Blog

Eastampton Police Arrest Man for 451 Bags of Heroin after Motor Vehicle Stop

Eastampton NJ Heroin ChargesArrests for heroin are highly common in Eastampton and throughout Burlington County, New Jersey. Many cases involving heroin possession and distribution arise after routine motor vehicle stops. For example, police may pull you over for an improper lane change, failure to yield, or speeding and end up charging you with a drug offense. A recent case in Eastampton illustrates this common phenomenon, when a man was arrested for having 451 bags of heroin in his car after being stopped for a traffic violation.

The case in question involved 19-year-old Wrightstown resident Carl Butler, who was stopped by police for an undisclosed motor vehicle violation on Woodlane Road in Eastampton, NJ. The motor vehicle stop occurred at approximately 12:34 a.m on Sunday, at which time officers say these sensed the odor of marijuana. The smell of marijuana is frequently used by police to satisfy the probable cause requirement for the search of a vehicle.

In order to lawfully search a person’s property without their consent in New Jersey, a law enforcement officer must have probable cause to assume that a crime is, or has been committed. In other words, the smell of marijuana gives the officer reasonable belief that marijuana is present in the vehicle in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 and/or N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1.

In this case, police searched the vehicle because they reportedly smelled marijuana and found more than one type of controlled dangerous substance (CDS). They retrieved a small amount of marijuana from the car but also seized 451 bags of heroin labeled “Blue Ivy.” The bags were allegedly packaged for distribution.

Following the search, Butler was arrested and charged with heroin distribution, possession of heroin, marijuana possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly pending a detention hearing.

Depending on the amount of heroin involved, Butler may face between 3 and 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. As with most drug distribution and intent to distribute charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, the weight of the drug is a critical factor in determining the degree of the charges. In cases that involve selling heroin, less than half an ounce is the lowest level offense, graded as a third degree crime and punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. Additionally, the fine for a third degree heroin distribution charge is up to $75,000.

In the most serious instances where a person is found with 5 ounces of heroin or more, they will be charged with a first degree crime. The exposure for first degree intent to sell heroin is between 10 and 20 years incarceration and a maximum fine of $500,000. Regardless of the degree of a charge for distributing heroin, a person convicted faces jail time, crippling fines, and a criminal record.

Eastampton NJ Heroin Defense Lawyers

If you are facing heroin distribution charges in Burlington County, NJ, your next step should be to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At our criminal defense law firm, our lawyers have spent decades defending clients arrested for heroin-related crimes in Eastampton, Mount Holly, Wrightstown, and surrounding areas. For a free consultation with an experienced NJ heroin defense lawyer, call 609-832-3202 or contact us online today.

Testimonials

testimonials reviews
"Excellent criminal defense lawyer"

"William handled a matter for me and exceeded my expectations. He was excellent in all areas of the law and achieved an outstanding result. Best of all,he demonstrates honesty and integrity. I would highly recommend William and already have."

Wayne

testimonials reviews
"Amazing!!!"

"I was so scared and nervous about my legal situation but Mr. Fay did an outstanding job with my case!!! I was so relieved with the outcome and he worked so hard for me! He was so calm and understanding and I’m so grateful for him. Thank you so very much for helping me! I am so grateful appreciative."

Jessica

testimonials reviews
"All Charges Dropped & Expunged"

"William defended me in my marijuana + paraphernalia case, he had all charges dropped and expunged! Despite the fact I was long past conditional discharges/probation, etc. He has a sharp wit and a bright future ahead of him as an attorney. Thanks again Will!"

Andrew

testimonials reviews
"Fantastic Lawyer"

"Mr. Fay is a fantastic lawyer. He helped me during a very stressful time in my life. He was knowledgeable about my case and what my options were. He answered all my questions and was very reassuring. He was there waiting for me at the entrance on my court date and made me feel at ease. He worked with the prosecutor to reduce my charges. I got the best outcome I could have hoped for. I highly recommend Mr. Fay if you need a lawyer."

Eric

testimonials reviews
"Marijuana Charges"

"I was arrested and summoned to court for possession of marijuana, even though I didn't have any on me. It was my first time getting in trouble and I was terrified and nervous. Mr. Fay came into court prepared and was extremely assuring. He made it very clear that he was going to fight for my case until the very end. He was extremely knowledgable about my case and the ways to resolve it. I would recommend Mr. Fay to anyone who has gotten into trouble."

former client

testimonials reviews
"Excellent lawyer. Highly recommended."

"Mr. Fay is extremely caring and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the entire process in a very clear manner and was a tremendous help during a stressful time. He was always available to take a phone call and really showed that he cared about me and my case. I highly recommend Mr. Fay as an attorney." "

former client

testimonials reviews
"Highly recommend"

"Great lawyer. Created a best possible outcome for my case."

former client

testimonials reviews
"Amazing job, explains very clearly"

"He did a fantastic job on my case, making my penalty much less than I thought it could possibly be. He clearly understands what he is doing and can explain everything in a way that anyone can understand. Any questions I had were answered very clearly and he listened to all small details of my case."

former client

Request a Free Consultation

Request a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal or DUI offense in New Jersey, finding the answers you need to make informed decisions is critical. Complete our contact form to request your free consultation or contact 609-832-3202


We are available 24/7 Nights and Weekends to Provide Free Consultations | Hablamos Español