A man in New Jersey has been accused of engaging in a conspiracy related to drug trafficking. Specifically, authorities arrested the 35-year-old man in early April for allegedly setting up an illegal drug mill from his apartment. A strong criminal defense will likely be necessary to help the man to combat the charge filed against him.
Police said they arrested the man after discovering that he was allegedly involved in an organization focused on trafficking drugs in New Jersey and a neighboring state. Before arresting him, police searched his home and reportedly recovered several kilograms each of cocaine and heroin. Authorities also reportedly found a total of $100,000.
While in the man’s home, police also reportedly uncovered drug packaging, a handgun, ammunition and drug paraphernalia, such as kilogram presses and scales. The man currently faces a charge of conspiring to obtain cocaine and heroin and intending to distribute these drugs. Following his arrest, he ended up being released on a secured bond of $200,000. If the man is convicted on his conspiracy charge, he faces between 10 years and a lifetime behind bars. In addition, he faces a $10 million fine.
The arrested man has the right to go to trial to fight his conspiracy charge. At trial, prosecutors must prove the man’s charge beyond a reasonable doubt before a conviction can be handed down against him. This high standard is in place with the goal of preventing innocent people from being convicted of crimes that they did not commit.
However, if the evidence that the prosecution plans to use to support the charge appears to be strong, then it may behoove the man to seek a plea deal instead. Plea bargaining offers the benefit of resulting in a lighter charge and, in turn, a more lenient sentence for the defendant. Whether the defendant decides to go to trial or seeks a plea deal, a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey will push for the most favorable outcome for him given the circumstances surrounding his arrest.