Marijuana Offense in Roselle Park
Marijuana possession remains a serious criminal charge in Roselle Park and the rest of New Jersey despite all the publicity regarding legalization of the drug in other states. While possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense that is handled in Roselle Park Municipal Court, a conviction can cause you to lose your driver’s license for up to two years, go to jail and have a criminal record. The ramifications if you allegedly possessed more than 50 grams are even worse since this violation is a fourth degree crime. Hiring the best attorney you can afford is definitely an effective strategy for someone interested in avoiding a conviction for possession of marijuana in Roselle Park New Jersey.
At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, eight attorneys devote their practices exclusively to criminal defense. Some of the lawyers are former prosecutors who understand how charges are prosecuted and most effective strategies to escaping a guilty finding. More than anything else, they understand what it takes to win. No matter when you need a defense lawyer in Roselle Park, at the Superior Court or anywhere else in New Jersey, you can depend on us being there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us today at (908) 272-1700 to speak to one of our marijuana possession defense lawyers immediately.
Marijuana Possession Charge in Roselle Park New Jersey
As surprising as it may be to you, marijuana is considered a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”). Drugs that fall within this category are considered to be the most addictive, susceptible to abuse and lack any accepted medical use. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, it is illegal to engage in any of the following activities with marijuana:
- Possess
- Use
- Be under the influence
If you are caught with more than 50 grams of marijuana in your possession, prosecutors can charge you with committing a crime of the fourth degree, which is an indictable offense. Indictable offenses in New Jersey are the equivalent of felonies in other jurisdictions. Conviction of an indictable offense leaves you with a permanent criminal record that could cause employers to refuse to hire you and even make it difficult to travel to certain locations outside of the United States simply because you are a convicted felon.
Possession of up to 50 grams of marijuana is still a serious charge, the equivalent of a misdemeanor in other states. A conviction is a disorderly persons offense, and you would have a criminal record. If you apply for a job, you would have to answer respond in the affirmative if the application asks if you were ever convicted of committing a crime.
A fourth degree crime for possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana in violation of 2C:35-10a(3) results in penalties that include:
- Up to a $25,000 fine
- A prison term of up to 18 months
- A driver’s license suspension of six to twenty-four months
Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense that exposes an individual to the following penalties under 2C:35-10a(4):
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- Six months in jail
- Suspension of your driver’s license for 6-24 months
Roselle Park Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer
We certainly sympathize with any anxiety or confusion you may be experiencing about the marijuana possession charge that was filed in Roselle Park. The honest truth is that you will be subject to serious penalties that can effect your future if you are convicted. This is why hiring a knowledgeable defense lawyer needs to be the focus of your efforts at this point in time. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are savvy litigators who have defended hundreds, if not thousands, charged with possession of marijuana. We will pursue any and all defenses, including challenging the motor vehicle stop and search, so that you can move ahead with your life with minimal impact. A skilled Roselle Park NJ marijuana possession attorney at our firm is ready to work for you now. Call us at (908) 272-1700 to speak to one of our lawyers in a free initial consultation.
