Qualified West Long Branch Marijuana Distribution and Possession Defense Attorneys Will Fight for You
Breaking marijuana laws in New Jersey may lead to significant penalties depending on the severity of the crime. Possession and distribution penalties vary in harshness, but both types of marijuana charges require the assistance of a lawyer. If you have been charged with possession or any other marijuana-related charges in the state of New Jersey, you should build your case with the help of an experienced law firm serving West Long Branch. NJ marijuana attorneys will work to defend your rights and fight pot-related charges.
Know the Law, Avoid Marijuana Allegations in New Jersey
In accordance with state laws, marijuana is referred to as a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Charges relating to possession of a CDS like marijuana depend upon the weight of pot found on your person when you were arrested. More than 49 grams of weed can result in a less strict charge such as disorderly persons. However, possession of amounts of marijuana more than 50 grams is a felony.
If you are arrested in owning marijuana (this can be fewer than 50 grams), charges will frequently go beyond further than simple possession. The state will occasionally charge you with the intent to distribute, which is treated the equivalent of being caught in the act of actually selling marijuana. Usually, the intent to sell is a more serious charge than possession. A West Long Branch criminal defense lawyer can fight to have your distribution charges reduced to possession.
Experienced NJ Marijuana Possession Attorneys
The attorneys of Villani & DeLuca have been fighting marijuana-related crime accusations in NJ since opening its doors in 1996. Partner Carmine Villani, Esq. has been practicing law since 1992 and concentrates on protecting clients against criminal offenses such as possession and distribution of pot. He has also served as municipal prosecutor and public defender in New Jersey, giving him a rare advantage when battling criminal charges.
Marijuana Charges Our Qualified New Jersey Defense Lawyers Will Fight
{The severity of the accusations that may be filed you in the state vary depending on the circumstances of your individual case, including the total marijuana discovered on your person, where the arrest occurred and the intent perceived by law enforcement and the prosecution.|Marijuana charges can be serious or relatively minimal depending on where the arrest occurred, the weight of marijuana and if the arresting officer and the prosecutor perceives your intentions were (distribution or personal use).
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana can give you a prison sentence of up to six months and a $1,000 fine. In New Jersey, possession of 50+ grams of marijuana will usher in in an 18-month prison term and a maximum fine of $25,000.
Marijuana Distribution and Intent to Distribute
Penalties for distribution charges are usually more wide-ranging than penalties for basic possession is in NJ. Selling less than one ounce of marijuana is a fourth degree crime and may generate penalties of a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines. If you are ruled to be guilty of distribution or the intent to distribute in the first degree, your consequences can be as intense as a twenty-year jail term and a $300,000 fine.
School Zones and Public Parks
A protected zone is public property like town-operated buildings and vehicles and public parks. A punishment is enhanced when the arrest took place in a protected zone in New Jersey. Ask a New Jersey defense attorney to clarify your rights and options if you were charged with selling marijuana in a protected zone in West Long Branch, New Jersey.
Medicinal Marijuana
Medical marijuana is permitted in NJ, but there are several stipulations and guidelines when considering the medical marijuana exemption. If you are allowed to use medical by another medicinal marijuana program, for example, which does not necessarily entitle you to medical marijuana use in NJ. The medical marijuana laws of NJ tend to be more tough than comparable medical marijuana states around the country. Medical marijuana is intended for more serious health issues and potentially fatal diseases.
Villani & DeLuca is Here for You All Day, Every Day for Legal Assistance
Were you charged with marijuana possession or distribution in West Long Branch, New Jersey? Villani & DeLuca can help. Contact our New Jersey marijuana criminal defense attorneys for a free consultation at (732) 709-7757.