The governing statute in New Jersey for possession of marijuana is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4). Unfortunately, most people are completely unaware of how serious this offense really is. Pursuant to the statute, possession of marijuana under 50 grams is considered a disorderly persons offense; more commonly known as a misdemeanor. If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams in Roxbury or elsewhere in New Jersey you are facing the following penalties:
- Up to six (6) months in the Morris County Jail;
- A fine up too $1,000;
- Fees & Assessments totaling $800;
- Up to a 2 year loss of drivers license;
- Rehab;
- Community Service;
- Probation (including random drug tests) &
- Criminal Record.
It goes without saying, but a criminal conviction for possessing a controlled dangerous substance (drugs), whether it be marijuana or heroin, could hinder not only your ability to be accepted into your dream college but obtain gainful employment as well. In fact, there are a lot of professions out there that will not hire a potential employee or would immediately terminate an employee who has been convicted of possessing marijuana. With that being said, it is imperative that if you or a loved one has been charged with possessing marijuana in Roxbury New Jersey that you seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Since most drug charges stem from a search, whether it be a car, a persons or a home, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a difference. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can attack the search irrespective of whether it was based on a warrant or consent. If successful at a suppression hearing the charges may be outright dismissed. If that was to occur the aforementioned penalties above would never come into play. In addition, if no search issue exists and all discovery has been provided, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to convince the prosecution and Judge to allow you to participate in the conditional discharge program. If the program is successfully completed without issue, the charges would be outright dismissed. For more information on the conditional discharge program, please checkout our practice series by clicking the link.
Marijuana Possession Charges in Roxbury NJ
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense in Roxbury, New Jersey The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help. Our office has over 200 years of combined experience on staff, including years of prior prosecuting experience. We have been been representing clients charged with possessing marijuana in the Roxbury Municipal Court for over a decade. If you would like to come into our office to discuss your options with any one of the eight criminal defense attorneys on staff then please contact our office directly at 973.309.7050. We are available 24/7 to help assist in any way possible.