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State v JS, Somerset County Superior Court
In State v. JS, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C., represented a defendant charged in a sweeping narcotics and weapons case involving 50 individuals. The case originated from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force. JS was alleged to be a supplier of heroin and cocaine and faced two counts of second-degree conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, as well as a third-degree charge for money laundering.
Search Warrant Based on False Information: No Heroin or Cocaine Found
A critical part of the defense centered on how the case was built. Materially false information had been presented to a Superior Court judge to obtain a search warrant for JS’s residence. When the warrant was executed in February 2020, no heroin or cocaine was found either at the residence or on JS’s person at the time of arrest.
Instead, the search turned up less than 50 grams of marijuana and around $48,000 in cash. Despite these findings, the State lacked concrete evidence linking JS to any conspiracy involving cocaine or heroin distribution.
Charges Dismissed—No Jail, No Probation, Partial Cash Returned
Through strategic negotiation, Clifford E. Lazzaro secured dismissal of both second-degree conspiracy charges. JS pled guilty to a third-degree money laundering offense and received a sentence of fines only. In a favorable civil forfeiture agreement, over $24,000 of the seized cash was returned to the defendant. The matter was concluded in September 2021 before Judge Qasim.
Defense for Drug Charges in Somerset County
Lazzaro Law can protect your rights and challenge the government’s case if you’ve been charged in a drug conspiracy case based on flawed evidence or questionable warrants.
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