A man in Paterson was arrested in possession of almost 500 bags of heroin during a traffic stop on Temple Street. According to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik, Sherfiff’s officers pulled over a tinted Kia Optima that had no rear license plate. The officers ordered the driver to lower all of the windows, but the driver would not comply. Officers allegedly saw two people inside who were delaying in order to conceal something near the center console. After officers were banging on the back window, and shouting commands, the driver finally opened all the windows.
The passenger, 33 year-old Michael Harris was ordered to exit the vehicle. He allegedly gave them a fake name (Michael Johnson), and a search of his person yielded a plastic bag with crack cocaine and four bundles of heroin. After officers searched the vehicle, they allegedly seized 9 bricks and 4 bundles of heroin which totaled 490 glassine envelopes and in addition, 58 zip-lock baggies of crack cocaine. Harris also had a warrant of $1,500 out of Paterson and a state parole warrant. He was charged and is being held at the Passaic County Jail pending a hearing. Click here to read more at www.patersontimes.com.
The state of New Jersey takes possession of heroin cases very seriously and penalties can be severe. 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 because your freedom is at stake. Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with possession of heroin in towns like Paterson, Wayne, and Clifton. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected in court and that you get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact her office for a free consultation. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
