Mahwah Possession and Distribution of Vicodin Defense Attorneys 

Caught with Vicodin Bergen County, Need a Lawyer? Call Us Now 

Vicodin drug possession NJVicodin is a pain-relief medication that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. In addition to providing relief from moderate-to-severe pain, hydrocodone can also be used as a cough medicine. Vicodin is similar to codeine, but the effects of Vicodin are six-to-eight times stronger. Common effects of Vicodin use are euphoria and light-headedness. Because Vicodin is designed to prevent the body from perceiving pain, Vicodin use can easily turn into Vicodin abuse. Often, a person who has been legally prescribed Vicodin following surgery will find himself or herself addicted to the drug after the prescription has been exhausted. Drug rehab centers throughout the United States are filled with people who have become addicted to Vicodin. The high propensity for abuse of Vicodin means that New Jersey prosecutors will not hesitate to seek the maximum punishments in Vicodin cases, making a knowledgeable defense attorney an indispensable asset if you are facing drug charges involving Vicodin or another prescription drug.

The Tormey Law Firm, with offices in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a trial team of aggressive criminal and drug defense lawyers, including a former New Jersey prosecutor with extensive experience handling drug crime cases. Our defense attorneys have also successfully defended countless clients against drug crime charges, including marijuana possession, prescription fraud, and cocaine possession throughout New Jersey, including in Mahwah, Hackensack, and East Rutherford. Producing positive results and satisfied clients has earned us a coveted reputation that precedes us in courtroom across the state. A former client said this about their experience with our firm: “Thank you Attorney Tormey (and firm) for your outstanding effort in resolving my case. I can wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone needing strong legal representation.” To read more of our clients reviews on Avvo.com, click here.

If you have been charged with a drug-related offense in New Jersey, call us today at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation about your case. You can also continue reading this page for more information about Vicodin charges in New Jersey.

 

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

In New Jersey, it is 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 Vicodin is prohibited unless carried out by a licensed physician, dentist, veterinarian, or pharmacist. As set forth by the Controlled Substance Act, Hydrocodone (Vicodin) can be classified as either a Schedule II or Schedule III controlled dangerous substance (CDS), depending on the dosage. Hydrocodone products containing 15mg of hydrocodone per dose are Schedule II substances, while products like cough syrup are Schedule III substances. Schedule II drugs have an accepted medical use but a high potential for abuse that can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Schedule II drugs are the most powerful drugs which can be legally prescribed in the United States. The penalties for possession or distribution of Vicodin vary, depending on the number of pills that are seized.

First Degree: Vicodin Possession with Intent to Distribute, Distribution

The most serious charge is first degree intent to distribute Vicodin. If a person is caught selling more than 100 Vicodin pills, he or she could be looking at a term of imprisonment of between 10 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.

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

Another extremely serious Vicodin charge is second degree intent to distribute Vicodin. A porsecutor can bring this charge if the offender possessed 100 or more pills and did 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. Additionally, a conviction could result in a $300,000.00 fine.

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

In New Jersey, possession of between five (5) and 99 Vicodin pills without a valid prescription is classified as a third degree crime. If you are convicted of third degree possession of Vicodin, you could be sentenced to between three (3) and five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison and fined up to $200,000.00.

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

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

Disorderly Persons Offense: Vicodin Possession

As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-24, possession of four (4) or fewer pills is a disorderly persons offense. This means that if you are caught with a pill outside the bottle or container in which it was dispensed, you may be charged with disorderly persons possession of Vicodin. Additionally, simply being under the influence of Vicodin 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 Vicodin to a Police Officer

Another related charge is failure to turn over Vicodin 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 considered a disorderly persons offense. Often, this will be a downgraded charge that prosecutors use in a Vicodin case. If convicted of this charge, you could be looking at 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 Drug Defense Lawyers at The Tormey Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been charged with a prescription drug offense in New Jersey, contact the attorneys at the Bergen County, NJ Tormey Law Firm for immediate assistance. Our lawyers can be contacted day or night at (201)-330-4979 to provide the answers to your questions. You can also use our online contact form or schedule an appointment at our office, centrally located in Hackensack, New Jersey.


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