West Windsor Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer
A drug related criminal offense in West Windsor can be frightening and extremely stressful. This goes for not only charges filed under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 but also those involving an offense for possession of drug paraphernalia. Even if you are a first time offender you run the risk of jail time, expensive fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. Then there is the collateral consequence of a drug paraphernalia conviction – a criminal record that will follow you professionally and personally for years to come.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall understand how seriously you will be impacted if you are convicted of a drug paraphernalia offense. This is why we work so hard to avoid a result that involves your being found guilty for possessing drug paraphernalia. Our lawyers have decades of combined experience representing clients in West Windsor Township and the surrounding areas. An attorney at the firm, which possesses over 100 combined years in practice and includes several former prosecutors, know how to effectively counter the prosecution and secure a dismissal/acquittal. To speak to a lawyer on our staff in a free consultation about how we would go about defending you, call 609–683–8102.
Drug Paraphernalia Offense in West Windsor
Use and intent to use drug paraphernalia is criminalized under N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2. This statute makes it a disorderly persons offense to knowing possession an item used to package, ingest, inhale, prepare, measure, manufacture, test or otherwise utilize a controlled dangerous substance. Charges of this nature fall within in the jurisdiction of the West Windsor Municipal Court. The headings below outline some of the more important points you need to know about a drug paraphernalia offense like the one you are facing in West Windsor.
What Constitutes Drug Paraphernalia? Some items used as drug paraphernalia also have non-drug related applications. N.J.S.A. 2C:36-1 specific items that fall within this definition such as pipes, bongs, vaporizers, grinders, scales and the like. This statute also sets forth factors to be considered in determining whether something constitutes drug paraphernalia.
Penalties for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Possession of drug paraphernalia in New Jersey is a misdemeanor. A person convicted can be forced to pay a fine of up to $1,000.00, lose their driver’s license for 6 months to two years, and receive a six-month sentence in jail. Every individual found guilty under 2C:36-2 also has a criminal record.
Relief Through Conditional Discharge. Relief from many of the consequence of a drug paraphernalia charge can be secured by successfully apply for, being admitted into and completing the conditional discharge program. This diversionary mechanism has strict guidelines and is reserved for first offenders who have never had the benefit of such a program in the past. It is always best to consult a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer when attempting to obtain a conditional discharge.
West Windsor NJ Drug Paraphernalia Defense Attorney
In order to have your case dismissed or downgraded it is vital that you have the representation of a skilled lawyer who understands all aspects of drug related offenses. The criminal lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have been appearing in West Windsor Municipal Court for decades and certainly know what it takes to effectively defend someone faced with a drug paraphernalia offense. You can trust that one of our attorneys has what it takes to achieve the best possible legal outcome. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a drug paraphernalia defense attorney at the firm.