According to authorities, a 30 year-old Paterson man was arrested in possession of heroin. Police say, Rayvon Wilson was driving a silver Toyota Camry with an expired Rhode Island Temporary license plate when he allegedly ignored a traffic light on Straight and Market Streets. Wilson was pulled over by Officer Jensin Burgos and Officer Jovani Scharon arrived as back up. Officer Burgos learned that the driver did not have a driver’s license or any credentials for the vehicle. He also observed a Ziploc bag inside the vehicle containing smaller bags of a white powdery substance which allegedly turned out to be crack cocaine. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly turned up 350 glassine envelopes of heroin in the form of seven bricks in the center console. He also allegedly found 27 small baggies of crack cocaine. Wilson was arrested for drug possession and taken to headquarters for processing. Click here to read more at www.patersontimes.com.
The state of New Jersey handles possession of heroin cases very seriously and penalties can be severe. Heroin is a schedule I narcotic.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 sets forth:
a. It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1). Any person who violates this section of the criminal code with respect to:
(1) A controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule I, II, II, or IV other than those specifically covered in this section, is guilty of a crime of the Third Degree (punishable by a term of incarceration between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison). A fine of up to $35,000.00 may be imposed;
(2) Any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule V, is guilty of a crime of the Fourth Degree (punishable by a term of incarceration up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison). A fine of up to $15,000.00 may be imposed.
b. Any person who uses or who is under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, for a purpose other than the treatment of sickness or injury as lawfully prescribed or administered by a physician is a disorderly person (punishable by a term of incarceration up to 6 months in the county jail).
If you or a loved one is charged with possession of heroin, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, especially given the potential jail time associated with a conviction. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with drug possession in towns like Wayne, Clifton, and Paterson. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected in court and you get the best possible outcome. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
