Englewood Loitering or Wandering in a Drug Zone Defense Attorneys 

Arrested for Loitering in a Drug Zone – Need Lawyer

Loitering in a Drug Zone Charges Bergen County NJIf you or a loved one has been charged with a drug-related offense, such as possession of marijuana, cocaine distribution, or illegal possession of prescription drugs, in a Bergen County municipality such as Leonia, Ho-Ho-Kus, and North Arlington, you do not need to confront these charges alone. The criminal defense attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm have served tirelessly on behalf of thousands of clients in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey. We pride ourselves on formulating comprehensive and effective defense strategies that are tailored to suit each client and each case. Using all of our knowledge and resources, we confidently enter courtrooms across the State and refuse to accept less than the best possible outcomes for our clients. Our attorneys are always available to provide free consultations. Simply contact us at our Hackensack, New Jersey offices at (201)-330-4979. A member of our defense team will be happy to assist you. Also, click here for a recent case in which Mr. Tormey was able to have a loitering in a drug zone case dismissed.

 

Loitering or Wandering in a Drug Zone in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1

Loitering or Wandering in a Drug Zone for the purpose of purchasing drugs is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. The charge is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1, which provides, in pertinent part:

§2C:33-2.1. Public place defined; loitering to obtain or distribute CDS is a disorderly persons offense

a. As used in this section:

“Public place” means any place to which the public has access, including but not limited to a public street, road, thoroughfare, sidewalk, bridge, alley, plaza, park, recreation or shopping area, public transportation facility, vehicle used for public transportation, parking lot, public library or any other public building, structure or area.

b. A person, whether on foot or in a motor vehicle, commits a disorderly persons offense if (1) he wanders, remains or prowls in a public place with the purpose of unlawfully obtaining or distributing a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; and (2) engages in conduct that, under the circumstances, manifests a purpose to obtain or distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.

c. Conduct that may, where warranted under the circumstances, be deemed adequate to manifest a purpose to obtain or distribute a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog includes, but is not limited to, conduct such as the following:

(1) Repeatedly beckoning to or stopping pedestrians or motorists in a public place;

(2) Repeatedly passing objects to or receiving objects from pedestrians or motorists in a public place;

(3) Repeatedly circling in a public place in a motor vehicle and on one or more occasions passing any object to or receiving any object from a person in a public place.

d. The element of the offense described in paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section may not be established solely by proof that the actor engaged in the conduct that is used to satisfy the element described in paragraph (2) of subsection b. of this section.

 

Wandering in a Drug Zone in New Jersey: Penalties Imposed 

As the above statute details, a charge for loitering or wandering in a drug zone for the purpose of purchasing drugs is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. This is similar to a misdemeanor and will be handled in the local municipal court in the municipality in which the crime allegedly occurred. The penalties for a disorderly persons offense can include:

  • Fine: Up to $1,000.00
  • Jail: Up to six (6) months in the county jail
  • Probation
  • A permanent criminal charge on your record

 

Contact The Tormey Law Firm in Hackensack NJ for Immediate Assistance 

A free consultation with one of our attorneys can be your first step toward successfully resolving your case. We can always be reached at our Hackensack, New Jersey offices at (201)-330-4979. Also, feel free to fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case or an in-person appointment at our office.


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.