Heroin – A Controlled Dangerous Substance

The drug laws of New Jersey prohibit people from possessing, consuming and distributing certain narcotics designated as controlled dangerous substances “CDS”. New Jersey has controlled dangerous substances divided into five schedules with Schedule I being the most serious and addictive substances. It should be of no surprise that heroin is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance. This means that even mere possession of heroin for personal use is considered a third degree indictable crime in New Jersey which is punishable by up 3 – 5 years in state prison if you are found guilty.

The law allows the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health to determine whether certain drugs should be labeled a controlled dangerous substance. The substances falling within Schedule I are outlined in N.J.S.A. 24:21-5, which provides in pertinent part, that “the director shall place a substance in Schedule I if he finds that the substance: (1) has high potential for abuse; and (2) has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; or lacks accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision”. To learn more about the possible consequences of conviction for possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance, contact our office today at (732) 494-7900 to speak with an experienced attorney during a free consultation.