Elizabeth NJ Marijuana Distribution Attorney
The law in New Jersey is much more severe when a marijuana charge involves manufacturing, selling, distributing or possession with intent to distribute. Conduct falling within these parameters exposes the accused to a felony criminal offense at the county courthouse in Elizabeth and the possibility of years in state prison. If you have been charged with marijuana distribution anywhere in Union County, including Linden, Elizabeth, Westfield, Union or Cranford, you definitely need to retain a savvy defense attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have been defending those arrested for selling marijuana in Union County for several decades. In fact, the lawyers on our defense team have over a century of combined experience, including significant time serving as prosecutors. We provide free consultations anytime 24/7. Contact our Union Township Office at 908-272-1700 to speak to a lawyer now.
Marijuana Distribution & Manufacturing under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5
The penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 for distributing marijuana vary depending on the quantity (i.e. weight) involved. Possession with intent to distribute, selling, or manufacturing marijuana, can be a First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree or Fourth Degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The grading and penalties for distributing or selling marijuana is as follows:
- 25 or more pounds of marijuana or, 50 or more plants, is a First Degree crime exposing an individual to 10-20 years in jail and a fine of up to $300,000.00;
- 5 or more pounds but less than 25 pounds of marijuana, or at least 10 plants but less than 50 plants, is a Second Degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000;
- 1 ounce of marijuana but less than 5 pounds, is a crime of the Third Degree that carries up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000;
- Distribution of less than 1 ounce is a Fourth Degree offense that exposes an individual to up to 18 months in jail and a fine of $10,000.
Distributing Marijuana in a School Zone or Public Park Zone
Enhanced penalties apply where marijuana distribution is within 1,000 feet of a School Zone or within 500 feet of a Public Park or Housing Project. Public Park cases trigger an upward adjustment in grading by one level. Distributing or selling in a School Zone involves similar escalation in penalties and also results in mandatory periods of incarceration. This is also referred to as a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.
Union NJ Marijuana Distribution Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been arrested for distributing or selling marijuana, you are making a wise move in researching your options. There is no doubting that you will need an experienced defense lawyer to protect your interests if you want to avoid what can easily end in a permanent record for selling cds. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our attorneys have over 100 years of experience handling intent to distribute marijuana cases arising in Roselle Park, Springfield, Plainfield, Hillside, Fanwood and other Union County municipalities. The lawyers at our firm are available to assist you and possess the knowledge and skill you need on your side. To learn more about the law or how our criminal lawyers can assist you, please do not hesitate to call us at 908-272-1700.
Linden, Elizabeth, Westfield, Union or Cranford.
