Pennington NJ Marijuana Possession Attorney
Possession of Marijuana in Pennington New Jersey
Law enforcement in New Jersey, including Pennington New Jersey, spend $143 million annually targeting marijuana with 9 out of 10 arrests involving the arrest of those who possess the drug as opposed to distributors. The end result is thousands of individuals charged with possession of marijuana every year with countless cases arising in Mercer County municipalities like Pennington. If you were arrested for possessing marijuana in Pennington, it is important that you mount a potent defense because a conviction will leave you with both a criminal record and serious penalties, including the loss of your driving privileges and even the possibility of imprisonment. The biggest tool you have to avert these consequences is to retain the services of a knowledgeable criminal attorney.
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has one of the largest defense firms in the state with eight attorneys who dedicate their practice exclusively to defending individuals accused of violating the law, including those arrested for marijuana possession. Our team of skilled lawyers include several former county and municipal prosecutors that have handled thousands of marijuana charges over the last two decades. If you are facing a disorderly persons offense for possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana in Pennington Municipal Court or a charge for possessing over 50 grams of marijuana at the Mercer County Superior Court, an attorney who can effectively defend you is available at our office. Contact our Princeton Office at (609) 683-8102 for a free initial consultation with a lawyer on our staff.
Pennington Marijuana Possession Offense
A Pennington marijuana possession offense can come in one of two grades and severity under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. Each of these varieties of possession of marijuana charge result in serious penalties. The headings below outline the important aspects of each type of marijuana violation:
I. Possession of More Than 50 Grams of Marijuana. Having more than 50 grams of marijuana in your possession is a fourth degree crime pursuant to N.J.S.A 2C:35-10a(3). That means that you are facing an indictable crime that can only be dealt with at the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton if you have been charged with possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana. The penalties for fourth degree marijuana possession results in penalties that include:
- Up to 18 months in prison
- A fine of up to $25,000
- Possible 6-month suspension of driver’s license
II. Possession of 50 grams or Less of Marijuana. Having 50 grams or less of marijuana in your possession is a disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4). That means that the offense is a non-indictable offense, or misdemeanor. Such cases will be heard in Pennington Municipal Court. The penalties are:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Possible 6-month suspension of driver’s license
If the possession was in a school zone and you are not sentenced to jail, then you must perform at least 100 hours of community service.
First-Time Offender Programs. If you have never been convicted of a crime before, a Conditional Discharge or Pretrial Intervention may be available to you. If admitted, the court will require you to fulfill certain probation-like requirements (such as regular drug testing). Completion of those requirements over the designated period of time will result in the court completely dismissing the charges against you.
Pennington Possession of Marijuana Lawyer
As you can see, a marijuana possession conviction can lead to fines, jail time, and a criminal record. This is a primary reason why you should strongly consider contacting an lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Our attorneys are savvy advocates who are well equipped to defend a Pennington charge for possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana or one involving a fourth degree crime for more than 50 grams. If you have been charged with either pedigree of possession of marijuana offense, the lawyers on our staff are here to help you defend your offense. Call (609) 683-8102 to speak to an attorney at the firm now.