Lawrence NJ Drug Possession Lawyer
Charged For CDS Possession in Lawrence Township New Jersey
There are many varieties of drug possession that someone can face in Lawrence New Jersey. The members of the Lawrence Township Police Department file possession charges for controlled dangerous substances that include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, MDMA (a.k.a. Molly or Ecstasy), LSD and prescription drugs like Xanax, Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. If you have been charged for CDS possession in Lawrence Township New Jersey, a lawyer at our firm is here to help you. We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall and our eight criminal attorneys have defend many individuals arrested for possessing drugs just like you over our 100 plus years in practice. In many case, an attorney on our team will also have experience serving as a prosecutor. One of the lawyers on our staff is available around the clock to conduct a comprehensive review of your case without charge. To speak to an attorney now, contact our Lawrence Office at 609–683–8102.
Lawrence Township CDS Possession Charge
A Lawrence Township CDS possession charge typically arises out of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This law makes it unlawful to knowingly possess drugs either directly or constructively. Possessing CDS directly means that you had physical control over the drug. Constructive possession applies when the substance is not physically controlled but where the accused knows of its existence and has both the ability and intent to exercise dominion over it in the future. If you possess any form of CDS with either manner without a valid prescription, you can be convicted under 2C:35-10. The penalties that you face for this offense hinge on both the type of drug and quantity possessed. The table below outline what you are facing if you were charged with possession in Lawrence in violation of 2C:35-10.
| Section of 2C:35-10 | Types of Drugs | Degree of Offense | Fine | Imprisonment |
| 2C:35-10a(1) | Cocaine, Heroin, MDMA, LSD, Methamphetamine & Other Schedule I, II, III or IV CDS | Third Degree Crime | $35,000 | Up to 5 Years in Prison |
| 2C:35-10a(2) | Schedule IV CDS | Fourth Degree Crime | $15,000 | Up to 18 Months in Prison |
| 2C:35-10a(3) | Possession of Over 50 Grams of Marijuana | Fourth Degree Crime | $25,000 | Up to 18 Months in Prison |
| 2C:35-10.5e(1) | Possession of 4 or fewer dosage units of a Prescription Legend Drug | Fourth Degree Crime | $10,000 | Up to 18 Months in Prison |
| 2C:35-10a(4) | Possession of 50 Grams or Less of Marijuana | Disorderly Persons Offense | $1,000 | Up to 6 Months in Jail |
| 2C:35-10.5e(2) | Possession of 5 or more dosage units of a Prescription Drug | Disorderly Persons Offense | $1,000 | Up to 6 Months in Jail |
In addition to the penalties set forth above, you face a license suspension of 6-24 months if you are found guilty of possessing drugs. The exposure escalates dramatically if you are facing a charge for distribution of CDS in Lawrence New Jersey.
Lawrence NJ CDS Possession Defense Attorney
Whether you were arrested because you possessed cocaine, Ecstasy/Molly, MDMA, LSD, heroin or prescription drugs, a defense attorney is an imperative. This is the case whether your charge is possession of marijuana in Lawrence Township or involves a more serious street drug like methamphetamine since the penalties under 2C:35-10 are significant. This is where the lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can be so invaluable. Our staff of attorneys are former prosecutors that have decades of experience and a track record that includes thousands of success stories. To take advantage of a free consultation with a lawyer immediately, call 609–683–8102.