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State v MC, Union County Superior Court
In State v. MC, a serious first-degree cocaine distribution case, Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C., secured a significantly reduced sentence for a client facing severe penalties. The defendant was arrested in February 2019 and charged with possession of over five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute: a first-degree crime under New Jersey law. The original charge carried a minimum sentence of 10 years in state prison and at least 3 years and 4 months of parole ineligibility.
Defendant Provided Digital Evidence Supporting His Defense
The defendant claimed he was storing the cocaine on behalf of a drug dealer who had been compensating him for keeping the narcotics at his residence. He further alleged that the same drug dealer had set him up after being arrested in a separate case. The defendant turned over exculpatory digital discovery to the prosecution as part of his defense.
This evidence contributed to the negotiation process and supported a resolution short of the harsh penalties typical in first-degree drug cases.
Sentence Reduced to 3 Years with Limited Parole Bar
In a negotiated plea agreement, the defendant pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Judge John M. Deitch sentenced him in February 2020 to 3 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 18 months of parole ineligibility. This outcome avoided the mandatory minimum for first-degree convictions and provided a much shorter incarceration period.
Union County Drug Crime Defense with Proven Results
If you’re facing cocaine distribution charges in Union County or anywhere in New Jersey, Lazzaro Law can help. Clifford E. Lazzaro has decades of experience reducing major drug charges and limiting prison exposure.
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