According to Police, two people were arrested on drug charges at around 1:50am on Sunday morning. Police were allegedly informed about drug activity taking place in the first floor apartment of 136 Highland Street. When Detectives arrived at the house, they were allegedly overcome with the odor of marijuana, and observed several plastic bags on the kitchen counter upon entry into the building. Police made contact with a suspect named Erik Figueroa, 25, who allegedly slammed the door on Detectives. They also observed a suspect named Angel Figueroa, 32, of Paterson who admitted that he was at the apartment to purchase drugs. Erik eventually admitted to throwing a plastic bag containing 11 bags of cocaine in the front hallway of the apartment. Both suspects were taken to headquarters for processing. Click here to read more at www.patersontimes.com.
Possession of Cocaine charges in New Jersey are taken seriously. Cocaine is a Schedule II narcotic and is considered a Third Degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. If you are found guilty of a crime of the Third Degree, you face 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;
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 sets forth: a. Except as authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1), it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely: (1) To manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or (2) To create, distribute, or possess or have under his control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance. If you are charged with a crime of the First Degree you between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. The defendant shall, except as provided in N.J.S.2C:35-12 (Waiver of Mandatory Minimum and Extended Terms), be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court. A fine of up to $500,000.00 may be imposed;
*Manufacturing, Distributing, or Dispensing Cocaine is a violation subject to sentencing under the “Brimage Guidelines,” which eliminates the defense attorney’s opportunity to argue for a downward departure at the time of sentencing (lower sentencing).
If you find yourself in the situation that your or a family member is charged with Possession of Cocaine, and or Manufacturing, Distributing, or Dispensing Cocaine, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately, especially given the potential prison sentence associated with a conviction. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is committed to ensuring that your rights are protected in court and that you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. She has successfully represented thousands of individuals charged with various drug offenses in towns like Paterson, Wayne, and Clifton. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
