Hamilton Drug Possession Lawyers
Charged with Drug Possession in Hamilton
Drug possession is one of the most common forms of criminal offense that is encountered in the Mercer County municipality of Hamilton Township. Whether its the result of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, MDMA or some other controlled dangerous substance (“CDS”), failure to successfully defend your charge will result in serious penalties. This is why it is so important for you to retain the best attorney you can afford to defend this violation. The lawyers at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, are seasoned advocates that have over 100 years of combined experience defending drug possession charges in Hamilton and other area municipalities. For an immediate free consultation with a lawyer on our staff, call 609–683–8102.
CDS Possession Offense in Hamilton New Jersey
It is illegal to possess CDS without a valid prescription. Drugs contained on Schedule I are illegal to possess in any quantity, for example, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Anyone who knowingly or purposely possesses one of these substances violates N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. An individual can be in possession actually or constructively in violation of this law. Constructive possession occurs when an individual is not in direct physical possession but are aware of their existence and have the ability and intention to exercise control over them. Actual possession applies when the cds/drugs are under an individual’s physical control.
The exact penalty for drug possession depends on the amount and type of drug a person is convicted of possessing. Possession of drugs in Schedule, I, II, III or IV, generally result in a third degree crime that falls under the jurisdiction of the Mercer County Superior Court. CDS falling within this category includes cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and heroin. The penalty for possessing these drugs in Hamilton Township are:
- Three to five years in prison
- Fine of up $35,000
- Loss of driving privileges for six to 24 months
Possessing CDS in Schedule V, including certain prescription drugs, is a fourth degree felony. It is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000 fine. Marijuana possession results in a disorderly persons offense when the quantity involved is 50 grams or less. The penalties upon conviction for this grade of charge in Hamilton Municipal Court include up to 6 months in the Mercer County Jail, a fine of up to $1,000 and a license suspension of 6-24 months. A conviction for possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana is a fourth degree crime that results in up to 18 months in prison and a fine that can reach $25,000.
Hamilton NJ Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
When you consider that even a disorderly persons offense for possession of marijuana in Hamilton results in a criminal record and a 6-24 month license suspension, you realize just how serious the law is when it comes to a drug offense. You need to show the same level of commitment by insuring you are represented by a skilled defense lawyer. Here at the Hamilton Office of the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, there is a team of attorneys with the qualifications you need. Our staff includes several former prosecutors that have been defending cds possession charges just like yours for decades. An attorney is available immediately to help you in a free consultation by calling 609–683–8102.