Cocaine use has skyrocketed in recent years and this is not surprising given the number of Union Township possession charges that arise each year. The Union County Superior Court presides over hundreds of cocaine possession charges annually, including many arising in Union New Jersey. Possession of cocaine is a serious criminal charge that can land you in prison for up to five years. A Union cocaine possession lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the tools to insure you reach the best outcome of your case. We are former prosecutors and skilled defense attorneys that have been defending cocaine charges at the Superior Court in Elizabeth for decades. One of our highly knowledgeable lawyers is available at 908-272-1700 to provide a free consultation. An attorney is ready to assist you now.
Union NJ Cocaine Possession Charge
Possession of cocaine is a third degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. If you have been accused of selling or possession with intent to distribute, a separate offense applies and for information on that subject you can refer to our page for distribution of cocaine. An individual can possession cocaine in violation of 2C:35-10 either actually or constructively. Actual possession means that the cocaine was in the direct custody of the actor. The law allows the Union Police Department to file a charge based on constructive possession, meaning, that the CDS was not in direct custody but the actor had the ability and intention to take control of the cocaine in the future. For example, if you are in a car when it is stopped by the police who search it and find cocaine under a seat, all occupants of the vehicle can be charged with possession. Anyone in the vehicle is treated as having the ability to exercise control over it under constructive possession.
As previously stated, possession of cocaine is a third degree crime. Penalties you face if convicted of third degree possession of cocaine include:
- Fines up to $35,000
- Imprisonment for up to five years
- Suspension of your driver’s license for at least six months up to 24 months
- If you are arrested on or within 1,000 feet of school property, you could also be sentenced to complete community service in addition to other penalties imposed by a court.
The consequences of a cocaine possession conviction linger long after your sentence is over as well. As a convicted felon, your right to own or possess a firearm is taken away from you. Employers may avoid hiring you because of your criminal record, and property owners can refuse to rent an apartment or home to you because of your felony record.
You may avoid all of the consequences of a conviction if you are admitted into and complete the Pretrial intervention. The eligibility guidelines are strict for this program so enlisting a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is highly advisable.
Union NJ Cocaine Possession Lawyer
A Union Township cocaine possession lawyer from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is committed to developing an effective defense strategy to fight the charges, including filing motions to suppress evidence seized in violation of your rights. Perhaps the motor vehicle stop that led to your arrest was improper. The same may be true with respect to the search of residence. A skilled attorney from our firm will do whatever it will take to insure that you have every chance of escaping a conviction. Contact us today to speak to one of our attorneys without obligation. Lawyers can be reached 24/7 at 908-272-1700.
