Monmouth County NJ Drug Charge Lawyer

Whether you are facing a marijuana possession charge or a possession of heroin with the intent to distribute charge in Monmouth County, the criminal defense lawyers at Proetta & Oliver can help. Irrespective of the drug charge, if convicted, a Defendant is facing not only a potentially lengthy prison sentence but high fines, community service and a  loss of their driving privileges. The Law Offices of Proetta & Oliver has been representing clients charged with drug offenses throughout Monmouth County, in Courts like Belmar, Wall, Tinton Falls, Asbury Park, Freehold, Long Branch, Neptune and Marlboro for years. Most drug charges revolve around some form of a search, therefore, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make big difference. They can examine the evidence and attack the proofs during a suppression hearing. If you would like to come into our office and speak with one of our Monmouth County criminal lawyers directly about your charges, please feel free to contact our office at 732.858.6959. We can discuss the specific facts of your case and we will give you our honest feedback on how we think we can be of assistance. We are located at 18 Kings Highway in Middletown, directly across the street from the Middletown Municipal Court.  These are serious charges and should not be taken lightly. 

Real Results for Real Clients Facing Drug Charges

Here is a review from one of the many satisfied clients of Proetta & Oliver:

Asbury Park NJ Drug Possession Defense Attorneys

Simple possession of marijuana charges under 50 grams is the only drug offenses in New Jersey that will be considered a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor). All other drug offenses, whether it be cocaine, heroin, Oxycontin or LSD are going to be considered felony offenses in New Jersey. Here are some of the most common drug charges litigated in the local Monmouth County Courts.

How to Defend Drug Charges in Monmouth County NJ?

Whether you have been charged with the unlawful possession of marijuana, the distribution of cocaine or any other drug offense for that matter it is crucial that you speak to an experienced Monmouth County drug defense lawyer about your options. Here is just a few of the key areas that we seek to explore when it comes to defending drug charges in New Jersey:

• The underlying search,
• The underlying seizure,
• The underlying “possession” aspect
  • Constructive Possession,?
  • Actual Possession?
  • Joint Possession?
• The underlying intent aspect in a “possession with the intent to distribute” charge,
• The underlying motor vehicle stop.

Where Do You Post Bail on a Drug Charge in Monmouth County

As of 2017 the ways in which you were able to post bail have forever changed in New Jersey. The days of going to the local police station and being able to bail someone out prior to the being taken to the Monmouth County Jail are over. Our bail system is now centered around a risk assessment conducted by Pretrial Services. In order to be subject to the new bail system an individual must be charged under what is known as a Compliant-Warrant. If the charging document is a Complaint-Warrant, then the individual must be taken to the Monmouth County Jail for at least 24 to 48 hours so that Pretrial Services can conduct their risk assessment. Once the risk assessment is complete, the individual will be scheduled for their Central Judicial Processing Hearing (CJP). At this hearing the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office will need to advise the Court whether they will be releasing the individual on bail conditions or seeking to keep them detained, pretrial, without bail. In order for them to keep the individual detained, a formal hearing must be conducted. That hearing is referred to as a Detention Hearing. During that hearing, it will be the prosecutions burden to establish by clear and convincing evidence that: the defendant will not appear in court as required and/or that the defendant will pose a danger to any other person or the community and/or that the defendant will obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice, or threaten, injure, or intimidate, or attempt to threaten, injure, or intimidate, a prospective witness or juror. For more information on how detention hearings operate in Monmouth County, please click the link.

How Serious is a First Offense Drug Charge in Nj

Depending on the underlying facts surrounding the charges, a first time offender might be able to take advantage of several of New Jersey’s diversionary programs. If the drug charges are classified as indictable offenses (felony) then the main diversionary programs include the Pretrial Intervention Program and Drug Court Program. If the drug case is considered a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) then the main diversionary program will be the Conditional Discharge Program. If defense counsel can secure the admission into the Conditional Discharge or Pretrial Intervention Program then they will be afforded the opportunity to walk away from these otherwise life changing charges not only without serving a day in jail but without a criminal record as well. Drug Court can help an individual avoid jail time but it will not afford the individual the ability to walk away without a criminal record.

Contact a Middletown NJ Drug Possession Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug offense like marijuana possession, heroin possession, cocaine distribution or possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute in Monmouth County, our office can help. Our office has extensive experience representing clients in not only Monmouth County Superior Court but also local Municipal Courts like Eatontown, Holmdel, Aberdeen, Deal, Manasquan, Manalapan, Howell, Hazlet and Wall. If you would like to come into our office to discuss your options then please contact our office at 732.858.5659. We are well aware that no two clients let alone no two cases are the same. As such, we pride ourselves on being to adapt to whatever skill set we need to achieve your desirable outcome, whether it be a trial, suppression hearing or negotiating a favorable plea deal. As always, we can be reached 24/7 and our initial consultations are free.