Members of the South Brunswick Police Department write many summonses each year for marijuana possession. Unfortunately, individuals tend to take this offense lightly only to find out when it is too late that a skilled lawyer would have been invaluable. Do not make the same mistake with your South Brunswick marijuana possession offense. Our attorneys include several former prosecutors and a team that has been representing clients charged with 50 grams or less of marijuana, as well as fourth degree possession, for decades in South Brunswick New Jersey and elsewhere in Middlesex County. If you would like to take advantage of a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, call us at 732-246-7126.
Charge for Possession of 50 Grams or Less in South Brunswick Municipal Court
The largest block of marijuana possession charges in South Brunswick are dealt with in its municipal court. The South Brunswick Municipal Court has jurisdiction to decide all disorderly persons offenses including possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana. Although this grade of marijuana offense is the equivalent to a misdemeanor, do not be fooled into thinking that a conviction cannot significantly effect you. A finding of guilt will leave you with a criminal record that you will have to deal with for many years. There is also a mandatory driver’s license suspension of 6-24 months. The worst potential penalty for possessing 50 grams or less of marijuana is the possibility of 6 months in the county jail.
South Brunswick Fourth Degree Possession of Marijuana
If you were arrested for possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana then you are facing a fourth degree crime. This is an indictable offense, the equivalent of a felony. A conviction results in serious penalties. You face the same license suspension as a municipal court charge for marijuana possession but the other consequences are much more severe. You can be fined up to $10,000. You are also subject to up to 18 months in prison at the time of sentencing.
Possession of Marijuana in a School Zone. The penalties for possession are enhanced when it occurs in a school zone, that is, within 1,000 feet of school property. You are required to do 100 hours of community service when marijuana is possessed in this protected zone.
Condition Discharge & Pretrial Intervention. An individual who is a first time offender can avoid prosecution for a marijuana possession charge through two programs. Condition discharge applies if you are charged with 50 grams or less of marijuana and pretrial intervention applies to fourth degree possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana.
Marijuana Possession Attorney in South Brunswick NJ
South Brunswick is one of the busiest courts in Middlesex County for criminal charges because of its size and population. Most of these violations are non-indictable like possession of marijuana. If you were charged with possession of marijuana in South Brunswick NJ, an attorney on our staff is equipped to effectively defend this offense. To speak to a lawyer at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall immediately, call our New Brunswick NJ Criminal Firm at 732-246-7126.
