In most areas of the country, drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively, and a conviction can result in long-term negative consequences that can greatly affect the life of those accused. From long, mandatory prison sentences to expensive fines to lengthy probation requirements, a drug crime conviction can decimate a person’s life, resulting in a criminal record, a broken family and a bad reputation.
Two men living in Hackensack, New Jersey, are currently facing serious drug charges for their alleged roles in what prosecutors are calling a cocaine trafficking ring. The men, who were indicted recently on drug charges, were arrested in a warehouse last year where police say they confiscated $1.4 million in cocaine and $1.1 million in cash.
The indictment charges the men with first-degree possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy and money laundering. Two other men were also arrested at the time, and all four men remain in jail. Bond for each man has been set at $250,000. If convicted, each man could face 10 to 20 years in prison.
Those facing allegations of drug crimes and drug possession need effective defenses to reduce the potentially negative outcomes of a conviction and to lessen the potential penalties that may be incurred. In drug cases like this, prosecutors will often try to get suspects to turn against each other in exchange for generous plea deals. Each suspect needs to be aware of what that could mean.
Source: Northjersey.com, “Four indicted in Bergen County cocaine ring,” Abbott Koloff, Jan. 17, 2013
