A Newark, New Jersey, man and convicted felon, Antoine Hawkins, has been sentenced to new drug and weapons charges. Hawkins pleaded guilty to various indictments by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office following an in-depth investigation of Hawkins' activities during the summer of 2020. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigation Newark office led the investigation in collaboration with the Newark Department of Public Safety and Drug Enforcement Administration and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

Video footage caught Hawkins on camera shooting and injuring a victim in August 2020, and witnesses identified Hawkins as the gunman in another shooting earlier that month. Hawkins' identification in the shooting not caught on camera was confirmed by matching the ballistics from the two shootings. During a subsequent search of Hawkins' home, authorities found over 620 glassine envelopes containing heroin, three 9-mm magazines, and other illegal items.

If you find yourself in a similar situation to Hawkins, you need a criminal defense attorney. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team knows from experience how to handle your case to minimize or eliminate the jail time you face if convicted. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or use our online contact form.

I've Been Arrested for Possession of Drugs, Weapons, or Firearms, Now What?

There are many charges you may be facing if authorities have found you with drugs, weapons, or firearms. Immediately call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. The consequences for these types of charges can be severe, but your Lento Law Firm attorney will fight vigorously for your charges to be dropped or for you to receive the lowest sentence possible, depending on the facts of your case.

What Are Common Drugs, Weapons, or Firearms Charges?

If you have been arrested with more than a small quantity of drugs (each drug has specific quantity limits), you are most likely going to face a possession with intent to deliver charge. Several factors will contribute to the fines and jail time you may be facing, including whether you:

• Employed a juvenile in drug distribution
• Distributed drugs in a school zone
• Distributed drugs to minors
• Sold drugs that resulted in an overdose death

Firearms charges often involve possessing or transporting firearms without valid permits. These firearms charges may accompany violent crime charges such as homicide, attempted homicide, and more.

There is no doubt that drug, weapons, and firearms possession charges are serious, but the consequences of these charges if you are already a convicted felon are magnified. As you are likely aware, if you are a convicted felon, you are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and some other types of weapons. Being caught with such items will lead to steeper sentences and fines than first-time offenders would be subject to.

Defense Lawyers for Allegations of Drug, Weapons, and Fire Arm Possession

When you have been found in possession of drugs, weapons, or firearms, often police and prosecutors can be more focused on positive public opinion of putting away criminals than your right to being innocent until proven guilty. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is on your side; we will aggressively defend you at all costs. To get started, call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.