Oftentimes when I start to discuss a case with a client about drugs or possession of drugs, it turns out that the client is, in fact, not only charged with possession of a particular drug, but possession with intent to distribute or distribution of that drug. Regardless if the drug is marijuana or one of the more serious narcotic drugs, possession with intent to distribute or distribution of drugs is a felony in New Jersey whereby an individual defendant is facing a potential state prison term. The New Jersey legislature has seen fit in certain circumstances to enhance these penalties and add what’s called a parole disqualifier, or a certain period of time that a criminal defendant is potentially facing before they’re eligible for release from prison. One such circumstance is if the individual is charged with possession with intent to distribute or distribution within 1,000 feet of a public school or within 500 feet of a public park or public housing project. This, unfortunately, takes place in a large number of cases in the inner city whether that is Jersey City or Hackensack or Newark or some of the other bigger cities in New Jersey.
Almost every possession with intent to distribute or distribution of drugs case includes the charge and the enhancement of 1,000 feet from a public school. Prior to appearing in court on any drug distribution case, it is of the utmost importance to consult with an experienced New Jersey drug attorney because each case, although charged as a drug distribution case or a drug distribution case within 1,000 feet of a public school, is unique and the facts and circumstances of your particular case may involve circumstances that would allow an experienced attorney to prevent you from going to state prison or prison of any kind and lessen the consequences of any conviction.
