Hunterdon County, NJ Crime Lawyers Kearns Rotolo Law Home
Drug Offenses
A drug offense charge is a very serious matter with potentially lifelong implications. You must take every step possible to obtain the best resolution in order to minimize the devastation that a possible drug conviction can impose on your life. The first step is to obtain a good criminal attorney.
Anthony P. Kearns III, Victor A. Rotolo and the legal team at Kearns Rotolo Law have the criminal defense experience necessary to represent your interests.
Victor Rotolo successfully argues before the NJ Supreme Court in a case of constitutional import, in which the Court ruled that a DUI conviction cannot be used in any later DUI case for sentencing purposes if, (1) the individual plead or was found guilty, and (2) the individual was not advised of his/her right to counsel and, as to indigent individuals, the right to assigned counsel.
Prior to joining the Firm in January 2022 as managing partner, Anthony Kearns held the distinction of being the longest serving Prosecutor for Hunterdon County, having been appointed to that position for two consecutive terms. This experience gives him insight into the way the State prepares its cases, which he uses to mount powerful defenses for charges filed against his clients.
Victor A. Rotolo has been included on the List of New Jersey Super Lawyers in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, marking his eighteenth year of inclusion on this list. The list of New Jersey Super Lawyers is generated by the Thomson Reuters organization which employs the following methodology and set of standards to compile the list each year. Super Lawyers Selection Methodology [No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.]
Victor A. Rotolo is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney.
"A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney must have:
- been a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for over 5 years
- demonstrated a substantial level of experience in civil trial law
- been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her work
- taken and passed a written examination in civil trial law."
Source: Supreme Court of New Jersey, Board on Attorney Certification, Brochure on Certified Civil Trial Attorney. See Rule 1:39: Specialty Certification of Attorneys.
In legal terms, ‘drug offense’ refers to possession, use, sale or furnishing of any intoxicating substance, drug, or drug paraphernalia prohibited by law. It is a crime to willfully possess controlled substances such as illegally obtained marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, methamphetamines, ecstasy, LSD, "club drugs," heroin, and in certain instances prescription drugs. Possessing accessories related to drug use referred to as ‘drug paraphernalia,’ as well as "precursor" chemicals used in drug cultivation and manufacturing may also be considered a crime.
The severity of the penalty of a drug crime is based on several factors among them: the quantity involved, whether or not there appears to be intent to sell or distribute the controlled substance, the type of drug involved, whether or not there was a weapon possession, and the geographic area of the offense.
Possession of what is deemed a ‘small’ quantity may be considered “simple” possession, whereas possession of a large quantity may be presumed to be “possession with intent to distribute,” and, therefore, a more serious violation punishable by a heavier penalty.
The more serious the crime, the more reason to hire an attorney who is serious about your representation. An experienced attorney will know what questions to ask and conduct an efficient and targeted investigation to provide an effective defense. Some issues often investigated and answered are as follows: Was there probable cause for a search warrant? Was there a search warrant? Was the evidence obtained illegally? Anthony P. Kearns and Victor A. Rotolo can help you find the answers to these questions.
If you have been accused of a drug crime or you have been arrested for possession, talk to an attorney. Contact Kearns Rotolo Law today.
