Are You Facing Cocaine Possession Charges? Talk To An Experienced Defense Lawyer In New Jersey With An 80.1% Win Rate At Trial

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and is considered a danger to the community according to New Jersey lawmakers. This is why the penalties for cocaine possession are so severe in this state. If you are accused of cocaine possession, you could face serious legal consequences as well as personal repercussions. Fortunately, as a professional Cocaine Possession Defense Lawyer In New Jersey, I may be able to help.

A drug possession charge is not the same as being convicted. In other words—you still have options and ways to potentially minimize the effects of this charge on your life.

New Jersey Cocaine Possession Laws

What is Drug Possession under the law? Contrary to what many people think, you don’t have to have the cocaine in your pocket or your hand to be charged with possession of cocaine. If you have control over it or even if it’s just within your reach, you could be accused of possessing it.

This means if there is cocaine found on your property or in your vehicle, you could be charged. If it’s found on the ground and you are standing nearby, it could be attributed to you and you could be charged. What constitutes possession can be confusing to some, but your defense lawyer can help make sense of it for you.

Cocaine Possession Penalties Explained By A Cocaine Possession Defense Lawyer In New Jersey

Under New Jersey law, possession of cocaine is considered a third degree offense. This means it can carry up to 5 years in prison if you are convicted. Generally, if this is your first offense, your sentence will be suspended so that you serve probation instead of time behind bars. On the other hand, if you have an extensive criminal history, your sentence could be extended.

Drug Courts

Depending on where you live, your case may be eligible for drug court. New Jersey drug courts were created to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Though they aren’t available in every jurisdiction, they are available in some of the larger cities.

If your case is handled in drug court and your participation is successful, you won’t go to prison for your cocaine possession charge. Instead, you will take part in something similar to an intensive probation, with the judge requiring frequent check-ins.

In addition to frequent court check-ins, you will be required to adhere to many conditions like:

• Employment requirements
• Community service
• Random drug testing
• Drug treatment
• Counseling
• And more…

If you violate the terms of the drug court, your case could be sent back to the criminal division where you will once again face potential prison time.

Plea Agreements

The vast majority of criminal cases, including cocaine possession cases, ultimately end in a plea agreement. A plea agreement is essentially an agreement between you (the defendant) and the prosecutor. You agree to plead guilty to at least a portion of the charges against you in exchange for a lenient sentence or reduced charges.

Your attorney can help you understand how the plea agreement process works and if it is in your best interests.

If you are charged with cocaine possession, let us help. Contact our offices today to discuss the details of your case in a free consultation with an experienced, professional Cocaine Possession Defense Lawyer In New Jersey.

 

Matthew Reisig, Attorney at Law

New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer – Freehold, NJ (888) 628-8394 or locally at(732) 625-9660