Possession of Cocaine in Roselle New Jersey
Police officers in Roselle NJ often find that individuals are in possession of cocaine after a vehicle search at a traffic stop. Has this happened to you? If you are facing a charge of cocaine possession, representation of a skilled lawyer is your best option for minimizing the possible consequences. There is no leniency in the court system for those who violate controlled dangerous substance (CDS) laws in New Jersey. You need a criminal defense attorney with experience. We have a team of criminal lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall who have represented many clients in drug cases, including cocaine possession and distribution. We have an edge because the former prosecutors on our staff provide insights as to the State’s strategies against those with cocaine possession charges. Contact us without delay for your free consultation with one of our well-qualified attorneys. We are available to assist you 24/7. The number at our Union Township office is 908-272-1700.
Roselle NJ Cocaine Offense
It is illegal to be in possession of cocaine in Roselle or anywhere else under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1). These Schedule II CDS has no accepted medical use so it is unlawful to possess this drug in any quantity. An individual who knowingly possesses cocaine, either actually or constructively, commits a third degree crime in accordance with 2C:35-10a(1).
Actual and Constructive Possession. Actual possession means that a person knowingly has the substance on his or her person. Constructive possession means that the individual does not physically have the cocaine on his or her person but knows that it is present and has the ability to exercise control over it, either personally or through one or more other people.
Elements that Establish Cocaine Possession. The following elements must be proven by the prosecutor in a cocaine possession case, to achieve a conviction: (1) the substance was cocaine; (2) it was possessed by the accused; and (3) the conduct as knowing.
Possible Penalties for Cocaine Possession. It is a third degree crime to possess cocaine in Roselle NJ. Upon conviction, the accused faces imprisonment for a period of 3 to 5 years. In addition, a maximum fine of $35,000 must be paid. If the amount of cocaine a person is found in possession of is greater than one-half ounce, there is an additional criminal charge of cocaine distribution. The maximum penalty for cocaine distribution is for more than 5 ounces, which is a first-degree offense carrying a maximum prison term of 20 years.
Possession of Cocaine in a School Zone. Additional penalties can be added to drug crimes such as cocaine possession in Roselle, if the offense occurred within 1,000 feet of a school. In this type of instance, an individual who has not been sentenced to jail on a cocaine charge will be ordered to serve a minimum of 100 hours of community service.
Roselle Cocaine Possession Attorney
The Roselle Police Department handles cocaine possession charges with all seriousness. You need the best attorney to defend you, if you have been arrested for cocaine or crack possession. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall focus exclusively on criminal defense cases, including cocaine possession charges. Our attorneys and staff are familiar with what it takes to present an effective defense. Strategies that often produce winning results include challenging search and seizure violations and lab result irregularities. To reach a lawyer on our team who has many cocaine cases, call our office at any time at 908-272-1700.
