A man in New Jersey recently received a prison sentence for taking part in a ring responsible for selling designer drugs and cocaine. Authorities said the man marketed these drugs online and then distributed them through the mail. He was sentenced to a total of 19 years behind bars. A strong criminal defense is generally necessary to protect the freedom and future of any individual who is similarly accused of committing a drug crime in New Jersey.
The 37-year-old man who was sentenced to prison had previously entered a guilty plea for a charge of leading a drug trafficking network (first degree). The man admitted to helping to lead a drug ring, including 11 individuals. He will have to serve 16 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.
A 33-year-old partner of the man, who created the enterprise, pleaded guilty to the same type of charge. In addition, a 31-year-old man pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution and racketeering charges in connection with the drug ring, and was sentenced to a decade behind bars. He admitted to helping to obtain drugs as well as handling the packaging/shipping of these items. The other ring members also pleaded guilty and face or have already received sentences of five to 10 years in prison.
When individuals in New Jersey face drug charges, it is within their rights to proceed to trial to fight these charges. However, alternatively, they may seek to negotiate plea deals with the prosecution, as this might lead to lighter charges and/or more lenient sentences than what they would receive following guilty findings at trial. A criminal defense attorney will pursue the most personally favorable route for the defendant, considering the unique circumstances of his or her case.