Burlington County Importation Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Importation of controlled substances is a federal crime under 21 U.S.C. § 952, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Conviction carries severe penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences. As an experienced importation lawyer, Burlington County clients can rely on Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a strategic defense. We provide 24/7 consultations to address these urgent federal charges.
Federal Importation Law and Penalties
Importation, also referred to as smuggling, involves bringing a controlled substance into the United States from another country. This is distinct from simple possession or distribution and is aggressively prosecuted by federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case will be heard in federal court, not the Burlington County Superior Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 21 U.S.C. § 952 (official U.S. Code)
The foundation of our practice is built on the experience of our founder, a former prosecutor, who established the firm in 1997. This background provides critical insight into the strategies employed by federal prosecutors in Burlington County and throughout New Jersey.
Key Resources for Understanding Federal Charges
Understanding the statutes and the court process is vital. The official U.S. Code provides the legal definitions, while the federal court’s website offers procedural information.
- 21 U.S.C. § 952 – Importation of controlled substances
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Local Defense Strategy for Burlington County
Federal importation cases originating in or near Burlington County are demanding. They often involve wiretaps, undercover operations, and international coordination. An early and aggressive defense is essential to challenge the government’s evidence before your case is presented to a grand jury for indictment.
- Immediate Legal Intervention: Contact an attorney the moment you are aware of an investigation. Do not speak to federal agents without counsel.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: Your attorney will subpoena discovery, including surveillance reports, communication intercepts, and agent notes.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiations: Before formal charges are filed, your lawyer may negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to avoid indictment or reduce charges.
- Motion Practice: File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Plea Decision: Based on the strength of the evidence, you will decide with your counsel whether to proceed to trial or negotiate a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Importation Convictions
In Burlington County, an importation conviction carries mandatory federal prison time, with sentences heavily dependent on the drug type and quantity involved.
| Substance (Schedule) | Mandatory Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heroin, Fentanyl (I, II) | 5-10 years | Up to life | $5-10 million |
| Cocaine (II) | 5-10 years | Up to life | $5-10 million |
| Methamphetamine (II) | 5-10 years | Up to life | $5-10 million |
| Marijuana (I) * | Varies | 5-40 years | $5-250,000 |
* Penalties vary widely based on quantity; any amount over 1,000 kg carries a 10-year mandatory minimum.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Importation Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founder’s background as a former prosecutor provides a unique advantage in anticipating federal tactics. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in federal cases, including dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements for our clients.
Documented Case Results
Our firm-wide approach to federal drug defense has yielded positive results. While every case is unique, our strategies are informed by a history of challenging the government’s evidence. We have successfully argued for the suppression of evidence obtained through questionable border searches and have negotiated outcomes that avoided mandatory minimum sentences for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact an Importation Lawyer Near Me in Burlington County
If you need an importation lawyer near me Burlington County, our team is accessible. Our New Jersey location serves Burlington County, including areas near Mount Holly, Moorestown, and Marlton. We are familiar with the local federal procedures and are prepared to defend you.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Phone: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
Frequently Asked Questions (Importation Charges)
What is the difference between importation and possession with intent to distribute?
Yes, there is a major difference. Importation specifically involves bringing drugs across an international border into the U.S., which is a federal crime. Possession with intent to distribute can be a state charge and does not require proof the drugs came from another country. The penalties for federal importation are typically more severe.
Can I be charged if the drugs were found in a package with my name on it, but I didn’t order them?
It depends. Prosecutors must prove you knowingly imported the drugs. An experienced importation lawyer Burlington County can argue lack of knowledge or that someone else used your name. Defense often focuses on challenging the intent element, which is required for a conviction under federal law.
What are the common defenses to a federal importation charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge (you were unaware of the contents), unlawful search and seizure at the border, mistaken identity, chain of custody issues with the evidence, and entrapment. An affordable importation lawyer Burlington County clients trust will investigate all possible defenses based on the specific facts of your case.
Is bail available in federal importation cases?
Yes, but it is not guaranteed. After an initial hearing, a judge will decide based on flight risk and danger to the community. Given the serious nature of importation charges, the government often argues for detention. A strong argument from your attorney is important to secure pre-trial release.
How long does a federal importation case typically take?
Federal cases move slower than state cases. From investigation to resolution, a case can take one to two years or longer, especially if it goes to trial. The pre-trial motion phase is often lengthy as both sides review extensive evidence gathered by federal agencies.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance regarding your importation charge.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey importation practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. 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 federal Immigration and Nationality Act. 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 · Importation Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Importation Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Importation Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.