Morristown New Jersey is one of most desirable locations for young up and coming professionals. With its happening nightlife and eloquent restaurants it becomes quite the popular place during the weekends. With that being said, a popular nightlife scene tends to bring its fair share of trouble as well. One of the most common criminal offenses charged in Morristown is possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). More specifically, possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Possession of marijuana under 50 grams is a disorderly persons offense, more commonly known as a misdemeanor. Although most people feel like this crime is a low level offense, that couldn’t be any further from the truth. This offense, if not handled properly, could land you behind behind bars for six months, not to mention a license loss for up to two (2) years. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has been representing clients charged with possessing marijuana in the Morristown Municipal Court for over a decade. With eight criminal defense attorneys on staff and over 200 years of combined experience, you would be hard pressed to find a legal scenario that we have not already dealt with. Most drug offenses, whether it be the simple possession of marijuana or distribution of heroin, revolve around some form of a search and seizure. An experienced Morristown criminal defense lawyer can analyze the discovery and seek to attack the underline search. If successful, the pending criminal drug possession charges might be dismissed.
The governing statute in New Jersey for possessing marijuana is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4). The statute states in pertinent part:
a. 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, or except as otherwise authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.). Any person who violates this section with respect to:
(4) Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or five grams or less of hashish is a disorderly person.
As mentioned above, the penalties if convicted can be severe. Here is a list of the following penalties that may be imposed to someone who has been convicted of possessing marijuana under 50 grams in Morristown, New Jersey.
- Up to 6 Months in the Morris County Jail;
- A Fine up t0 $1,000;
- Fees & Assessments up to $800;
- Probation;
- Up to a 2 year Driver’s License Loss;
- Community Service;
- Criminal Record;
- Court Mandated Rehab.
Marijuana Possession Charges in Morristown NJ
So as you can tell, anyone who thinks possessing marijuana under 50 grams is a low level offense is clearly mistaken. If you or a loved one has been charged with possessing marijuana under 50 grams in Morristown and would like a free consultation today, please contact our office directly at 973.309.7050. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to help assist in any way possible. Our office also routinely handles other criminal matters in the Morristown Municipal Court as well, including driving while intoxicated, simple assault and shoplifting. For more information on these offenses please click the corresponding links.