Monmouth County Drug Crime Attorney
Legal Representation in Middlesex County & 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 attorney, 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 at (848) 207-2709 or contact us online today for a free consultation. Learn how our drug crime lawyer in Monmouth County can assist you in navigating the complexities of drug crime charges.
Types of Drug Charges in Monmouth County
Drug offenses in New Jersey fall into multiple categories, depending on the type of drug, the quantity, and the nature of the alleged conduct. Our Monmouth County drug crime lawyer can help defend against any of the following:
Drug Possession
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.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
When law enforcement believes that you intended to sell or distribute drugs, the charges escalate significantly. Possession with intent to distribute often involves larger quantities of drugs, the presence of packaging materials like baggies, digital scales, or large amounts of cash. Prosecutors may argue that these indicators show more than just personal use. A Monmouth County drug crime attorney can contest these assumptions by challenging the circumstances of the search, disputing ownership, or arguing the evidence is insufficient to prove intent.
Drug Distribution and Trafficking
Distribution and trafficking involve the sale, transport, or large-scale movement of controlled substances. This may include running drug operations, manufacturing narcotics, or participating in multi-person distribution networks. These are among the most serious drug charges under New Jersey law and can carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, especially when large quantities or high-level operations are involved. An experienced Monmouth County drug crime lawyer is critical in fighting these charges, potentially challenging the chain of custody, wiretap evidence, or surveillance used by the prosecution.
Prescription Drug Offenses
Prescription drug crimes include the illegal possession, use, or distribution of medications such as opioids (e.g., OxyContin), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax), or stimulants (e.g., Adderall). Common allegations include doctor shopping, forging prescriptions, or selling prescribed medication. While often involving legally manufactured drugs, these cases are prosecuted with the same seriousness as street drug offenses. A Monmouth County drug crime attorney can investigate whether you had lawful access to the medication or were misidentified, and can help seek medical treatment-based alternatives when appropriate.
Paraphernalia Charges
Paraphernalia charges involve the possession of items associated with drug use, including syringes, bongs, pipes, grinders, or rolling papers. While these items may appear minor, they often accompany other drug charges and can be used by prosecutors to support claims of drug use or distribution. A strong defense may focus on the item’s lawful purpose or challenge the legality of the search that uncovered it. A Monmouth County drug crime lawyer can help argue for dismissal, especially if no drugs were found in conjunction with the paraphernalia.
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. Understanding how a drug is scheduled can impact the strategy we use in your defense. By identifying the Schedule classification early in the legal process, our team can tailor our approach to suit the specific charges and potential defenses available.
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. Knowing the requisites for a lawful search allows us to meticulously examine police conduct and use any discrepancies to fortify your defense.
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." The application of this rule can lead to major shifts in a case, emphasizing the critical nature of each step in the pre-trial process.
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. Utilizing these legal tools appropriately not only serves to protect individual rights but also emphasizes the necessity for vigilance and assertiveness in legal representation.
How The Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo Can Help
The Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo will thoroughly examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures in obtaining evidence against their client. This involves reviewing police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements for any signs of unlawful conduct. Our attention to detail in this aspect of legal defense underscores our commitment to providing a meticulous and comprehensive defense approach.
Challenging evidence based on a Fourth Amendment violation can weaken the prosecution’s case and, in some situations, result in the dismissal of the charges altogether. The Fourth Amendment remains a powerful safeguard for anyone accused of a drug offense. The ability to utilize this constitutional protection can fundamentally alter the trajectory of the legal proceedings, reinforcing the importance of a knowledgeable legal team.
Get an Experienced Lawyer You Can Trust in Monmouth County
The Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo has been here in Monmouth County since 2006, helping defendants level the playing field in a system that too often works against them. We have an in-depth understanding of the law, procedure, investigative methods, and how to win at trial. When you or someone you love is facing drug charges in Monmouth County, you can count on us for wise counsel and passionate advocacy.
Our longstanding presence enhances our ability to provide strategic and effective representation tailored to the needs of our community. With Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo, you receive not only legal advice but also support throughout a challenging time, bolstered by a sincere commitment to defending your future.
Contact Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo today by calling (848) 207-2709. Discover how our seasoned approach and commitment to justice can make a difference in handling your legal challenges.
