Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Somerset County, New Jersey
Drug trafficking in Somerset County, New Jersey, is a first-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $500,000. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Somerset County, handling drug trafficking cases at the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage.
New Jersey Drug Trafficking Laws Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5
Under New Jersey law, drug trafficking is defined as the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 classifies trafficking based on the type and quantity of the substance. For example, trafficking 5 ounces or more of cocaine or 1 ounce or more of heroin is a first-degree crime, punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Lesser quantities may result in second-degree charges (5 to 10 years) or third-degree charges (3 to 5 years). The Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage, located at 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, has jurisdiction over all indictable drug trafficking offenses in Somerset County. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature — official site
Official New Jersey Statutes and Court Resources
For the full text of New Jersey’s drug trafficking laws, visit: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 (New Jersey Legislature — official site). For court procedures and forms, visit: Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (njcourts.gov — official site).
Insider Knowledge: How Drug Trafficking Cases Are Handled in Somerset County
In the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage, prosecutors routinely seek mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking offenses. We have observed that the court applies the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) for pretrial release decisions, which does not consider ability to pay bail. This means detention is based on risk, not money.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Contact a drug trafficking lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.
- Gather any evidence, including receipts, communications, or documentation.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at the Somerset County Superior Court.
- Discuss eligibility for PTI or conditional discharge with your attorney.
- Follow all conditions of pretrial release to avoid additional charges.
In Somerset County, New Jersey, drug trafficking under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 carries penalties ranging from 3 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $500,000, depending on the degree of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trafficking 5 oz+ cocaine or 1 oz+ heroin | First-degree crime | 10–20 years (mandatory minimum) | Up to $500,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months–2 years) | Forfeiture of assets; permanent criminal record |
| Trafficking lesser quantities of Schedule I/II drugs | Second-degree crime | 5–10 years (presumption of imprisonment) | Up to $150,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months–2 years) | Forfeiture of assets; permanent criminal record |
| Trafficking Schedule III/IV drugs | Third-degree crime | 3–5 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months–2 years) | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Drug Trafficking Case in Somerset County
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our team has extensive experience handling drug trafficking cases in Somerset County, including matters before the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage. We understand the local procedures, the prosecutor’s office, and the court’s expectations. Our firm is available 24/7 for consultations. Call (888) 437-7747. By appointment only.
Meet Your Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Somerset County
Case Results in Drug Offenses
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 120 documented results in drug offenses: 73 dismissed or not guilty, 33 reduced or amended, and 14 other favorable outcomes — a favorable-outcome rate of 92%. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Our Location and Service Area in Somerset County
Our location in Tinton Falls is approximately 30 miles from the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage in Somerville, with access via I-287 and Route 22. Serving the communities of Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: (609) 983-0003 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Trafficking Charges in Somerset County
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Somerset County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ. Cases heard at Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876).
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017. Pretrial release is based on a risk assessment, not money.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Somerset County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders in Somerset County. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in complete dismissal of charges. Applications processed through Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage. Conditional discharge is the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession.
PTI is a diversion program for first-time felony offenders. Completion leads to dismissal of charges.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes. NJ allows expungement after waiting periods: 5 years for indictable crimes, 2 years for disorderly persons. NJ’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility. PTI completions result in automatic dismissal. Petitions filed in Somerset County Superior Court.
Yes. Expungement is available after waiting periods of 5 years for felonies and 2 years for misdemeanors.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Somerset County, NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is NJ’s equivalent of a misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail/$1,000 fine. Heard in Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876). Petty disorderly persons: up to 30 days/$500. Indictable crimes (felonies) are heard in Somerset County Superior Court.
A disorderly persons offense is NJ’s misdemeanor equivalent, punishable by up to 6 months in jail.
What should I do if I am facing drug trafficking charges in Somerset County?
If facing drug trafficking charges in Somerset County, contact a drug trafficking lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New Jersey law require prompt action.
Contact a drug trafficking lawyer immediately. Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel.
Internal Links to Related Resources
For more information about criminal defense in New Jersey, visit our hub page: Disorderly Persons Offense Lawyer New Jersey.
Explore related services in other localities: Simple Assault Defense Lawyer Gloucester County and Trespassing Lawyer Gloucester County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page was generated on 2026-05-01 and reflects the most current information available.