YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW INVENTING ANNA
When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
Some drugs and compounds are classified as “controlled dangerous substance,” (CDS) under New Jersey law. Such substances cannot be possessed, sold or distributed except as provided by law. Drugs are categorized as CDS when they are susceptible to abuse, thereby requiring regulation by the law.
Drug Schedules in New Jersey Criminal Code
Five (5) drug schedules are covered under New Jersey criminal statutes. It helps to have a basic understanding of them if you or your loved one is facing criminal charges for possession or distribution.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
Schedule I CDS have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in treatment in the US. Schedule I drugs include synthetic marijuana, hashish, heroin, LSD or acid, and MDMA. In spite of legalization for recreational use in some states, marijuana remains a Schedule I substance in New Jersey.
Schedule II CDS also have a high potential for abuse which leads to severe psychic or physical dependence. These may have accepted medical use in treatment in the US, sometimes with severe restrictions. Cocaine, methadone, fentanyl ,oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, Adderall, Ritalin and methamphetamine are schedule II drugs.
Schedule III CDS have the potential for abuse lower than the substances in I and II, but lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. These have accepted medical use in treatment in America. Schedule III drugs include anabolic steroids, ketamine, ritalin and testosterone.
Schedule IV CDS carry a low potential for abuse relative to the substances in III and have currently accepted medical use in treatment in the US. These can potentially lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in III. Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Valium, klonopin and Ambien.
Schedule V CDS Substances have a minimal potential for abuse relative to the substances in IV and currently have accepted medical use in treatment in America. They have limited physical dependence or psychological dependence liability relative to the ones in IV. Schedule V drugs include low doses of codeine, diphenoxylate, and opium.
How Were the Drug Schedules Determined?
The Commissioner of the NJ Department of Health is authorized by law to determine when a substance is a controlled dangerous substance. The drugs listed in schedules already bear the label of “CDS;” however, the Commission may add to the list as needed.
In determining whether to add a drug, the commissioner considers:
Abuse or potential for abuse of the drug;
The effect that the substance has on the human body;
Scientific data on the compound;
Historical patterns of abuse, if any exists;
The level of abuse in the community;
The impact of the drug on public health;
Addictive character; and
If the item is a precursor (gateway drug) to another substance already classified as CDS.
What Do CDS Schedules Mean to Me?
Should you be arrested for possessing, selling or manufacturing controlled substances, you may get prosecuted under both New Jersey law and federal law. Most CDS possession charges are covered by the N.J. Code of Criminal Justice Section 2C:35-10. With a few exceptions, a drug charge for possession or distribution of a controlled substance is a felony in New Jersey. To be convicted of possession, the prosecutor must demonstrate that you had physical possession or constructive possession of a substance on one of the five schedules.
Violating New Jersey law by possessing a CDS classified in Schedules I, II, III or Schedule IV is a third-degree offense carrying a fine of up to $35,000. Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana or more than 5 grams of hash is fourth-degree and is punishable by a fine of $25,000.
Violating New Jersey law by possessing a Schedule V substance is a fourth-degree crime carrying a fine of up to $15,000.
Penalties for conviction of the drug charges can be more or less severe depending on the schedule of the controlled dangerous substance.
At Spodek Law Group, we defend individuals facing CDS charges ranging from possession of small amounts of marijuana to serious drug distribution and trafficking offenses. Our lawyers boast more than 100 years of experience. We have seen just about every type of drug charge. We know defenses work and which ones don’t.
If our efforts to have the charges dismissed or reach an acceptable plea bargain don’t pan out, we have the courtroom skills to present a successful defense in a jury trial.
To learn more about how we can assist you, contact our attorneys anytime to consult with an experienced CDS defense lawyer.
