Qualified Red Bank Marijuana Distribution and Possession Defense Attorneys
Marijuana laws in New Jersey are rigid and can result in a number of fines and other consequences. Possession and distribution penalties differ in harshness, but both kinds of pot charges necessitate the help of an attorney. Ensure you have a strong defense by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney in Red Bank, NJ. NJ pot lawyers will fight to defend your rights and protest pot-related charges.
Know the Law, Avoid Marijuana Allegations in New Jersey
Marijuana is a Controlled Dangerous Substance in NJ, which means that the consequences are often severe. Less than 50 grams can be a disorderly persons offense, but a larger amount may create felony charges.
If you get arrested for possession of marijuana (this can be less than 50 grams), charges often go beyond further than simple possession. The state will occasionally charge you with the intent to distribute, which is treated the equivalent of being arrested in the process of actually distributing marijuana. Distribution and the intent to distribute face much more intense consequences than possession. You need to build a solid legal strategy with an experienced Red Bank, New Jersey marijuana law firm to defend your case.
NJ Criminal Defense Attorneys With Experience Disputing Marijuana Charges
With experience fighting drug charges as a criminal defense lawyer and securing drug charges as a former prosecutor, Carmine Villani, Esq. can help you with your marijuana possession or distribution charges. Villani & DeLuca was established in 1996 and has been battling pot charges for clients ever since.
Marijuana Statutes in New Jersey
{The severity of the accusations that may be filed you in NJ differ depending on the circumstances of your arrest, such as the total marijuana found on your person, the location of your arrest and the intentions perceived by law enforcement and the prosecution.|Marijuana charges may be serious or basically insignificant depending on the geography of your arrest, the amount of marijuana and what the arresting officer and the prosecutor perceives your intentions were (intent to sell or recreational use).
Possession of Marijuana
Your marijuana possession charges in NJ can placeyou in prison for six months with a $1,000 fine, even when the quantity of marijuana is below 50 grams. In NJ, possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana will usher in in an 18-month jail term and a maximum fine of $25,000.
Marijuana Distribution and Intent to Distribute
Marijuana distribution is a felony, but fines and punishments vary. First degree marijuana distribution charges that end in a conviction are so strict that the defendant can face twenty years incarceration and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
School Zones and Public Parks
All pot-related charges will be increased if the crime takes place in a site labeled by New Jersey laws as a protected zone. These protected zones contain public parks and school zones. School zones are defined as any property rented or owned by an elementary school, secondary school or school board and include areas as far as 1,000 feet from these sites as well as school vehicles. Increased charges will still occur even if school is not in session and no students are present. If you are taken into custody in a school zone and charged with the intent to sell, a prison sentence of at least three years without parole can apply. There are extenuating circumstances to this law, however, a qualified New Jersey marijuana possession lawyer can argue that the mandatory minimum sentence is not applicable.
Medicinal Marijuana
Medical marijuana is permitted in New Jersey, but there are several stipulations and protocols involved with the medical marijuana exception. Even though you might be allowed to use medical marijuana in one state, NJ's medicinal marijuana program does not accept many people. While some states have extremely tolerant medical marijuana policies, New Jersey does not. Only serious conditions may lead to medical marijuana exemptions.
Villani & DeLuca is Available All Day, Every Day for Legal Advice
To handle your marijuana charges in Red Bank, New Jersey, contact Villani & DeLuca criminal defense attorneys. You can also reach a Villani & DeLuca defense lawyer at (732) 709-7757 for a free-of-charge legal consultation. Our NJ marijuana defense attorneys are here 24 hours a day, every day of the year.