Drug Crimes

Being charged with and convicted of a drug-related crime can have an extremely negative impact on a person’s life and future.  Depending on the charge, you could be looking at years in prison, large monetary fines, and a criminal record that can impact future employment, college acceptance, and many other areas of your life.  

Despite changes in the social attitudes toward illegal substances, laws continue to remain in place and criminal activity continues to be prosecuted.  As a former Municipal Court Judge in Union Township (Union County) from 1999 to 2005, I have personally seen the negative impact these crimes can have if they are not aggressively defended. As a criminal defense attorney, I make it my mission to aggressively defend these charges and get you the best possible outcome.

In the State of New Jersey, there are a wide variety of drug-related offenses a person can be charged with. A few charges are:

• Cocaine Possession and Distribution
• Heroin Possession and Distribution
• Methamphetamines Possession and Distribution
• Barbiturates Possession and Distribution
• Marijuana Distribution
• Illegally prescribed or abuse of prescription drugs
• Altered over-the-counter drugs

Some drug related charges, possession or distribution of drugs (CDS) in a school zone carry much greater penalties. Drug possession and drug use where children are present, as in any crime in which a child could be considered a “victim”, can be prosecuted even more vigorously than what might be referred to as a “victimless” crime of simple possession.

What Should You Do if You are Arrested for a Drug Distribution or Drug Possession Charges?

Do not go at it alone. Even if you have been charged with the most minor of drug charges, even if you believe a charge being heard in a Municipal Court is not serious, without proper representation by an attorney who understands the law, you are putting your future at great risk. 

If you are arrested for possession or distribution of marijuana, heroin, meth or any other controlled dangerous substance, do not talk to the police. Do not try to “chat” your way out or minimize what you have or have not done. The authorities will gladly listen, take notes and then turn their notes over to the prosecutor’s office to be used against you!

You have a constitutional right to remain silent, exercise it! Remain silent and immediately request to contact a criminal defense attorney who has experience handling drug charges. Attorneys are at an extreme disadvantage in defending you if you have given any sort of information that can be construed as a confession to the police. Do not be antagonistic or sarcastic but be firm in your request to contact a criminal defense lawyer. In the meantime, stay calm and remain silent.

The Law Offices of John Paragano will work diligently to defend your Constitutionally protected rights and provide you with the best defense possible. For over thirty years, I have successfully defended numerous drug crimes from marijuana to heroin and everything in between including designer drugs, such as MDMA (Ecstasy). I have achieved countless acquittals, dismissals and downgrading of charges for drug crimes at the local and state level. If you need an experienced and powerful criminal defense attorney to help you through these issues, call my office today.

Choose The Law Offices of John Paragano for Your Criminal Defense Attorney

• 25+ Years Criminal Defense Experience
• Former Municipal Court Judge, Union Township, 1999-2005
• Extensive Trial Experience
• Free Initial Consultation
• 24/7/365 Call Center and availability, 908.687.5999
• Evening Hours for Personal Meetings. Telephone or click to send an email. All consultations and written correspondences will be kept strictly confidential.