If you have been charged with a drug-related offense in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in Monmouth County or Ocean County, you are facing serious legal consequences that could impact your freedom, career, and future. New Jersey takes drug crimes very seriously, and prosecutors in local courts often push for the maximum penalties allowed by law. Even a first offense for simple possession can carry jail time, fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life.
At Mallon and Tranger, we understand how stressful and overwhelming these situations can be.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have represented clients in Freehold, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park, Brick, Long Branch, Toms River, and other communities throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County for decades. We have defended cases ranging from misdemeanor possession to major drug trafficking charges in both state and federal court.
Whether your case involves allegations of possessing marijuana in Freehold, distributing cocaine in Point Pleasant, or manufacturing controlled substances anywhere in Monmouth County or Ocean County, we have the knowledge, skill, and local insight to fight for your rights. Our team is dedicated to building strong defenses tailored to the facts of your case and the unique legal landscape of New Jersey.
Different Drug Crimes We Defend
Drug crime charges in New Jersey encompass a broad range of alleged conduct, each carrying its own set of legal challenges and potential penalties. At Mallon and Tranger, we have represented clients in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County who are accused of everything from simple possession to complex federal trafficking cases. Because the laws in New Jersey are strict and prosecutors are often aggressive in pursuing convictions, it is critical to understand exactly what type of charge you are facing and how an experienced defense attorney can protect your rights.
We provide skilled defense in cases involving:
- Possession: Being found with a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) without a valid prescription or lawful authority can lead to serious criminal charges. This includes drugs like marijuana (in amounts exceeding legal possession limits), cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and unlawfully obtained prescription medications. Even a small amount of certain substances can result in felony-level charges in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and surrounding communities, potentially leading to fines, probation, or jail time.
- Manufacturing: Producing or cultivating controlled substances is treated as one of the most serious drug offenses in New Jersey. Examples include operating a methamphetamine lab, cultivating marijuana plants without a license, or producing synthetic drugs. Manufacturing charges in Monmouth County or Ocean County often come with additional allegations such as maintaining a drug production facility, which can carry lengthy state prison sentences and significant fines.
- Distribution: Selling or intending to sell illegal drugs in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or any other New Jersey city is considered a far more serious offense than possession alone. The severity of the charge often depends on the type of drug, the amount, and the location of the alleged transaction. Distribution near schools, public parks, or public housing can trigger enhanced penalties under New Jersey law.
- Trafficking: Large-scale trafficking cases typically involve transporting or delivering substantial quantities of drugs. These cases may be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, with federal trafficking charges often carrying mandatory minimum sentences. In Monmouth County and Ocean County, trafficking cases frequently require in-depth investigation into wiretaps, surveillance evidence, and confidential informant testimony, all of which our attorneys are experienced in challenging.
- Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Charges: New Jersey law defines CDS broadly to include both illegal drugs and certain prescription medications. Charges for possession, manufacturing, or distribution of these substances without legal authorization can lead to felony convictions and long-term consequences, including loss of employment, professional licenses, and housing opportunities.
At Mallon and Tranger, we have defended clients charged with these offenses in Freehold, Point Pleasant, Brick, Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Toms River. Our attorneys know how to scrutinize every step of the investigation, from the initial stop to the handling of evidence, to build the strongest possible defense.
Understanding New Jersey’s Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Schedules
Under the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substance Act, all illegal drugs and certain prescription medications are classified into one of five schedules. This classification system plays a major role in determining the severity of the charges and the potential penalties you may face. Courts in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and across Monmouth County and Ocean County use these schedules to guide sentencing, with Schedule I offenses generally carrying the harshest penalties.
- Schedule I: These drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use under New Jersey law. Common examples include heroin, LSD, and MDMA (Ecstasy). Possession or distribution involving a Schedule I substance in Monmouth County or Ocean County is treated with extreme seriousness and can result in years of imprisonment, substantial fines, and lasting collateral consequences.
- Schedule II: Substances in this category also have a high potential for abuse but are recognized for certain medical uses under strict regulation. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl. Charges involving Schedule II drugs can still lead to severe prison sentences, particularly for manufacturing or distribution. In Freehold and Point Pleasant, prosecutors often seek maximum penalties in Schedule II cases involving large quantities or aggravating factors.
- Schedule III: These substances have a moderate potential for abuse and accepted medical uses, such as anabolic steroids, ketamine, and certain barbiturates. While penalties for Schedule III charges may be less severe than for Schedule I or II drugs, they can still involve incarceration, significant fines, and the long-term impact of a criminal record.
- Schedule IV: These drugs have a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule III substances and are commonly prescribed for legitimate medical reasons. Examples include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien. Even so, unlawful possession or distribution of Schedule IV substances in Monmouth County or Ocean County can still lead to serious legal trouble.
- Schedule V: Substances in this category have the lowest potential for abuse and accepted medical uses. Many involve small amounts of narcotics, such as cough syrups with codeine. While penalties for Schedule V offenses tend to be lighter, they can still include jail time, fines, and other restrictions, especially for repeat offenders.
