Drug Distribution Attorney in Monmouth County

Facing Charges? Get Support from a Drug Distribution Lawyer in Monmouth County

If law enforcement has accused you of drug distribution in Monmouth County, your future, freedom, and reputation are at risk. Our team at Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo stands ready to defend your rights with a relentless commitment to the presumption of innocence and a focus on second chances.

Allegations of drug distribution can affect every area of your life—your job, your relationships, and even your ability to secure housing. Police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office treat drug distribution offenses seriously, which makes it crucial to get advice from a qualified drug distribution lawyer in Monmouth County.

If you are facing felony drug charges, call a dedicated drug distribution attorney in Monmouth County at (848) 207-2709 or fill out this online form now for a free consultation and immediate strategic defense. (K1: 4)

Understanding Drug Distribution Laws in New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5)

Drug Distribution in New Jersey encompasses the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) or possession with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense it. This charge is vastly different from simple possession, as the focus is on the intent to sell, which prosecutors attempt to prove using circumstantial evidence like large quantities, packaging materials, or scales.

The severity of the charge is determined by the weight or quantity of the substance. Our firm prepares a defense that targets a reduction in weight or a dismissal of the charge altogether.

The Felony Grading System by Weight

The state's sentencing structure is rigidly based on the quantity of the CDS, making distribution charges some of the most serious on the New Jersey criminal docket:

• First-Degree Felony: Reserved for the largest quantities (e.g., 5 ounces or more of Cocaine or Heroin). Punishable by 10 to 20 years in state prison, with a mandatory period of parole ineligibility.
• Second-Degree Felony: Moderate quantities (e.g., half an ounce to 5 ounces of Cocaine or Heroin). Punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison, with a strong presumption of imprisonment.
• Third-Degree Felony: Smaller quantities (e.g., less than half an ounce of Cocaine or Heroin). Punishable by 3 to 5 years in state prison.

A reduction from a First-Degree to a Second-Degree charge can save a client decades in prison, demonstrating why retaining a knowledgeable Monmouth County drug distribution lawyer is non-negotiable.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a distribution conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant possessed the substance and possessed it with the intent to distribute. Our firm aggressively challenges the circumstantial evidence used to prove this intent.

• Possession (Actual or Constructive): That the defendant had knowing control over the substance. We challenge constructive possession (where the drugs aren't on the person) by arguing others had access or that the client lacked knowledge of the drugs’ presence.
• Identity of the Substance and Weight: That the substance is a CDS and meets the statutory weight threshold for the charged felony degree.
• Intent to Distribute: The most subjective element. Prosecutors rely on circumstantial evidence: the quantity of the drug, the way it was packaged (e.g., multiple small bags), the presence of scales, large amounts of cash, or coded communication on cell phones.

As Certified Criminal Law Specialists, we analyze the totality of the circumstances, arguing that the quantity was for personal use, not distribution, or that the packaging was consistent with personal consumption rather than dealing, thereby arguing for a lesser included charge of simple possession. This meticulous defense is the hallmark of an effective drug distribution attorney in Monmouth County.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Drug Distribution Defense

At Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo, we utilize our firm's specialization as Certified Criminal Law Specialists to build a defense that challenges the State on both legal and constitutional grounds.

• Challenging Fourth Amendment Violations (Suppression): The most powerful defense. We meticulously scrutinize the legality of the traffic stop, the warrantless search of a vehicle or person, and the validity of any search warrant. If the police lacked probable cause or conducted an illegal search, we file a Motion to Suppress all evidence (the drugs, the cash, the phone), which often leads to the dismissal of the entire distribution charge.
• Attacking Lab Reports and Weight: We demand independent testing of the alleged drugs to verify the substance and challenge the State's weight measurement. A minor discrepancy in weight can drop the charge from a First-Degree felony to a Second-Degree felony, saving years in prison.
• Negotiation for Downgrading and Avoidance of Parole Ineligibility: Leveraging the weaknesses we expose through suppression motions, we aggressively negotiate for a downgrade of the charge, such as a plea to simple possession or a reduced felony degree, with the primary goal of avoiding the mandatory parole ineligibility required by the School Zone and First-Degree charges. This negotiation requires a highly experienced drug distribution attorney in Monmouth County.
• Defense Against the Leader of a Drug Trafficking Network: This charge (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3) carries mandatory life imprisonment. We immediately and vigorously fight this designation, utilizing the highest level of legal strategy to protect the client from this devastating sentence.

How a Drug Distribution Lawyer in Monmouth County Supports Your Case

Drug distribution offenses in New Jersey carry harsh penalties. If convicted, you could face years in prison, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Our role is to protect your rights, answer your questions, and identify the unique factors that matter for your case in Monmouth County.

Your case receives close attention from the start:

• Analyze your situation: We review the details of your arrest and charges to make sure your side is heard in court.
• Emphasize the law: New Jersey’s legal codes treat drug distribution seriously, but also require that prosecutors prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. We hold the state to that obligation.
• Guide you on local process: Monmouth County courts follow strict procedures for evidence, hearings, and pre-trial motions. We keep you informed on what’s happening and what you need to do next.
• Focus on your future: Our belief in second chances means we never lose sight of opportunities for a fair result, whether through negotiations or trial.

Our approach covers more than just the charges. We look at your record, the facts of your arrest, and circumstances the court should consider. Law enforcement in Monmouth County often works with state and federal agencies, which can affect plea negotiation and case logistics. 

By giving you a realistic understanding of the process, we empower you to make informed decisions with confidence. A drug distribution lawyer in Monmouth County who understands the local system helps you take the right next step for your defense.

t Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo for a free consultation with an assertive drug distribution attorney in Monmouth County. Call (848) 207-2709 or reach out online now.