The Bradley Beach police recently arrested an Asbury Park man on drug possession charges after the man was stopped for a traffic violation. Drugs and other prohibited items were recovered from the man’s vehicle who is now facing charges for manufacturing, distributing and possessing drugs in a school zone. This was not the Asbury Parks man’s first encounter with the police. He was arrested in the past for unlawful possession of a handgun and was released on probation.
New Jersey Drug Possession Laws (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10)
Drug possession is a serious problem in many New Jersey school and college campuses. To curb this menace and protect our vulnerable youth, the New Jersey government has enacted very strict drug laws.
In New Jersey, possession of illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, meth, ecstasy, oxycontin and hashish is punishable with fines up to $35,000. Offenders may also be subject to a maximum prison term of 5 years.
In New Jersey, even marijuana, popularly known as ‘pot’ or ‘weed’ is a controlled drug and its use for recreational purposes is completely banned. Medical marijuana is legal in New Jersey subject to certain certification requirements and other restrictions. For instance, even if the marijuana was legally obtained, the police will arrest a medical marijuana user who drives a car while under its influence.
In the State of New Jersey, the punishment for possessing illegal marijuana varies according to the quantity of drug discovered. Thus, if the quantity is more than 50 grams, the penalty is a maximum fine of $25,000 plus a prison term up to 18 months. If the quantity is 50 grams or less, the offense may be punished with fine not exceeding $1,000 and a 6 month jail term.
Possessing Illegal Drugs in a New Jersey School Zone
If the offense of possessing illegal drugs occurs in a school zone which includes on a schools property, on a school bus or within 1000 feet of such property, the court may in lieu of a jail term, order at least 100 hours of mandatory community service. The offender will nevertheless be subject to the applicable fines.
Call an Experienced NJ Illegal Drug Defense Attorney
Contact the experienced New Jersey Drug defense lawyers of Villani & DeLuca, P.C. If you have been charged with drug possession, manufacture or distribution in New Jersey call 732-965-3350 today for a free initial consultation. We represent clients throughout Ocean County and Monmouth County, New Jersey.
