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Man charged for overdose death under strict liability law

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A New Jersey man could face up to 20 years in prison in connection to a heroin overdose death that occurred in Wildwood on Sept. 19. The 38-year-old man was charged in accordance with the Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death Law. According to the Wildwood Police Department, the law is being used to bring criminal charges against drug dealers and suppliers by establishing connections between narcotics sales and overdose deaths that take place.

The fatal incident in question occurred at the Blue Heron Motel when a 59-year-old man was found unconscious in one of the rooms. Police were called to the scene at about 4:40 p.m., and officers determined that the man was dead. The man's death was reportedly one of about 39 overdose deaths that have occurred in Wildwood so far this year.

In addition to receiving the first-degree strict liability charge, the accused man was charged for third-degree possession of heroin, possessing heroin with intent to distribute and possessing heroin within 1,000 feet of a school. He was held at Cape May County jail on $400,000 cash bail.

A criminal conviction could result in a long prison sentence as well as large fines and a long period of probation. In addition to the legal penalties, a convicted individual could also face professional consequences. For instance, finding employment may become more difficult if there is a conviction on a person's criminal record. In the event someone is facing charges, he or she could seek the services of a criminal defense lawyer who might be able to contest the charges or mitigate some of the penalties.

Source: The Wildwood Leader , "Wildwood man faces charges after deadly OD", September 22, 2014

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