New Jersey Cocaine Laws
Using cocaine in New Jersey is a dangerous proposition. New Jersey law prohibits the possession, sale, and distribution of cocaine, a Schedule II drug under New Jersey’s Controlled Substances Law. Schedule II includes controlled dangerous substances with a high potential for abuse and some acceptable medical use. There are restrictions for legal use.
New Jersey Cocaine Laws Overview
New Jersey cocaine laws are the strictest on drug traffickers, with a 25-year minimum mandatory prison sentence. By contrast, those charged with simple possession may have the opportunity for pre-trial intervention (PTI) for a first offense. PTI can include treatment programs for first-time offenders.
New Jersey’s drug court program offers treatment and rehabilitation for non-violent drug offenders with no prior criminal record. Specialized drug court judges work with the following persons to encourage recovery and reduce recidivism:
- Attorneys
- Probation officers
- Treatment professionals
- Substance-abuse evaluators
Those enrolled in the program receive probation or community service instead of prison but must submit to regular drug testing and court appearances. If they fail to complete the program, the court can apply a sentence that fits the crime.
New Jersey Cocaine Laws: Summary
The following chart provides important details of New Jersey’s cocaine laws. For additional information, see FindLaw’s Drug Charges section.
New Jersey Cocaine Laws Code Sections |
New Jersey Statutes |
|---|---|
New Jersey Cocaine Possession Penalties |
Third-degree crime: Between three to five years in prison, a fine of up to $35,000, and possible suspension of a driver’s license for up to six months |
New Jersey Cocaine Sales and Trafficking Penalties |
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Disclaimer: State laws are constantly changing. Please conduct your own legal research to verify the New Jersey law(s) you are researching or speak with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney.
New Jersey Cocaine Laws: Related Resources
- Drug Possession Overview
- Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing
- New Jersey Law
- Official State Codes – Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC
- New Jersey Drug Possession Laws
Need Legal Help With Cocaine Charges in New Jersey? Speak With an Attorney
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges for possession of cocaine, it’s a good idea to talk to a New Jersey drug crimes lawyer. A criminal defense lawyer who specializes in drug crimes, they are drug offense experts and can help achieve a favorable outcome on cocaine possession charges.
If you are a first-time offender, depending on the amount of cocaine involved, your attorney can advocate for a diversion program or pre-trial intervention. They can also create a defense strategy to reduce or eliminate jail time.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
- Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many New Jersey attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
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