A marijuana charge in New Jersey can be a big problem if it is not handled properly. Do not risk a conviction for pot possession or distribution. Although medical marijuana is allowed and can be used by certain individuals, the pot laws still are in full effect for the majority of people in New Jersey. If you were arrested for pot possession, your Middletown, NJ attorney can assist you through the legal process.
NJ classifies marijuana a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance. Less than 50 grams can be a disorderly persons offense, but larger amounts may create felony charges.
If you get arrested for possession of marijuana (this can be a smaller amount than 50 grams), charges will frequently go beyond further than simple possession. The state will occasionally charge you with the intent to sell, which is effectively the equivalent of being arrested in the process of physically selling marijuana. In many cases, the intent to sell is a more severe charge than possession. A Middletown criminal defense lawyer can fight to have your distribution charges reduced to possession.
The lawyers of Villani & DeLuca have been disputing marijuana-related charges in NJ since the law firm opened its doors in 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. has been practicing law since 1992 and focuses on protecting clients from criminal offenses such as possession and distribution of pot. He has also worked as as municipal prosecutor and public defender in NJ, giving him a unique advantage when fighting criminal charges.
{The seriousness of the accusations that can be brought against you in the state alter depending on the specifics of your situation, including the total marijuana found on your person, the location of your arrest and the intentions perceived by law enforcement and the prosecution.|Were you arrested with a large amount of marijuana in your possession? Dependent upon the circumstances surrounding , including type of drug packaging, presence of drug paraphernalia, and quantities of marijuana, law enforcement may decide to book you for the intent to distribute instead of just possession.
Your marijuana possession charges in NJ can landyou in prison for six months with a $1,000 fine, even if the quantity of marijuana is under 50 grams. If your marijuana possession tops 50 grams, you can get stuck with a jail term that is up to 18 months and a much heftier fine of $25,000.
Marijuana distribution is a felony, but fines and punishments vary. A conviction of marijuana distribution in the first degree is so strict that the person convicted can face twenty years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
An arrest in a protected zone upgrades a lesser penalty into an increasingly severe one. These protected zones contain public parks and school zones. A school zone legally extends 1,000 feet from labeled buildings operated by the school district. Larger charges will still occur even if school is not in session and no students are present. Selling marijuana in or near a school is particularly serious. There are exceptions to this law, however, a qualified New Jersey defense lawyer can argue that the mandatory minimum sentence does not apply.
Medical marijuana is permitted in New Jersey, but there are many conditions and guidelines involved with the medical marijuana exception. If you are permitted to use medical by another state, for example, which does not necessarily entitle you to medical marijuana use in NJ. While some states have extremely tolerant medical marijuana policies, New Jersey does not. Medical marijuana is intended for more serious health concerns and possibly fatal diseases.
Are you currently in a legal battle over marijuana possession or distribution in Middletown, NJ? Ask NJ marijuana attorneys for legal advice with a free consultation by calling Villani & DeLuca at (732) 965-3350.
