drugs

Leader of a Drug Trafficking Network Attorney in Ocean County

Leader of a Drug Trafficking Network Jackson NJ

Ocean County Drug Trafficking Attorney

While a drug ring may have one individual “calling the shots”, that does not prevent the State from charging multiple members with being so-called “leaders” of a drug trafficking network under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3. If you are charged with the first degree felony offense for being the leader of a drug trafficking network you are facing life imprisonment with 25 years of parole ineligibility. I do not need to tell you that this is truly a life-altering criminal charge. If you have been charged under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3, you need the representation of an experienced criminal trial attorney. If your charges are in Ocean County, contact the Toms River Criminal Trial Attorneys at 848-238-2100. First degree charges typically involve Detention Hearings and various pretrial litigation and motons. It is imperative that you act proactively and quickly in obtaining counsel to act on your behalf.

N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3 Drug Trafficking Leader Charges

A person is a leader of a narcotics trafficking network if he or she “conspires with others as an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager, to engage for profit in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, bring into, or transport in this State methamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, phencyclidine, or any controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule I or II or any controlled substance analog thereof.

In order to convict the defendant, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. That the defendant conspired with two or more persons.
  2. That the conspiracy included a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully (manufacture, distribute, dispense, bring into, or transport) in this State a controlled dangerous substance (heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, etc.)
  3. That the defendant was an organizer, supervisor, financier or manager in such a conspiracy (explained in more detail below)
  4. That the defendant occupied a high level position in the conspiracy.
  5. That the defendant engaged in the conspiracy for profit.

What is an Organizer, Supervisor, Financier or Manager of a Drug Trafficking Network?

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3, an “organizer” is a person who arranges, devises, or plans a drug trafficking conspiracy. A “supervisor” is one who oversees the operation of a drug trafficking conspiracy. A “financier” is one who is responsible for providing the funds or resources necessary to operate a drug trafficking conspiracy. A “manager” is one who directs the operations of a drug trafficking conspiracy. The defendant, however, does not have to be the only or even the primary organizer, supervisor, financier or manager.

How Many Leaders Can there Be in a Drug Trafficking Network?

That depends. A leader is defined as someone who holds a held a high-level position in the drug trafficking conspiracy. In other words, the defendant needs to occupy a position of superior authority or control over other persons in a scheme or organization of drug distribution (or manufacture, dispensing or transportation) and that in that position the defendant exercised supervisory power or control over others engaged in the drug trafficking conspiracy. Depending on the number a individuals involved in the drug trafficking network, there may be multiple “leaders.”

Jail Time For Leader of a Drug Trafficking Network in New Jersey

Unlike other first degree crimes, a conviction for the first degree charge “leader of a drug trafficking network” carries an enhanced prison sentence. Specifically, a conviction under this offense may result in a life sentence in prison with 25 years before you may even become parole eligible. This is in addition to significant fines and other court assessments that may be deemed appropriate.

Toms River Drug Defense Attorney

It should go without saying that these charges are some of the most serious under New Jersey’s Criminal Code. If you or someone you love have been charged as a leader of a drug trafficking network, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession of a weapon, or any other litany of drug-related charges, call 848-238-2100 today. These cases typically involve months-long operations involving local, state or even federal authorities. Moreover, search warrants may be involved that require a careful eye to comb through what was and what was not permitted under these warrants. Allow our trial attorneys to review your case and determine what, if any, defenses exist to combat the State’s charges.