If you live in New Jersey, you know that the statistics on heroin addiction are staggering.  Heroin is hitting New Jersey hard and has been for years.  But, why?  Why here?  And, why are the demographics of the average heroin addict changing to younger middle-class adults? The prevalence of pure, cheap heroin in New Jersey is perhaps part of the reason.  The average purity of a street sample in New England is about 15%; in NJ, it is 40-48%, with some samples up to 95%.  Higher purity makes it easier to become addicted, and accounts for high overdose death rates in NJ which is approximately four times the country's average.  Not only stronger, NJ heroin is cheaper to buy ($5-$10 a bag) than an opiate pill such as oxycodone ($20-$40) on the street. This makes the leap from pill-addicted to heroin addicted an eventual one for many addicts in Ocean County.  Another reason for the awful statistics in Ocean County, is the lack of treatment to combat the problem.  Recovery centers such as Integrity House have wait lists up to 300 names long at times.  Waits for detox beds according to Parent-to-Parent (a group that connects addicts with recovery houses) can be up to three weeks long.

Is Ground Zero for Heroin Addiction in Monmouth and Ocean Counties?

Once boasting low crime rates and addiction numbers, according to NJ Division of Addiction Services, Monmouth and Ocean Counties, combined, now hold 10 out of the top 30 communities with the highest heroin rate (2015).  They both have 5 towns on the list, each more than any other county in the state.  Towns that made the list from Monmouth and Ocean Counties include Brick, Toms River, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Little Egg Harbor, Howell, Neptune, Jackson, Middletown, and Lacey.

What is Drug Court in NJ?

Drug court was once a voluntary program that was for addicts charged with drug crimes (like possession N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A, or crimes motivated by an individual's addiction, like theft N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3) that carry the presumption of jail time.  Instead of a prison sentence, addicts would receive a long period of probation for treatment, closely assisted support, and random drug tests.  In 2012, Governor Chris Christie expanded drug courts so that addicts that initially did not want to go to drug court and receive treatment can now be compelled to.

Drug Crimes

Being arrested even for a very small amount of heroin can carry serious penalties in Ocean County because it is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance.  Possession of heroin (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A) is a crime that can result in jail time, prison time, probation, expensive fines and loss of your driver license.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer In Ocean County

If you have been charged with possession of drugs or a drug-related crime, it is worth your time to call the attorney of Villani & DeLuca for a free consultation. Call 609-389-9470 today to speak with one of our criminal defense attorneys.