If you or someone you know been charged with marijuana possession in Cranford, New Jersey? Call us for free, no-obligation consultation.
While many states are moving to legalize or decriminalize recreational possession of marijuana, there is currently no ability to have this controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”) in Cranford or any other municipality in the state.
When the quantity possessed is 50 grams or less of marijuana, the resulting criminal charge is a disorderly persons offense that is handled in Cranford Municipal Court. Possessing more than 50 grams is a fourth degree crime that must be directed to the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth for resolution.
Being charged with the possession of marijuana in either grade, is a serious matter. It is not, however, a hopeless matter. Hard work by an attorney who is skilled in marijuana defense can go along way towards minimizing or even outright eliminating penalties. This is precisely how the lawyers at our firm can help you.
Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience defending marijuana possession charges in Cranford. We also maintained an office in the municipality for more than a decade resulting in many appearances in both its municipal court and at the Superior Court. To speak to a lawyer with the tools to achieve the best possible outcome of your marijuana case, call 908-272-1700.
Marijuana Possession Offense in Cranford, New Jersey
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4) of the New Jersey Criminal Code makes possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana for personal use a disorderly persons offense. If you have no prior offenses and are convicted of a disorderly persons offense for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, you will be facing the following consequences:
- Possible incarceration in a county jail for up to 6 months
- A fine of up to $1000
- Suspension of your driver’s license for up to six months
A disorderly persons offense for marijuana possession will be tried before a judge of the Cranford, NJ Municipal Court, which is located at 8 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016, and can be reached by telephone at 908-709-7242.
Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana is a fourth degree crime that will be handled at the County Courthouse in Elizabeth, where you will be facing the following penalties:
- A fine of up to $25,000
- Possible jail time of up to 18 months
- Suspension of your driver’s license for at least 6 months
- A felony criminal record
In either case, the penalties if convicted are even more severe when the offense took place in a school zone. In addition, if you are in car at the time that you are arrested, you will face a mandatory two year license suspension.
The potential consequences associated with being convicted of marijuana possession extend beyond the threat of fines and jail time. Certain federal scholarships and grants will terminate your enrollment if convicted of a marijuana offense and can immediately require that you start repaying any money that you have already received.
Fortunately, when it comes to minor drug possession in New Jersey, there is such a thing as conditional discharge ( N.J.S.A. 2C:36A-1). Conditional discharge is a program that you can apply for by having your attorney make a motion to the municipal court judge.
If the judge accepts the motion, you will be allowed into the program. You will then be required to pay some fines and be given a probation officer, who will monitor your conduct for up to three years. If you complete the program successfully, your charges will be dismissed and you will no longer have a criminal record for possession of marijuana.
Conditional discharge is not a right, it is privileged that your attorney must vigorously fight for you to receive. Furthermore, you are only allowed to use conditional discharge or pretrial intervention (the superior court version of conditional discharge) one time only. Once you have used conditional discharge, you can never apply for it again.
Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer in Cranford, New Jersey
If you have any other questions regarding possession of marijuana in Cranford, contact our office for a free consultation with a highly knowledgeable defense lawyer. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will happy to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. You should also know that the attorneys on our staff have over a century of experience defending marijuana charges to put into action on your behalf. Lawyers are available immediately at 908-272-1700 to start the process of protecting your interests.
