Union NJ Synthetic Marijuana Attorneys
In 2013, New Jersey criminalized possession and distribution of a synthetic cannabinoid (a.k.a. marijuana). This class of engineered drug attempts to mimic the effect or high of natural cannabis and bears names like “spice” and “K2”. Lawmakers have outlawed the drug altogether making it illegal to possess this controlled dangerous substance (“cds”) in any quantity. They view the drug so seriously that, unlike traditional marijuana, even simple possession results in a felony indictable crime. As a result, whether you were charged in Union, Linden, Roselle, Kenilworth, Clark or another municipality, your case will be sent to the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth for disposition. This is the only court with jurisdiction to decide a second, third or fourth degree crime such as possession, manufacturing or distribution of a synthetic cannabinoid.
If you were arrested for possessing this drug or, worse yet, distributing it in Union County, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you. We have over a century of combined experience and several lawyers on our staff are former prosecutors. The defense team at the firm have successfully defended countless defendants in your shoes and an attorney with the skills to help you is a telephone call away. Contact our Union NJ Office at 908-272-1700 for a free initial consultation.
The following are some other important details of the law that you probably want to be aware of if you are face a CDS charge involving this category of drug.
Manufacturing, Distributing, Dispensing or Possession With Intent To Distribute A Synthetic Cannabinoid
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3b makes it a crime to “knowingly or purposely to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a synthetic cannabinoid.” It is a second degree crime to engage in this activity with respect to one ounce or more of synthetic marijuana and a third degree crime when less than an ounce is involved. The chemical structure of drugs qualifying as a synthetic cannabinoid under this law including, but are not limited to, the following chemicals and their derivatives; JWH 015; JWH 018; JWH 019; JWH 073; JWH 081; JWH 122; JWH 200; JWH 210; JWH 398; AM 2201; WIN 55 212; JWH-175; JWH-184; JWH 307; JWH-176; RCS-8 (SR-18); JWH 250; JWH 203; JWH-251; JWH-302; CP 47,497 (and homologues(analogs)); cannabicyclohexanol; CP 55, 940; AM 694; Pravadoline (WIN 48,098); RCS 4; AM-679; WIN 55,212-2; HU-210; and AM-1248.
Possession of a Synthetic Cannabinoid
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3c establishes the criminal offense of possession of a synthetic cannabinoid. It is a third degree crime to possess one ounce or more of this substance and a fourth degree crime to obtain or possess less than an ounce.
Penalties That Apply To This Offense
The penalties that apply to a possession or distribution of this form of CDS mirror those that apply to most other second, third and fourth degree drug offenses. Second degree distribution of a synthetic cannabinoid carries a fine of up to $150,000 and a jail term of 5-10 years in state prison. A third degree charge of this nature results in up to 5 yeas in prison and a $15,000 fine. The grading and penalties that apply can be enhanced if the distribution is in a school zone or public park.
The same penalties apply for third degree possession of a synthetic cannabinoid as do for possession with intent (previously mentioned). Fourth degree possession triggers up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Since a synthetic cannabinoid charge involves a 2C drug offense, there is also a mandatory six (6) months to two (2) year driver’s license suspension that applies in the even of conviction. May of these penalties, as well as a criminal record, may be avoidable, however, if you qualify and are able to be admitted into the Pretrial Intervention Program.
Elizabeth NJ Synthetic Cannabinoid Defense Lawyers
Charges involving synthetic cannabinoids are often take lightly because the accused fails to understand the full extent of the offense they are facing. You should not make the same mistake given what you have ready concerning the penalties for selling or even straight possession of this form of controlled dangerous substance. The attorneys on our staff will do whatever they can to insure that you escape life changing ramifications from this drug charge. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has over 100 years of collective experience, as well as a commitment to fight for the best outcome on your behalf, which we will utilize on your behalf. If you would like to speak to one of the defense lawyers on our staff about the synthetic marijuana violation that was filed in Cranford, Roselle Park, Springfield, Hillside or Elizabeth, call our Union Township Office at 908-272-1700. An attorney is ready to assist you anytime 24/7.
