Haddon Heights Drug Crime Attorney
The government continues its war on drugs and many defendants from Haddon Heights and elsewhere in the state are getting caught in the crosshairs, despite having no history or inclination to commit a crime of violence or of honesty. In many cases, the only crime is being addicted to an illegal substance. Yet, the punishments can be harsh and can destroy your career, your family and your future, and lead to months or years of incarceration.
Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. is a well-established criminal defense law firm in Haddon Heights that can help you move past this challenging experience. We look at the big picture; what is best for you now and in the long run? We may pursue alternative sentencing, such as drug court and treatment. We may negotiate a reduced sentence to a lesser crime. If the evidence is insufficient to convict, we demand the prosecution abide by its duty to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Drug Penalties
New Jersey imposes heavy penalties for drug crimes that occur in Haddon Heights and other cities throughout New Jersey. The length of the sentence depends on the type of drug, the amount, the activity involving the drug and other factors. Possession of less than 50 g. of marijuana carries up to six months in jail, for example, whereas more than that quantify carries triple that potential jail time. Schedule I drugs, such as LSD, heroin, cannabis and ecstasy, carry the most severe penalties as compared to schedule IV and V substances, including Xanax, Ativan, Valium and prescription cold medicines.
Also, distribution, trafficking or cultivation of drug is treated more harshly than possession or use. For this reason, our attorneys often fight to have the crime classified as possession instead of sales to reduce the potential sentence substantially.
Do You Qualify for a Drug Diversion Program?
In the past 15 years, more than 22,000 adults have participated in the New Jersey drug courts. Although rigorous, these programs allow participants to avoid jail time while providing crucial drug treatments.
You may qualify for a drug diversion program if you are dependent on drugs or alcohol, committed a crime while impaired, did not possess a firearm during commission of a crime and do not have a criminal record with two or more first, second or third degree crimes. The court also must rule that you are not a danger to the community if released to the drug court program.
You may be ineligible for the program if you were convicted of a violent crime, such as murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, carjacking, burglary or extortion. The program also does not admit anyone convicted distribution or conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance near a school.
We analyze whether the drug treatment program is right for you and whether you qualify. If so, we guide you in succeeding in the program so you can move forward with your life.
Consult with a Haddon Heights Drug Crime Attorney Now
Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. protects the rights of those accused of drug crimes in Haddon Heights and throughout New Jersey. Contact our experienced drug crime attorneys at 856-547-7888, or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
