Cocaine possession has become the focus of increased enforcement throughout New Jersey including the North Brunswick Police Department. There are many reasons for the heightened efforts and the resurgence of the demand for cocaine is the biggest reason. If you were arrested for possessing cocaine in North Brunswick New Jersey, you are unequivocally facing a felony that can land you in prison for up to 5 years so you cannot think about defending this offense without a skilled lawyer at your side.
The lawyers at the Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall devote their practices solely to criminal defense and include former Middlesex County and North Brunswick municipal prosecutors. Our attorneys have the skills, knowledge of the law and commitment from 100 years of collection experience to aggressively defend you against cocaine charges in North Brunswick. A highly qualified lawyer is are available to assist you 24/7 at our firm. Call (732) 246-7126 to speak to an attorney in a free consultation.
Cocaine Possession Offense in North Brunswick New Jersey
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 makes it illegal to purposely or knowingly possess cocaine in North Brunswick or anywhere in the state of New Jersey. You should also know that you can be charged with possession of cocaine even though you did not have it on you. This is referred to as constructive possession and is frequently used by police when making arrests for cocaine possession.
The typical constructive possession scenario involves cocaine found in a vehicle in which there is a driver and one or more passengers. If police find cocaine in the vehicle, both the driver and the passenger can be charged with cocaine possession as long as prosecutors can prove each occupant was aware of its presence and had the intent and ability to exercise future control over it.
North Brunswick Cocaine Possession Penalties
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1) makes cocaine possession an indictable crime of the third degree, which is the equivalent to a felony. Penalties include fines up to $35,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Your driver’s license will also be suspended for at least six months and as much as 24 months. If you are charged with possessing cocaine on or within 1,000 feet of school property, which is referred to as a school zone, you must perform at least 100 hours of community service.
If you have never had the benefit of a diversion program in the past, you can seek admission into Pretrial Intervention to avoid prosecution for possession of cocaine. The lawyers at our firm can assist you in
North Brunswick Possession of Cocaine Possession Defense Attorney
Being convicted of third degree possession of cocaine at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick leaves you with a criminal record identifying you as a convicted felon. Employment opportunities and the ability to obtain certain professional licenses can certainly be affected by this circumstance. A North Brunswick criminal lawyer from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will aggressively pursue all defenses and legal challenges, including motions to suppress evidence seized through unlawful searches or statements police got from you in violation of your constitutional rights. Our attorneys are dedicated to challenging the prosecution to give you the best chance at avoiding the serious penalties and consequences of a conviction and achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today by calling (732) 246-7126 to schedule a free consultation and speak to an attorney immediately.
Additional North Brunswick Drug Resources To Help You
