New Jersey Drugs in a School Zone Charges Attorney 

Contact The Scardella Law Firm LLC to Consult with an Experienced Defense Lawyer About Facing Charges For Drugs in a School Zone In Middlesex County, Burlington County, Throughout NJ Courts

Being charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs is serious in New Jersey. However, the consequences of being charged with the possession of CDS with intent to distribute in a school zone are even worse. New Jersey’s drug laws for possession and distribution of drugs in school zones are stringent and the penalties severe. It is critical that you seek the guidance and representation of skilled and experienced New Jersey drugs in a school zone charges attorney. 

The attorneys at The Scardella Law Firm LLC are highly skilled and experienced. Our attorneys have successfully defended many individuals charged with possession with the intent of distributing drugs in school zones. Our law firm will dedicate its resources to fighting to protect your rights and freedom. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our attorneys and get an in-depth understanding of your legal rights and the options available to you. Our attorneys will provide you with an effective defense strategy and fight for the best outcome in your case. 

Penalties for Drugs in A School Zone Charges 

When you are charged with possession with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances near a school, you will be faced with two separate charges. You will be faced with the charge for possession with intent to distribute drugs. You will also be faced with the charge of the intent to distribute drugs within a drug-free school zone. These two charges are distinct offenses and will be handled separately by the court. The penalties of both charges will be considered separately and not cumulatively. It is therefore even more critical to seek the assistance of an intent to distribute in NJ school zone lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of your charges and help you get the best possible outcome in both cases. 

Possession of CDS with intent to distribute in a school zone is a third degree felony. The penalties for this felony include: 

• Imprisonment of between 3 to 5 years. 
• Mandatory minimum imprisonment. You will not be eligible for parole during the period of mandatory imprisonment. This could be three years or a third to a half of your total sentence, whichever is greater. 
• Fines not exceeding $150,000

It is important to consult with an attorney and get the best possible defense for your case. A conviction can have long-term consequences on your life. You may not only lose your freedom but also have a hard time securing employment, accessing credit, or even accessing some housing options. It may even affect your custody agreement if you have one and limit your access to your children.

A skilled and experienced New Jersey drugs in a school zone charges attorney will fight to protect your rights and work to get the charges dropped or reduced. Hiring an attorney will help you navigate the complex drug laws and get the best possible outcome in your case. 

Parole ineligibility 

A minimum mandatory jail term must be served when convicted with the possession of CDS with intent to distribute in a school zone. During this period, you will be ineligible for parole. There are several factors that the court considers in order to determine the minimum mandatory jail term. 

• If you have a prior criminal record, the court will consider how serious your previous offenses were. 
• The location where the offense took place in relation to the school property. How close were you to the school property and was it an area where you would have access to a good number of students. 
• Whether you were found in possession of the drugs while school was in session.  Your charges may be reduced if you were in the school zone during the school holidays, for example. 
• Whether there were children present within the immediate vicinity during the offense. 

Your minimum mandatory jail term is not likely to be reduced if:

• The offense was committed on a school bus 
• The offense was committed on school property 
• The defendant used or threatened to use violence or was found to be in possession of a firearm. 

Fighting School Zone Drug Charges 

It is possible to fight school zone charges with the help of an experienced New Jersey in a School Zone charges attorney. The prosecution must prove that the incident occurred in a school zone. Your attorney can help to dispute the evidence presented against you. 

The penalties for the offense are also not set in stone. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution out of court for reduced charges. They can also fight in court to get your penalties reduced. 

An experienced attorney will work to build a strong defense on your behalf. They will fight to get a favorable outcome in your case. You may therefore avoid conviction or have your punishment reduced when you choose to be represented by an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Drugs in a School Zone in New Jersey