Fred Sisto | Criminal Attorney | Ocean and Monmouth County

Call Us Today
732-898-3232

  • Home
  • Criminal Defense Services
    ▼
    • Drug Crimes
      ▼
      • Drug Manufacturing
      • Intent to Distribute Narcotics
      • Prescription Drug Crimes
      • Leader of Narcotics Trafficking Network
    • Weapons Charges
      ▼
      • Prohibited Weapons and Devices
      • Manufacture, Transport, etc. of Weapons
      • Illegal Possession of a Gun
      • Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purposes
    • Expungements
    • Theft Attorney
    • Violent Crimes
      ▼
      • Robbery/Burglary
      • Manslaughter
      • Extortion
      • Assault
      • Sexual Offenses
    • Arson
    • DUI / DWI
      ▼
      • Alcohol DUI
      • Drug DUI
      • Refusing a Breath Test
    • Driving with A Suspended License
    • Property Forfeiture
    • Anti-Drug Profiteering
    • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Español / Spanish Speaking Attorney
  • About
    ▼
    • Testimonials
    • Defending Cases In
      ▼
      • Monmouth County
      • Ocean County
  • Blog
  • Contact
    ▼
    • Receive a Call From Fred
  • DUI Checkpoint Alerts
  • Results
  • Payment Options
  • Home
  • Criminal Defense Services
    • Drug Crimes
      • Drug Manufacturing
      • Intent to Distribute Narcotics
      • Prescription Drug Crimes
      • Leader of Narcotics Trafficking Network
    • Weapons Charges
      • Prohibited Weapons and Devices
      • Manufacture, Transport, etc. of Weapons
      • Illegal Possession of a Gun
      • Possession of Weapons for Unlawful Purposes
    • Expungements
    • Theft Attorney
    • Violent Crimes
      • Robbery/Burglary
      • Manslaughter
      • Extortion
      • Assault
      • Sexual Offenses
    • Arson
    • DUI / DWI
      • Alcohol DUI
      • Drug DUI
      • Refusing a Breath Test
    • Driving with A Suspended License
    • Property Forfeiture
    • Anti-Drug Profiteering
    • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Español / Spanish Speaking Attorney
  • About
    • Testimonials
    • Defending Cases In
      • Monmouth County
      • Ocean County
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Receive a Call From Fred
  • DUI Checkpoint Alerts
  • Results
  • Payment Options
Home >> Heroin Epidemic In Ocean County

January 14, 2014 by Fred Sisto

Heroin Epidemic In Ocean County

heroin epidemic in NJThere’s been a lot of media coverage about the heroin epidemic in Ocean County. As an attorney, a recent Asbury Park Press article about the sentencing of Kenneth Staunton highlighted an issue with the public’s understanding of this epidemic.

Attorneys and prosecutors invest years to learn the law. In our current environment, it can be difficult for the public to recognize that there is no bright line distinguishing predatory dealers of heroin from the heroin users who suffer from drug addiction.

Most Heroin Dealers are Users

In my experience of representing and getting to know hundreds of sellers and users of the drug, most every “dealer” has used heroin at one point or another.

The majority of heroin “dealers” are users who were selling as a means to fund their own addiction. Therefore, it oversimplifies the issue for the prosecution to say that their approach is to seek lengthy prison terms for sellers and mandatory treatment for users.

In reality, the sellers and users are almost always one and the same.

It was only by chance that Staunton was labeled a predator as opposed to a victim.  He could just as easily have been the one that consumed a fatal dosage that someone else provided him.

And without besmirching the memory of the young man who tragically died of an overdose, it is a very safe bet that he has provided others (most likely friends) with heroin in the past. He could have just as easily been one of the so-called predators who happened to provide someone with a fatal dose.

Legal Definition of Drug Distribution

To be clear, it’s important to understand the legal definition of drug distribution.

A distributor or “drug dealer” is usually not someone who fits the popular image of the guy who’s living a fast lifestyle with plenty of cash and a gun strapped to his waist. In fact, a guy like Staunton with no house and car represents the far more common reality.

To be found guilty of distribution, all you have to do is provide someone else with a controlled drug.

For example, the kid who brings his personal stash of heroin to a get together with friends and “shares” with others is “distributing” a controlled substance. The law does not distinguish between him and the guy who stands on the corner doing that sort of thing in exchange for cash, the latter being much less common, at least in Ocean County.

And I have personally seen both scenarios, the kid “sharing” his stash at a party and the so-called “street dealer”, both vigorously prosecuted in Ocean County as felonies.

It is only by chance that the kid sharing his stash does not provide someone with a dose that kills them.

It is only by chance that they fit the commonly accepted profile of a user instead of a predator.

 Learn more about the legal difference between a “drug dealer” and a user.

Filed Under: Blog, Criminal Law, Drug Crime Tagged With: Drug Crimes

Testimonials

Fred is a stickler for detail and communicates with clients very, very well. He is smart and astute. I would recommend him unconditionally.

Tom O   

I would highly recommend Mr. Sisto. He is very insightful and proficient, yet still down to Earth. Fred is great at communicating and breaking down the facts. But most importantly, he excels at getting results.

Bill K   

Thanks to Fred I have no criminal record whatsoever.

Luke A   

Great!!! , got my case handled in the exact manner that I was told and would recommend to everyone else in need of legal representation.

Raumelis R   
See More Testimonials

Recent Posts

  • Plea Agreements and New Charges (Part 2)
  • Plea Agreements and New Charges (Part 1)
  • Youth and Withholding Imprisonment (Part 2)
  • Youth and Withholding Imprisonment (Part 1)
  • Marijuana and Diversionary Programs (Part 4)
  • Marijuana and Diversionary Programs (Part 3)
  • Marijuana and Diversionary Programs (Part 2)
  • Marijuana and Diversionary Programs (Part 1)

Recent Speaking Engagement

Site Disclaimer

Attorney Referral Fees

Frederick P Sisto has earned Lawyer Legion's recognition for Community Leadership
 
Top Criminal Defense Attorney in Brick

Law Office of Frederick P. Sisto

Point Pleasant Office*:
302 Hawthorne Ave, Suite 1
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Brick Township Office*:
223 Drum Point Road, Suite 1
Brick Township, NJ 08723

Sea Girt Office*:
2150 NJ-35,
Suite 225
Sea Girt, NJ 08750

Phone: 732-898-3232
Fax: 201-508-3393
*Office visits by appointment only.

Representing clients throughout all court jurisdictions of New Jersey.

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CRIMINAL TRIAL ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION, NO ASPECT OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY

en English
en Englishes Spanish