Experienced Plainfield NJ Drug Lawyers Combats Loitering in a Drug Zone Charges

Travis J. Tormey and the Tormey Law Firm recently represented a client in Plainfield, NJ who was charged with loitering in a drug zone. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2.1, loitering or wandering in a drug zone is a disorderly persons offense. However, because it is a drug crime, a conviction could have done serious damage to our client’s future.

Although our client had no prior criminal record whatsoever, he still faced up to six months in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and a permanent criminal charge on his record. The circumstances of the arrest were as follows: An undercover officer allegedly saw our client and another man in a vehicle and believed that a drug transaction was occurring. The officers approached the vehicle and searched both parties. The passenger was found in possession of a small amount of marijuana, but our client was not. Nonetheless, the police still charged our client with loitering in a drug zone with the purpose to purchase drugs. In court, Mr. Tormey was able persuade the prosecutor that insufficient evidence existed to prove this charge against our client beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, the charges were dismissed and our client avoided a criminal conviction on his record. This outcome was a major victory for the Tormey Law Firm.

 

If you’re facing drug charges in New Jersey, contact Morristown NJ criminal defense attorney Alissa D. Hascup for a free consultation about your case.