In any drug case, understanding where the substance falls within the CDS schedules is essential to building a defense. At Mallon and Tranger, we have successfully challenged both the classification and laboratory testing of alleged controlled substances in cases originating in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and other New Jersey cities. In some situations, errors in testing or misidentification of the drug have led to the dismissal of charges entirely.
Consequences and Penalties of Drug Crime Charges in New Jersey
The consequences for drug crimes in New Jersey can be life-changing, with penalties that depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of drug involved, the quantity in question, whether the charge is for possession, distribution, or manufacturing, and the defendant’s prior criminal history. In Freehold and Point Pleasant, as well as throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County, prosecutors are known for pursuing these charges aggressively. Even a seemingly minor charge can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life.
Potential penalties include:
- Incarceration: Sentences for drug crimes in New Jersey can range from probation and county jail for minor offenses to many years or even decades in state prison for major trafficking or manufacturing convictions. For example, someone convicted of possessing a small amount of marijuana over the legal limit in Freehold may face probation or short jail time, while a person convicted of distributing large amounts of heroin in Point Pleasant could face decades behind bars.
- Fines: Financial penalties for drug offenses can be substantial, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars. These fines can create a significant financial burden, especially when combined with other court costs, restitution, and the impact of lost income during incarceration.
- Loss of Driving Privileges: Under New Jersey law, many drug convictions result in mandatory suspension of your driver’s license, even if the offense did not involve operating a vehicle. This can make it difficult to commute to work, attend school, or manage daily responsibilities in areas like Freehold and Point Pleasant, where driving is often essential.
- Probation and Community Service: In some cases, courts impose probation instead of or in addition to jail time. Probation can involve strict conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, mandatory participation in drug treatment programs, drug testing, and community service hours that must be completed within a set period.
- Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for a drug crime will remain on your criminal record and can affect future employment opportunities, housing applications, college admissions, and eligibility for certain professional licenses. This stigma can follow you for life, even if you never reoffend.
In Monmouth County and Ocean County, aggravating factors can make penalties even harsher. These may include prior drug convictions, committing the offense within 1,000 feet of a school or public housing, using minors in the commission of the crime, or possessing firearms during the offense.
At Mallon and Tranger, we have successfully represented clients in Freehold, Point Pleasant, Brick, Asbury Park, and Toms River whose charges carried such aggravating circumstances. Through strategic motions, evidence challenges, and skillful negotiation, we have been able to have charges reduced or dismissed in many cases.
Common Defenses Against Drug Crime Charges in New Jersey
Every drug crime case is unique, but there are several proven legal defenses that can be used to challenge charges in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County. A strong defense requires a thorough review of the facts, the evidence, and the actions of law enforcement.
Some common defenses include:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from illegal searches and seizures. If police obtained evidence without a valid search warrant, without probable cause, or through a search that exceeded the scope of the warrant, that evidence may be suppressed and deemed inadmissible in court. For example, if a Freehold police officer searched your vehicle without your consent or probable cause; the drugs found may not be allowed as evidence.
- Lack of Possession: The prosecution must prove that you knowingly possessed the drugs in question. If the drugs were found in a shared home, a borrowed vehicle, or a public area, it can be argued that you did not have ownership or control over them. We have successfully defended clients in Point Pleasant and Monmouth County by showing the drugs were not theirs and they had no knowledge of their presence.
- Chain of Custody Errors: Evidence must be handled according to strict protocols to maintain its integrity. If there is a break or inconsistency in the documented chain of custody from the time the drugs were seized to when they were tested, the reliability of that evidence can be challenged.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement officers or undercover agents persuaded or pressured you into committing a drug-related act that you would not have otherwise committed, you may have been a victim of entrapment. This defense often applies in sting operations and must be carefully examined with the help of an experienced attorney.
- Lab Testing Issues: The prosecution must prove that the seized substance is indeed an illegal drug. Errors in lab testing, contamination, or mishandling of samples can cast doubt on the results. In some cases, independent testing has revealed that the alleged drugs were actually legal substances or did not contain the controlled substances claimed by the state.
At Mallon and Tranger, we have applied these defenses successfully in cases in Freehold, Point Pleasant, Brick, Toms River, Asbury Park, and other New Jersey communities. We examine every aspect of the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses, procedural violations, and factual inaccuracies, giving our clients the strongest possible chance at a favorable outcome.
Marijuana Laws in New Jersey
In recent years, marijuana laws in New Jersey have undergone major changes, but that does not mean possession, sale, or use is free of legal risk. Whether you live in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in Monmouth County or Ocean County, it is important to understand what is legal and what can still result in criminal charges.
Is Marijuana Legal Recreationally in New Jersey?
Yes, marijuana is legal for recreational use in New Jersey for adults aged 21 and over. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act allows adults to purchase and possess up to six ounces of cannabis or 17 grams of hashish. Licensed dispensaries are the only authorized sellers, and purchases from unlicensed dealers remain illegal.
While legalization has reduced arrests for small amounts of marijuana, there are still numerous laws governing possession, use, and sale that can lead to serious legal trouble if violated.
