Mahwah Possession and Distribution of Ritalin Defense Attorneys 

Illegal Possession of Ritalin without a Prescription? Call Us Now

Ritalin Possession Bergen County Need Lawyer NJRitalin is the brand name for methylphenidate. It is a prescription medication that is used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. Ritalin is functionally similar to Adderall, with both medications heightening alertness, focusing energy, and improving concentration. Although Ritalin is chemically similar to amphetamine, it has a more complex structure that affects the body differently. For example, some users describe Ritalin as producing less euphoria than amphetamines. Ritalin is popular among college student who need to pull “all-nighters” when studying for exams. Unfortunately, the drug’s popularity has spread to recreational use. The street names for Ritalin include “kiddy cocaine,” “Pineapple,” “Rids,” “Skittles,” “Smarties,” “uppers,” and “Vitamin R.” Because of the high rate of abuse of Ritalin, New Jersey prosecutors do not hesitate to seek the maximum allowable punishments in Ritalin cases.

The Tormey Law Firm is a trial team of aggressive criminal and drug defense lawyers, including a former New Jersey prosecutor. Having represented clients charged with all manner of drug offenses, including marijuana possession, prescription fraud, and Valium possession throughout New Jersey, including in Mahwah, Hackensack, and Lodi, we have developed a host of advanced defense strategies that we can use to help you beat your drug charges. Drug crime convictions in New Jersey can have serious consequences, resulting in jail time, fines, and suspension of your driving privileges. Don’t let your drug charges negatively impact your future. Call The Tormey Law Firm in Hackensack today at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation about your case. Learning all of your options and the defenses available to combat Ritalin charges will help you to move forward with confidence. And feel free to continue reading this page for more information on Ritalin charges in New Jersey.

 

N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5: Ritalin Law in New Jersey

New Jersey law makes it illegal to carry prescription drugs and certain medications unless you hold a valid prescription. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5, possession and/or distribution of Ritalin is prohibited unless carried out by a licensed physician, dentist, veterinarian, or pharmacist. As set forth by the Controlled Substance Act, Ritalin is a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (CDS). Schedule II drugs have an accepted medical use but a high potential for abuse that can lead to physical and psychological dependence. The penalties for possession or distribution of Ritalin vary, depending on the number of pills that are seized.

Second Degree: Ritalin Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution

The most serious charge is second degree intent to distribute Ritalin. Typically, this is the charge if the offender possesses 100 or more pills and does so for financial gain. If convicted of this charge, you could be looking at five (5) to ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison (with a presumption of incarceration) and a fine of $300,000.00.

Third Degree: Ritalin Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution

In New Jersey, possession of between five (5) and 99 Ritalin pills without a valid prescription is a third degree crime. If you are convicted of third degree possession of Ritalin, you could be looking at a sentence of between three (3) and five (5) years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000.00.

Fourth Degree: Ritalin Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution

If you possess four (4) or fewer Ritalin pills, it is classified as a fourth degree felony. This is punishable by up to 18 months in state prison.

Disorderly Persons Offense: Ritalin Possession

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:35-24, possession of four (4) or fewer pills is a disorderly persons offense. This essentially means that if you are caught with a pill outside the bottle or container in which it was dispensed, you could be charged with disorderly persons possession of Ritalin. Moreover, simply being under the influence of Ritalin in public without a valid prescription can be a disorderly persons offense. If convicted of this charge, you could face up to six (6) months in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

Disorderly Persons Offense: Failure to Turn Over Ritalin to a Police Officer

Another related charge is failure to turn over Ritalin to a law enforcement officer. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(c), failing to turn over drugs to police is a disorderly persons offense. Many times, this will be a downgraded charge that prosecutors use in a Ritalin case. If convicted of this charge, you could face up to six (6) months in the county jail, a $1,000.00 fine, and suspension of your driver’s license for at least six (6) months.

 

Call the Hackensack NJ Defense Attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm Today 

There are viable defenses available to successfully address a Ritalin charge. Our drug defense lawyers are fully prepared to examine the circumstances of your arrest and to undermine the validity of the search and associated evidence if possible. Additionally, if you have been arrested on Ritalin charges, you might be eligible for a diversionary program such as the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program or the conditional discharge program, depending on your prior record and the degree of your charges. If you are facing prescription drug charges in New Jersey, contact our offices 24 hours a day at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation about your case.


NJ CRIMINAL LAW VIDEO LIBRARY

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or traffic / DWI violation, you have the right to an attorney who will defend you against your charges and fight for your best interests. To learn more about how your attorney can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced, click a link below to see our video library of legal defenses and strategies.