Wall Township Man Charged with DUI and Heroin Possession

On Sunday, January 8, a 24-year-old Wall Township man allegedly rear-ended a car stopped at a red light.  He is being charged with assault by auto, driving under the influence, being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.  

The accused, one Vincent Petrucelli, was driving a 2015 GMC Yukon down Route 34 South around 2:40 pm on Sunday when he drifted into the left turn only lane and hit a Mercedes Benz stopped at the light.  The 26-year-old driver of the Mercedes from Manasquan NJ was taken to Jersey Shore University Center in Neptune to be treated for his injuries.  Luckily, his injuries were non-life-threatening according to a statement released by Wall police Detective Lieutenant Greg Carpino.  The left turn lane of Route 34 South was closed for one hour as police investigated the crash.  The accused, Petrucelli, was released after being issued a complaint summons pending a future court date.

Crash Reinforces Monmouth County Concern over Growing Heroin Wave

This case comes on the back of growing Monmouth County concern over Heroin use and worse, Heroin overdoses across the county.  According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni, 107 people overdosed in the months of January 2016 to April 2016 alone, a staggering number of deaths compared to homicides in that same time period which account for only nine deaths.

Gramiccioni went on to surmise that there is a “perfect storm” of the increase in prescriptions being issued and the importation of heroin into the region.  “When the prescriptions run dry, addicts turn to cheap, readily available heroin that’s right here in our streets.”  He also observed that the problem extends beyond Asbury Park, into areas like Neptune, Rumson, and Wall as well.

Heroin Distribution Penalties Lawyers Monmouth County, NJ

Under New Jersey Law, controlled dangerous substances are classified according to a system that separates these substances into a series of schedules, numbered from I (one) to V (five). Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is determined to have a high potential for abuse and either has no accepted medical use in treatment or lacks accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision.

According to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5:

Heroin Distribution as a First Degree Crime (five ounces or more): punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison and a maximum fine of $500,000

Heroin Distribution as a Second Degree Crime (one-half ounce to five ounces): punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison as well as a maximum fine of $150,000

Heroin Distribution as a Third Degree Crime (less than one-half ounce): punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison, as well as a maximum fine of $75,000

Contact a Monmouth County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

As you can see, heroin charges are very serious offenses in New Jersey, with serious consequences.  Drug possession charges of any kind can have life-long impacts, don’t let one mistake affect the rest of your life. If you have been charged with possession or intent to distribute any controlled dangerous substance, contact a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney today.

At Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, our team of criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience representing clients charged with criminal offenses throughout New Jersey. With a rich tradition in Monmouth County and a commitment to unwavering advocacy, all of our attorneys have extensive experience in the criminal legal process. To discuss your case with one of our Monmouth County criminal trial lawyers, contact us to schedule a consultation.