Over the past few years, heroin use and abuse in New Jersey has soared. Since 2010, the number of heroin overdose deaths in the state has tripled. In 2014 alone, more than 700 people died of heroin overdoses in New Jersey. Because of its prevalence, the penalties that an individual faces for the possession, sale, or distribution of heroin in New Jersey are different than the penalties for offenses with other Schedule I controlled dangerous substances. Heroin Possession And Distribution Charges Possession of any amount of heroin is illegal in New Jersey. This is a third degree crime, the penalties for which include: Up to five years in prison; A fine of up to $35,000; A six-month driver’s license suspension. An individual charged with the possession of five or more ounces of heroin with the intention to distribute it faces a…Read More
New Jersey is one of the twenty-three states that currently have medical marijuana programs in place. Research has shown that cannabis use can have a positive effect on individuals suffering from various debilitating conditions. Unlike a few other states, New Jersey has not legalized recreational marijuana use. This means that unless an individual is currently enrolled in the medical marijuana program and has a valid prescription for the plant or its derivatives, possession of marijuana is a criminal offense and can lead to penalties such as fines and jail time. To qualify for New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, an individual must be a resident of New Jersey. He or she must also meet the program’s physician-patient relationship requirements and be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions. Qualifying Conditions If an individual has been diagnosed with one of the following…Read More
In New Jersey and the rest of the country, illegal drugs are categorized into groups known as schedules. The drugs in each schedule are grouped according to three shared characteristics: The drug’s accepted medical use The potential harm that the drug poses to its users The drug’s level of addictiveness Illegal drugs are known as controlled dangerous substances. It is illegal to possess a controlled dangerous substance without a valid prescription for it. If you are charged with the possession of one of these substances, you can face significant penalties. The penalties that you face depend on the schedule of the drug you are accused of possessing. Penalties For Possession Of A Schedule I, II, III, Or IV Substance If you are charged with the possession of any amount one of the substances listed as a Schedule I, II, III,…Read More
Drug addiction hits families hard. As anybody with a family member who is battling addiction knows, there is no way to help an addict unless he or she wants to be helped. When a loved one does get help for his or her disease, whether that help is completely voluntary or following a conviction, he or she faces years of difficulty getting and staying clean. Overcoming a drug addiction is physically and emotionally exhausting and can involve years of therapy, lifestyle changes and sometimes, relapses. Although you want to help your loved one overcome his or her struggles, you might not know how. The following tips can help you to help your family member reach his or her recovery goals. Encourage Him Or Her To Participate In Support Groups Various groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)…Read More
Drug addiction is a serious problem throughout New Jersey and the rest of the United States. In recent years, the number of heroin overdoses and arrests in New Jersey have driven the issue to be described by many as an epidemic. To combat drug issues and help addicts get the help that they need, New Jersey has a drug court program in place. Like other legal and social initiatives, New Jersey’s drug court has its benefits as well as its drawbacks. This program is designed to help offenders by providing them with opportunities for rehabilitation, rather than simply punishing them for committing drug-related crimes. However, there are limits to this program’s reach and in some cases, it works to effectively hinder an offender’s ability to recover. Pros Of New Jersey’s Drug Court By going through the drug court program, a…Read More
