Man Charged with Cocaine Distribution Offenses After Hasbrouck Heights Investigation
Charged with Cocaine Distribution in Hasbrouck Heights, What am I Facing?
Being arrested for drug distribution means you are facing a serious predicament. These charges are frequently issued in Hasbrouck Heights and other municipalities in the Bergen County area. Some of the most common drug charges brought against people in Hasbrouck Heights include cocaine distribution, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) near or on school property, and distribution of CDS within 500 feet of certain public property. When you are accused of selling or intending to sell drugs in protected areas like schools, public parks, and public housing facilities, the punishments you face get worse and the stakes become higher.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, which governs offenses involving cocaine distribution, these are classified as second degree crimes if the case involves a quantity of more than one-half ounce but less than five ounces. Second degree crimes are punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Further, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1 addresses charges for distributing a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of certain public property. When the public property in question is a public park and the case involves a significant quantity of a drug like cocaine, a person is likely to face second degree charges for this alleged violation in addition to straight cocaine distribution. If convicted of both of the aforementioned offenses, you could be sentenced to serve your prison terms concurrently or consecutively. If a judge determined that the terms should be served consecutively, you would essentially be sentenced to double the time in prison.
If you have been charged with distributing cocaine in Hasbrouck Heights or anywhere else in Bergen County or New Jersey, you should contact a lawyer right away. The criminal defense lawyers at The Tormey Law Firm with local offices in Bergen County are available to assist you now. Call 201-556-1570 for a free consultation.
Arrested for Cocaine Distribution in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Officers from the Hasbrouck Heights police department recently arrested a man who is now facing charges including cocaine distribution. According to law enforcement officials, 24-year-old Paterson resident Luis Fernandez was arrested following a coordinated investigation conducted by the Garfield and Hasbrouck Heights Police Departments. After officers engaged in a number of undercover drug transactions, they arrested Fernandez on Central Avenue at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday, May 16th. Per reports, police discovered over one ounce of cocaine, two bags of marijuana, and $1,245 in what they believe to be profits associated with illegal drug sales, at the time of the arrest.
Fernandez is now facing very serious drug charges and could be sentenced to a lengthy term in prison if the state successfully proves its case against him. Fernandez is currently being held at the Bergen County Jail, with his bail set at $150,000. Considering the severity of the crimes for which he is accused, it is essential that he obtain an experienced defense attorney who can construct a strong case on his behalf.
For more information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Hasbrouck Heights police arrest Paterson man in cocaine bust