Possession of Marijuana Charge in Garwood New Jersey
Marijuana possession is among the most frequent types of criminal offense charged against individuals in Garwood NJ. With cannabis, especially medical marijuana, being legalized in more and more states across the U.S., people sometimes forget that it is still an illegal substance in New Jersey. A marijuana possession conviction carries serious penalties. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our skilled attorneys have more than a century of combined experience in defending marijuana possession charges. This legal expertise applies to charges of 50 grams or less as well as fourth degree crimes for possessing more than 50 grams. If you seek criminal defense from a Garwood criminal attorney for a marijuana possession charge, contact our office for immediate assistance from one of our attorneys on staff. Our lawyers are available 24/7, and the first consultation is free. We will conduct a complete review of the facts and give you legal advice with regard to your best options for a successful outcome. Call us now at 908-272-1700.
Possession of 50 Grams or Less of Marijuana in Garwood NJ
The law making it a crime for someone in Garwood New Jersey to knowingly possess, either actually or constructively, a quantity of marijuana weighing 50 grams or less is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4). “Knowingly” indicates that you had a conscious knowledge of marijuana possession because you either had actual possession of it or you were aware of the existence of the controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and had intent to take control of it at some point in the future, which is “constructive possession.” A conviction in this type of marijuana possession in Garwood NJ Municipal Court subjects you to up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, probation, driver’s license suspension of 6 to 24 months, and drug testing. Mandatory driver’s license suspension is applied in addition to other potential consequences for conviction of possession of drugs in a motor vehicle under N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1.
Possession of Over 50 Grams of Marijuana in Garwood
It is a more serious offense to be charged with possession of over 50 grams of marijuana because it’s a fourth degree felony under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(3). A Garwood marijuana offense of this nature falls outside local municipal court jurisdiction and must be directed to the Union County Superior Court which is located in Elizabeth New Jersey. A conviction for possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana in Garwood NJ results in penalties that include up to 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, drug testing, mandatory driver’s license suspension and/or a period of probation.
No matter which of these two grades of Garwood marijuana possession charge you are facing, if you possessed this form of CDS within 1,000 feet of school property, there is an additional penalty of at least 100 hours of community service applies.
Distribution of Marijuana in Garwood
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, possessing, manufacturing, or selling marijuana with intent to distribute in Garwood can result in a first degree, second degree, third degree, or fourth degree crime, depending on the quantity involved. Possible penalties include prison time, and driver’s license suspension is mandatory.
Garwood Marijuana Possession Defense Attorney
The skill of your defense lawyer has the greatest potential impact on the outcome of a marijuana possession charge in Garwood NJ. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have a high level of experience and knowledge in cases involving marijuana possession in Union County, which includes Garwood Municipal Court. Our team of accomplished lawyers will challenge the conduct of the Garwood Police, such as search of your vehicle or residence, if you or your child faces charges of this nature. Our goal is to give you every chance to get past the charges without a criminal record or the penalties that apply in a conviction. Call us at 908-272-1700 to speak with a highly knowledgeable attorney immediately.
