Monmouth County Drug Charge Lawyers
Legal Representation in Middlesex County and Across New Jersey
Drug charges, from possession to distribution, can result in life-altering penalties. The most serious is the possibility of a jail sentence. Consequences of conviction also include hefty fines and a permanent record that can limit employment and housing opportunities, even after the sentence has been served.
Defendants deserve a vigorous defense lawyer, and that’s why Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo is here. Serving clients in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and throughout the state of New Jersey, we know how to investigate allegations, challenge law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office, and work to protect the rights of our clients.
Attorney Diaz-Cobo is one of the few Latino criminal defense lawyers in the area. He serves both the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking communities. He’s built an impressive track record since our firm was founded in 2006. Attorney Diaz-Cobo has won recognition from his peers, both in the state of New Jersey and nationally. He’s been featured on major national media, including ABC, NBC, CNN, Fox, Asbury Park Press, Star Ledger, the NY Times, and the Wall Street Journal.
We’re even more gratified by what the people we’ve served say about Attorney Diaz-Cobo—he’s won a lot of good reviews for his work in protecting the freedom of those who come through our doors.
Call Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Possession and Distribution
Possession of illegal substances simply means having a controlled drug on your person or in an area you exercise control over (i.e., the glove compartment). Charges often depend on the type and amount of the drug. A small amount of marijuana, for example, might lead to lesser penalties, while possession of heroin or cocaine is treated more severely. Possession charges can escalate if drug paraphernalia, like syringes or scales, is also present.
Drug distribution focuses on the intent to sell or share controlled substances. Law enforcement may use specific evidence, such as large quantities of drugs, packaging materials, or cash, to prove intent to distribute. Distribution charges carry harsher penalties compared to possession.
Schedule of Drugs in New Jersey
New Jersey law categorizes controlled substances into five distinct Schedules. Each Schedule is classified based on the drug’s medical use, potential for abuse, and likelihood of dependency.
When facing serious criminal charges, you need a relentless, trial-ready defense. As a Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and award-winning attorney, Carlos Diaz-Cobo has the experience, reputation, and courtroom skill to fight for the best outcome in your case.
Fourth Amendment Rights in Drug Cases
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable government searches and seizures. This vital protection often plays a significant role in drug crime cases, where evidence typically comes from searches of homes, vehicles, or personal belongings. For someone facing drug charges, these constitutional rights can be a powerful tool in challenging how evidence was obtained and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
To lawfully conduct a search, law enforcement must have a valid warrant supported by probable cause. Probable cause means there is a reasonable belief that evidence of illegal activity is present in the location being searched.
If law enforcement lacks a warrant, they need a recognized exception, such as consent from the individual, the presence of evidence in plain view, or exigent circumstances where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm or the destruction of evidence.
When these requirements are violated, the search may be deemed unconstitutional, and any evidence obtained as a result could be inadmissible in court. This is known as the "exclusionary rule."
For example, if drugs are found during an unlawful traffic stop without reasonable suspicion, we could argue to suppress that evidence. Similarly, if police enter a home without a warrant and without meeting an exception, the evidence collected inside is likely to be thrown out.
