According to a news report, a 30-year-old Totowa man, was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Oct. 17 for distribution of marijuana. This followed a June 2013 plea of guilty to a charge of conspiring to distribute marijuana for the period from 2001 to 2011. Reportedly, he was a member of an international ring of ethnic Albanians who lived in the United States, Canada and Europe. The ring is alleged to have imported and distributed marijuana in the U.S.
Authorities have estimated that the group produced a revenue of $15 million annually from the import of various high-profile drugs. They were believed to have utilized a supply chain operating in Canada, Mexico, South America and the Netherlands.
The 37 month sentence was handed down for the man’s part in distributing 700 kilograms of marijuana, the equivalent of about 1500 pounds. According to court testimony, the man attempted to avoid jail time by trying to portray himself as a reformed man since 2009. The judge, apparently based on the severity of the crime and evidence of new criminal activity in 2011, opted for a period of incarceration followed by three years of supervision.
Criminal charges that result from drug crimes have the potential to result in serious consequences. If convicted, a person’s freedom could be affected. Even a minor drug charge could carry substantial financial penalties or time behind bars. A criminal defense lawyer may be able to help people facing similar charges. An attorney may be able to fully explain the severity of the charges and the possible penalties. The attorney may also be able to argue successfully for a lesser charge or a reduction in sentencing.