The good news when facing a possession charge for less than five grams of hashish (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4)) is that the charge is a disorderly persons offense, comparable to a misdemeanor in other states. That doesn’t mean possession is nothing to worry about, though. If convicted, you may still face up to six months in jail, loss of driving privileges for at least six months, fines of $1000, and hundreds of additional dollars in fees and assessments. For first offenders, there is a … [Read more...]

Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 2c:35-10a(3)) is a Fourth Degree Crime, comparable to a felony charge in other states. Penalties can run as high as 18 months in jail, with a $25,000 fine, various fees and assessments, plus a 24 month suspension of your driver’s license. Aside from the obvious penalties, keep in mind that even when you return to society, you’ll be left with a drug conviction on your record that will be visible to employers, colleges, … [Read more...]

The severity of the penalty for conviction of less than 50 grams of marijuana (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4)) has almost as much to do with the offender and his or her legal defense as it does with the statute itself. While conviction can carry a jail sentence of up to six months, first time offenders have a presumption of non-incarceration, and in many cases, marijuana possession charges can be handled through conditional discharges or other alternative approaches. Aside from the potential six … [Read more...]

Penalties for the manufacture and sale of methamphetamines in New Jersey vary with the quantity of the drug, with amounts under half an ounce garnering a potential sentence of five years in prison and a $75,000 fine. Quantities above five ounces can result in prison time up to 20 years, and penalties can be enhanced if sales occurred near schools or in public parks. It is possible to convert an intent to distribute charge to a lesser charge of simple possession, but you need to act fast to … [Read more...]

As with most drug prosecutions, possession of methamphetamines in New Jersey is graded based on the amount of the drug you were caught with. For possession of less than half an ounce, you’ll be charged with a third degree crime, carrying a sentence of up to five years and a $15,000 fine. Possession of between half an ounce and five ounces of meth is a second degree crime, which can put you away for ten years, with a $150,000 fine. Possession at this amount or higher risks additional … [Read more...]

Yes, juveniles caught possessing marijuana in New Jersey will lose their driving privileges for two years, as well as facing big fines and the potential of a sentence to a juvenile detention facility. While the presumption for first time offenders is to avoid the harshest penalties, judges in New Jersey don’t just let a marijuana possession incident slide. Your child may be eligible for a number of alternative sentencing programs that can help mitigate the consequences. A record that … [Read more...]

Juveniles caught possessing marijuana in New Jersey will usually be charged with delinquency, and a conviction or guilty plea will result in a juvenile record, but not a criminal record. This is obviously a better situation than being charged as an adult, but juvenile detention, loss of a driver’s license, and fines are potential consequences if the court finds you delinquent. In most cases, a juvenile will have access to alternatives that adults may not, and it’s important that families … [Read more...]

If you were caught in possession of marijuana while driving in New Jersey, you’re likely facing two charges, one that applies to your driver’s license and one that is criminal in nature. The charge of Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances While Operating A Motor Vehicle is a motor vehicle offense that carries a penalty of a two year suspension of your driver’s license, as well as fines. The criminal charge has the potential to put you in jail, so extra caution is required in … [Read more...]

The penalty for possession of CDS while operating a motor vehicle in New Jersey is a motor vehicle penalty rather than a criminal one, and you’ll face a two year license suspension, plus fines. Additionally, you’ll probably be charged with a criminal act like possession of controlled dangerous substances or even distributing CDS. These are serious charges under New Jersey law, that can have repercussions throughout your life, especially if convicted on criminal drug possession … [Read more...]

You’re facing both charges because they are separate infractions, and only the possession charge is a criminal matter. CDS in a Motor Vehicle is not a criminal offense in its own right. The penalty upon conviction is a two year suspension of your driver’s license, and the judge has no discretion to waive the penalty. You have to be wary of plea bargains encouraging you to plead guilty of the CDS in a Motor Vehicle charge in exchange for conditional sentencing on the possession … [Read more...]