If one was told that a drug crime had been committed and that either an elderly individual or a young man or woman were accused of committing the crime, most would likely expect the young man or woman to be the one facing the charges. However, our perceptions of those likely to be charged with a crime have been so affected by stereotypes, pop culture, and other sources that we forget that we cannot judge an individual’s alleged actions merely by how they look. While this can often mean that young people may be accused of committing certain crimes due to their age, recent criminal accusations involving drug charges against a former high school science teacher present the opposite scenario.
Accusations of a drug crime carry serious social stigmas and professional consequences. When one considers the formal consequences of a criminal conviction that can include a prison sentence and other consequences, the full extent of the damage criminal charges can bring come into focus. However the experienced criminal defense attorneys of the Law Offices of John J. Zarych can fight to protect your freedom and rights. To schedule a free and confidential criminal consultation, call 800-508-9768 or contact us online today.
What Police Claim Led to the Drug Arrest
Police state that there was a recent spike in the distribution of prescription medication and prescription pills in the Toms River area. Following a month-long investigation, police arrested DeFelice at his home. Police claim that a search uncovered a variety of prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other illegal drugs. Police claim that the search uncovered 800 Dilaudid pills; a narcotic pain reliever, 182 Xanax pills; an anti-anxiety medication, 60 OxyContin pills; a strong narcotic, 25 hydrocodone pills; also a narcotic pain killer, nine codeine pills; a narcotic painkiller and cough medicine, and one Percocet pill; a pill that combines acetaminophen and oxycodone. Police also claim that they found two glass pipes used for the consumption of marijuana and other drugs.
What Criminal Drug Charges Have Been Filed?
DeFelice faces a number of serious drug charges. However it is important to note that these are merely accusations, nothing has been proven, and DeFilce is innocent until prosecutors have proven his guilt beyond a reasonable shadow of a doubt. That said, DeFilice faces a number of serious accusations including charges for possession of codeine, possession of Percocet, possession of Xanax, possession of Xanax with the possession to distribute, possession of Dilaudid, possession with intent to distribute Dilaudid, possession of OxyContin, possession of OxyContin with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
What is the Penalty for Drug Crimes in New Jersey?
Defelice faces a significant number of drug charges. Upon conviction, drug crimes can be punished harshly under New Jersey state law.
- Drug possession – The penalty a person can face for possessing a drug is based on how dangerous the state believes the substance you possess is. For Schedule 1 to Schedule 4 substances including methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, and other illegal street drugs possession is a third degree crime punishable by three to five years in prison and fines of up to $35,000. For Schedule 5 substances, possession is a 4th degree crime.
- Drug possession with intent to distribute – For those charged with the intent to distribute, the most serious punishments are reserved for those charged with intending to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. If you are charged with distributing any other Schedule 1 or 2 drug, you will face a second degree crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $150,000 in fines.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia – Possession of drug paraphernalia is also treated as a disorderly persons offense. However a record will remain in the criminal record database with the New Jersey State Police and the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Possession of marijuana under 50 grams – Simple possession of less than 50 marijuana is considered a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. The maximum prison sentence for simple possession of marijuana is six months in prison.
Aside from the formal charges that can be imposed upon conviction, even the mere accusation of criminal wrong-doing carries a social stigma that can change perceptions and limit personal and professional opportunities.
Facing Criminal Drug Charges in New Jersey?
The Law Offices of John J. Zarych is dedicated to standing up and protecting the rights of individuals accused of committing serious crimes. With our experienced attorneys 45 years of combined legal experience, we will work to develop a strategy to address your legal crisis. To schedule a free and confidential criminal consultation, call 800-508-9768 or contact us online today.
