It is a serious criminal offense to be found in possession of a controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”) in South Brunswick. With the exception of small amounts of marijuana, a drug possession charge is a felony charge that has serious ramifications. A conviction for a drug possession charge involving cocaine, MDMA, heroin or other CDS can cost you up to $35,000 in fines and 5 years in prison. If you are facing a drug possession offense the best strategy you can employ is to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney to fight your charges. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have successfully defended thousands of drug possession charges and provided favorable outcomes for countless clients in Middlesex County, including South Brunswick. To speak to a lawyer at the firm immediately, contact our office at 732-210-6241.
South Brunswick Drug Possession Charge
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 of the New Jersey Criminal Code, it is illegal to knowingly or purposely possess any controlled dangerous substance (CDS) contained on Schedule I, II, II, IV, or V without a valid prescription. The severity of your South Brunswick drug possession charge depends on the type of drug and the amount found in their possession. Additional penalties will apply to persons who have been found in possession within a school zone, while operating a motor vehicle and where possession is for purposes of manufacturing, selling or intent to distribute. The following bullet headings outline the grading and penalties for commonly possessed drugs in South Brunswick.
- Schedule I, II, III, IV Drugs. Drugs that commonly fall into this category are cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA. Under 2C:35-10, an individual who is found in possession of a schedule I, II, III, or IV drug commits a crime of the third degree. If convicted, this offense is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $35,000.
- Schedule V Drugs. Schedule V drugs include prescription medications such as Vicodin, Ritalin and many others. It is a violation of the law to be found in possession of schedule V CDS without a valid prescription. It is a fourth degree crime under 2C:35-10a(2) to possess such a drug, with penalties that include up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
- Marijuana. Although marijuana is classified as a Schedule I CDS it is not charged as a third degree crime. Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana in South Brunswick is a disorderly persons offense that carries penalties that include up to a $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. If you are convicted for possessing over 50 grams of marijuana, you face a crime of the fourth degree, a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
In addition to fines and the possibility of incarceration, drug possession charges in South Brunswick result in a suspension of your driving privileges for 6-24 months. You will also face the collateral consequence of having a criminal record that is likely to affect your future endeavors.
South Brunswick CDS Possession Defense Lawyer
Although CDS possession is a common occurrence in Old Bridge, this conduct continues to be totally illegal. In many cases, the violation results in a crime of the third degree or fourth degree, felonies that can land you in prison for years. The South Brunswick Criminal Attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have over 100 years of combined experience defending drug possession like the one filed against you and always fight to provide the best possible outcome for clients. For a free consultation with a lawyer at the firm, call 732-210-6241 to reach our New Brunswick Office. A lawyer is ready to guide you through this confusing time immediately.
