Cocaine Possession Offense in Cranford New Jersey
One of the most frequently encountered Cranford drug possession offenses is cocaine. This certainly was not the situation a few years ago but cocaine is on the rise with a resurrection in the number of individuals charged for possession or distributing cocaine in Cranford and other municipalities in Union County. If you were caught in possession of cocaine, your first priority should be to retain a good attorney to help you defend your offense. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has seven criminal attorneys, most of whom are former prosecutors, that have considerable expertise in defending cocaine and other CDS charges at the Union County Superior Court located in Elizabeth. Our defense lawyers will ensure that you are thoroughly defended, including challenging the many constitutional issues that may be involved in your stop, search and arrest. You are encouraged to contact our Union Township office at 908-272-1700 for an immediate free consultation with a skilled attorney.
Cranford Cocaine Possession Charge
A Cranford cocaine possession charge results under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This law provides that:
It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice.
Constructive Possession. The statute above covers both actual and constructive possession in Cranford. Constructive possession means that the cocaine, or other CDS, was not actually on your person but you had the ability and intent to exercise exclusive control over the substance. For example, if there is cocaine concealed inside your car or residence that you know is there and intend to take possession of in the future, you are deemed to have constructive possession in violation of 2C:35-10a(1).
Possession of Cocaine is a Third-Degree Crime. The penalties for a third degree crime for possessing cocaine are as follows: (i) 3 to 5 years in prison; and (ii) a fine up to $35,000. In addition, a court may order drug testing or drug treatment following any type of jail sentence, or as part of any sentence of probation. There is also a 6-24 month driver’s license suspension that must be ordered by the court.
Possible Community Service for Possession in a School Zone. If you are caught in possession of cocaine, or another type of CDS, in a school zone, school bus, public housing project, or public park, a court will order you to perform a mandatory minimum of 100 hours of community service.
Cranford NJ Cocaine Defense Lawyer
The Cranford Police Department is part of the war on drugs and does whatever it can to target individuals who possess and sell illegal drugs like cocaine. If you have been charged with an offense for possession of cocaine or, even worse, distribution of cocaine, you absolutely need to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. The team of lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the knowledge and skill to give you the best defense possible against a cocaine possession charge in Cranford. Call our office at 908-272-1700 to consult with a lawyer that will protect your future. One of our attorneys is available now to assist you.
