According to authorities, A 26 year-old woman was arrested twice in one day and charged with drug possession. Police in Andover were first called to a domestic incident between Deanna Wassmer and her neighbors. Wassmer was subsequently taken to custody after police learned that she had two open warrants out of Stanhope and Hopatcong. Police allege that she became irate and was screaming and kicking equipment at headquarters. Police allege she then took out a wax fold of heroin and snorted it. After refusing medical treatment, she was processed and released.
Police allege that later that afternoon Wassmer returned to headquarters looking for her misplaced keys. When officers couldn’t help she began screaming, and she left. Within moments, police were called to the Cravin Thai restaurant where Wassmer was irate and disorderly and was subsequently arrested. This time, while in police headquarters, she began removing her clothes and attempting to urinate on the floor. She allegedly told the officers that she would “intentionally defecate and urinate on the bench and shove officers’ faces in it.” Wassmer’s arrests included possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disorderly conduct charges. She was transported to Newton Medical Center for medical evaluation. Click here to read more at www.dailyvoice.com.
The state of New Jersey takes possession of heroin cases very seriously. 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 your or a loved one is charged with possession of heroin, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately especially given the potential jail sentence. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending countless individuals charged with drug offenses in towns like Wayne, Clifton, and Paterson. She is committed to ensuring your rights are protected and that you achieve the best possible outcome in court. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
