school zone.
The NJ drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling drug possession and possession with intent to distribute charges in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been arrested on suspicion of a drug crime in New Jersey, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation on your case.