Former Prosecutors and Skilled Criminal Lawyers To Defend Your Sayreville Possession Of Marijuana Charge Are Available Now At 732-227-1200.
You are probably having some stress about being charged with marijuana possession in Sayreville New Jersey. The penalties which will apply if you are convicted are significant and our attorneys know this well as one of as the largest Middlesex County criminal defense firm. Our team includes several former prosecutors, including the former head of the gangs, guns and drugs task force, who have defended thousands of individuals facing criminal charges for marijuana possession over the 100 plus years we have been in practice. To speak to a lawyer on our staff in a free initial consultation, contact our East Brunswick Office now.
Marijuana Possession Offense in Sayreville
As you may have noted from your complaint, summons or ticket, a marijuana possession offense in Sayreville arises out of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This statute makes it illegal to possess cannabis in any amount with a quantity of 50 grams or more resulting in a fourth degree crime. Possession is otherwise a disorderly persons offense.
Possession of marijuana can result under two circumstances. The first scenario is where the accused has actual possession of this Schedule I controlled dangerous substance. What this means is that the defendant had physical custody or control of the marijuana including having it in a pocket book, jacket or backpack that is on their person.
Constructive possession is the other way someone can violate 2C:35-10. An individual possesses marijuana in Sayreville in this manner when they are not in direct contact with the drug but are aware of its presence and have the ability and intent to take control over it in the future. The classic example of this concept is where drugs are concealed in an apartment or house and, although not on the person of the accused, there is constructive possession because the marijuana is theirs and they intend to take custody of them at some point in time.
Sayreville Charge for Possession of 50 Grams or Less of Marijuana
Most marijuana cases in Sayreville involve allegations that the defendant possessed 50 grams or less. A ticket or summons for possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana results in a conviction for a disorderly persons offense if you fail to secure addition into conditional discharge or fail to otherwise defend the case. The penalties under 2C:35-10 for this pedigree of possession of marijuana include fines and court assessments that can reach $1,500, a 6 to 24 month driver’s license suspension and up to 6 months of incarceration at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center.
Fourth Degree Possession of Marijuana in Sayreville New Jersey
A charge for marijuana possession is more serious when it involves greater than 50 grams. Possession of a weight in excess of 50 grams results in a fourth degree crime, a felony, which carries significant penalties. You face a fine of up to $10,000, a state prison term that can reach 18 months and the same period of driver’s license suspension described.
Marijuana Possession Attorney in Sayreville
A marijuana possession charge is more complex than most individuals anticipate when they are first arrested. Even a charge for possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana in Sayreville Municipal Court results in a criminal record and other consequences that can effect you for years. The ramification escalate rapidly when someone is charged with fourth degree possession of marijuana. With stakes like these in play, you cannot afford to handle your case without an experienced attorney in your court. The lawyers in the East Brunswick Office of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have considerable knowledge and skill in defend marijuana possession. We have also been routinely appearing in Sayreville and at the Middlesex County Superior Court so we are extremely familiar with the practices and personnel. To speak to an attorney on our staff immediately, call us at 732-227-1200.