What Happens if You’re Stopped With Marijuana in New Jersey?
If you are within the legal possession limits and are at least 21 years old, you will generally not face charges. However, you can still be cited or arrested if:
- You are under 21 and in possession of any amount of marijuana.
- You possess more than six ounces of cannabis or 17 grams of hashish.
- The marijuana was obtained from an unlicensed source.
- You are impaired while driving. New Jersey treats marijuana DUIs similarly to alcohol-related DUIs.
- You possess marijuana on school property or in other restricted areas.
Law enforcement in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and other towns still enforces these restrictions, and violations can carry fines, license suspensions, and even jail time for larger quantities or distribution.
Distribution and Cultivation Laws
Selling marijuana without a license is still a criminal offense. Even gifting marijuana in amounts over the legal limit can be treated as distribution under New Jersey law. Cultivating marijuana plants without a state-issued license remains illegal, and penalties can escalate quickly based on the number of plants involved.
Marijuana and Federal Law
It is also important to remember that marijuana remains illegal under federal law. This means possession or distribution on federal property, including some parks, military bases, or federal buildings in New Jersey, can still result in federal charges.
Why You Still Need Legal Representation
Even with legalization, the marijuana laws in New Jersey are complex and still evolving. Misunderstanding possession limits, purchasing from an unlicensed source, or driving after consumption can all lead to criminal charges. At Mallon and Tranger, we have represented clients throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County in marijuana-related cases, securing dismissals, reduced charges, and alternative sentencing when possible.
If you have been arrested or cited for a marijuana offense in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or a surrounding community, our attorneys can guide you through your options and protect your rights in court.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Drug Crime Charge?
Facing a drug crime charge in New Jersey can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. These cases often move quickly, and prosecutors in places like Freehold and Point Pleasant are known for pursuing tough penalties, especially when the charges involve distribution, manufacturing, or large quantities of controlled substances. Having an experienced defense attorney on your side is essential to ensuring your rights are protected from the very beginning.
A knowledgeable lawyer will not only evaluate the evidence but will also look for opportunities to weaken the prosecution’s case before it even reaches trial. By understanding both the letter of the law and how local courts operate in Monmouth County and Ocean County, a skilled attorney can develop a defense strategy that fits your specific circumstances.
An experienced drug crime attorney can:
- Review the evidence for constitutional violations or procedural errors
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Prepare for trial with strong cross-examination and expert testimony
- Advocate for rehabilitation and diversion programs when appropriate
At Mallon and Tranger, we combine decades of criminal defense experience with a deep knowledge of the legal landscape in Freehold, Point Pleasant, Brick, Toms River, and surrounding New Jersey communities. Our firm has successfully secured dismissals, reduced charges, and alternative resolutions for clients facing all types of drug offenses by tailoring our approach to the unique facts of each case.
Additional Legal Services
While Mallon and Tranger has earned a strong reputation for defending clients against drug crime charges, our legal team provides skilled and aggressive representation in a wide range of other criminal defense matters. We believe in delivering the same level of dedication and strategy to every case, whether it is a misdemeanor or a serious felony. Clients in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County turn to our firm for help in the following practice areas:
- DUI/DWI Defense
- Domestic Violence Defense
- Assault and Violent Crimes
- Theft and Property Crimes
- Juvenile Crimes
- White-Collar Crimes
- And more
Our attorneys are prepared to defend clients in all stages of the legal process, from investigation and arrest to trial and post-conviction appeals. By leveraging our trial experience, negotiation skills, and commitment to protecting our clients’ rights, we work to secure the best possible results in even the most challenging cases.
Why Choose Mallon and Tranger
When it comes to drug crime defense in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County, Mallon and Tranger stands out for a combination of deep experience, proven courtroom success, and unwavering client commitment.
- Decades of Legal Experience: Founded in 1985 by Thomas J. Mallon, who has been admitted to the bar since 1984 and is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney, our firm brings nearly four decades of courtroom expertise
- Recognized Litigation Strength: Randall L. Tranger, a New York Law School graduate admitted in 2004, is a seasoned trial lawyer who earned a spot on the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list from 2014 to 2016.
- Local Roots, Broad Reach: With offices in both Freehold and Point Pleasant, we are intimately familiar with how drug crime cases are handled locally, not only the law but also local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures.
- Client-First Approach: From the beginning, our firm has focused on providing personal attention and strategic solutions tailored to each client’s needs, whether navigating complex evidence, negotiating reductions, or preparing for trial.
When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line in New Jersey, Mallon and Tranger combines trial-tested skills with local insight to fiercely defend your rights, advocating for you in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and every community across Monmouth County and Ocean County.
Contact Mallon and Tranger After a New Jersey Drug Charge
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in Monmouth County or Ocean County, you need to act quickly. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the more options you have for building a strong defense.
Mallon and Tranger has offices in both Freehold and Point Pleasant, making it easy for clients in Asbury Park, Brick, Toms River, Long Branch, Neptune, and surrounding communities to get the help they need. We provide confidential consultations to review your charges, explain your legal rights, and outline a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
