If you get caught with cocaine in New Jersey, police and prosecutors are unlikely to take that lightly. Penalties for cocaine possession can be incredibly severe in this state, and numerous other factors could complicate the situation and result in the prosecution finding excuses for making the punishments for your alleged crime even more harsh. This is why you should talk to a Bergen County criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with a crime. We can help you defend yourself and your civil rights.
How Can I Be Punished for Cocaine Possession?
Possessing any amount of cocaine for personal use is a third-degree felony. If convicted, you could end up serving three to five years in prison. You could also be forced to pay a fine of up to $35,000. Your driver’s license could even be suspended!
What Factors Can Make Penalties Even More Severe?
The state can also just continue to make things worse for you by finding other ways to increase the penalties for this crime. You could end up facing harsher potential sentences if you:
- Possess certain amounts of cocaine, like half of an ounce or five ounces
- Are accused of making plans to distribute cocaine
- Are accused of selling drugs near a public park, a school, or a housing project
- Have drug charges on your record
Any of these factors can quickly complicate a cocaine possession case.
How Can I Defend Myself Against Cocaine Possession Charges?
You cannot just hope that these charges will go away. You need to be willing to aggressively defend yourself and you need to find a way to create reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case. Your attorney can help you do that.
A defense lawyer can look at the specifics of your case and figure out the best way to defend you. They can, for example, look at the search that turned up the drugs. Were the cops legally allowed to search your car or home? If not, then this crucial evidence could be thrown out, and that could torpedo the prosecution’s case against you.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
No defense attorney can make promises about getting all charges dropped or securing a “not guilty” verdict. What our firm can promise is that we will do everything that we can to fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. A provided public defender may have many cases to deal with aside from yours. Hiring a lawyer from our firm who can spend more time helping you form a defensive strategy could make a big difference.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
When you want to learn more about what a seasoned defense attorney can do to assist you, contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri. We can schedule a consultation and take a closer look at your case. Then we will help you sort through your legal options and find the best path forward.
