Drug Distribution Lawyer Burlington County — Defending Against Serious NJ Charges
Drug distribution in Burlington County is an indictable crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, carrying severe penalties including mandatory prison for certain amounts and degrees. As a drug distribution lawyer Burlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges heard at the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage. Our firm has extensive experience handling drug cases across New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Drug Distribution Laws & Penalties
Drug distribution, also called distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), is prosecuted aggressively in New Jersey under Title 2C of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. The specific statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, defines the offense and establishes penalties based on the type, weight, and location of the drug involved. Unlike simple possession, distribution charges imply an intent to sell, deliver, or dispense, which elevates the severity. These cases are always heard in the Superior Court, not Municipal Court, as they are indictable crimes (felony equivalents). The Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage in Mount Holly handles all indictable drug distribution cases for the county.
- Arrest & Initial Charges: You will be charged with an indictable crime and your case will be scheduled in Superior Court.
- First Appearance & Detention Hearing: Under NJ bail reform, a judge will determine if you are released pretrial based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor, present mitigating evidence, or challenge the state’s case before formal indictment.
- Post-Indictment & Discovery: Formal charges are filed, and both sides exchange evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your attorney will work toward a favorable plea deal, such as PTI or a reduced charge, or prepare for trial.
Penalties for Drug Distribution in Burlington County
In Burlington County, drug distribution carries penalties ranging from 3-5 years in prison for a third-degree crime up to life imprisonment for a first-degree crime, with mandatory minimums and significant fines.
| Offense (Examples) | Degree/Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dist. of < 1 oz Marijuana | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Driver’s license suspension, DEDR penalty |
| Dist. of Heroin/Cocaine (Certain Amounts) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $75,000 | Mandatory parole ineligibility periods apply |
| Dist. of Large Quantities or Near a School | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Presumption of imprisonment; extended parole ineligibility |
| Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network | 1st Degree Crime | Life Imprisonment | Up to $500,000 | Mandatory minimum 25 years without parole |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Burlington County Drug Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling criminal matters, including drug distribution and trafficking defense. While specific Burlington County results are part of our broader practice, our firm-wide approach is grounded in a deep understanding of New Jersey’s strict drug laws and the procedural nuances of the Burlington Vicinage court. We scrutinize every aspect of the case, from the legality of the search and seizure to the chain of custody of evidence and the credibility of witnesses.
Our defense strategy for a distribution of controlled substances lawyer Burlington County case may involve challenging the evidence, negotiating for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for eligible first-time offenders, or pursuing a plea to a lesser charge like possession. For those facing the most serious allegations, our drug trafficking defense lawyer Burlington County team prepares a vigorous trial defense.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and Medford. We are familiar with the local courts and prosecutors’ offices, which is important for building an effective defense strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between drug possession and drug distribution in New Jersey?
It depends on intent and circumstances. Possession is for personal use. Distribution implies intent to sell, deliver, or dispense, which is a more serious indictable crime. Factors like quantity, packaging, scales, cash, and communications can lead to distribution charges.
Does New Jersey have cash bail for drug distribution charges?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in 2017. Pretrial release for indictable crimes like distribution is determined by a judge using a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not money. A detention hearing is held shortly after arrest.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a drug distribution charge?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time indictable offenders. If accepted and you successfully complete 1-3 years of supervision, the distribution charge is dismissed. Eligibility is not automatic; a strong application and advocacy by your drug distribution lawyer Burlington County are essential.
Can I go to Drug Court for a distribution charge in Burlington County?
Possibly. New Jersey Drug Court is for non-violent offenders with substance use disorders. While typically for possession, some distribution charges may be eligible if they stem from addiction. Admission requires a plea of guilty and is a rigorous program.
What are the defenses to a drug distribution charge?
Common defenses include challenging the legality of the stop or search (Fourth Amendment), lack of knowledge or intent, entrapment, mistaken identity, or flaws in the evidence chain of custody. A drug trafficking defense lawyer Burlington County will identify the best defense based on the facts.
If you are facing drug distribution charges in Burlington County, contact a drug distribution lawyer Burlington County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a case evaluation. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Related Pages: New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer | Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Burlington County DUI Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change. Contact our location for current guidance regarding your specific situation.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.