Drug Possession Lawyer Matawan NJ
CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION IN MATAWAN? Call us at 732-747-1844.
Drug crimes are among the most serious in New Jersey. If convicted, defendants face potentially life-altering penalties, up to and including the imposition of a jail term. As a result, if you are charged with a drug offense in Matawan, New Jersey, or anywhere else in the state, it is critical that you have an experienced Matawan, New Jersey criminal defense attorney representing you. Our law firm is located just a few short minutes from the Matawan Municipal Court, and we have appeared on cases of this nature in Matawan.
Police in Matawan, New Jersey can bring charges for possession of any illegal drug or substance, including marijuana, hallucinogens, methamphetamines, heroin and cocaine. Crimes in Matawan, NJ involving allegations of drug distribution are generally more serious and present more significant penalties.
Matawan Marijuana Charges
Marijuana charges are among the most common in Matawan, NJ and other New Jersey criminal courts. A person can be charged in Matawan for possessing even seemingly miniscule amounts of the drug, including a seed or residue in a pipe. Charges of this nature can result from motor vehicle stops, searches of person or property, police intervention in college parties, etc. It is also common for individuals in Matawan, NJ to be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with marijuana cases. These items can include pipes, bags, rolling papers, and other things.
The penalties for marijuana possession can be significant, including fines, loss of driving privileges, criminal record and, in some cases, jail. First time offenders may be eligible for a diversionary program, such as a conditional discharge or pretrial intervention (PTI).
If you are charged with marijuana possession in Matawan, or anywhere else inNew Jersey, it is important that you have an experienced Matawan, NJ drug possession lawyer. These cases often involve complex legal issues, including search and seizure, chemical testing, custody of lab results and proof of actual possession. Your Matawan marijuana possession attorney can review all of the evidence presented against you and recommend options for defense.
Matawan Prescription Drug Charges
Charges may also be brought in Matawan for unlawful possession of prescription drugs. In fact, charges involving pharmaceutical drugs, such as pain killers, are becoming more common and widespread. If an individual is found to be under the influence of prescription medication in Matawan for which he or she does not possess a prescription, such possession may result in criminal charges. Penalties associated with these charges often hinge on the amount of the prescription drugs possessed. For instance, a defendant convicted in Matawan of possessing five or more doses of a prescription drug may be charged with a fourth degree crime, which can result in up to 18 months in jail. If the possession in Matawan consists of four or less doses, the defendant may be charged with a disorderly persons offense.
In order for an individual to obtain medication, he or she must first have a prescription from a licensed physician. That prescription is then presented to a pharmacist, who is authorized to supply the medication. This routine process has resulted in criminal efforts to obtain and use prescription drug pads. Such theft and prescription drug fraud is prosecuted just as seriously as other drug charges. These crimes are generally brought as third degree offenses, which can result in up to 5 years in state prison.
It is also unlawful for a person to distribute prescription drugs in Matawan without a license to do so. As with possession charges, the penalties are based on the amount distributed: second degree charges for 100 doses or more, third degree charges for 5 to 100 doses, fourth degree charges for four or less doses. These charges all expose a defendant to the potential for considerable time in jail, ranging from 18 months to 10 years for each charge.
The law also prohibits forgery of prescription scripts and prescription drug fraud in Matawan, both crimes of the third degree. If convicted, defendants face up to 5 years in state prison.
Matawan Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute
Generally, allegations involving distribution of drugs in Matawan present more significant penalties. Penalties are often determined based on the type and amount of the drugs possessed. Also, consequences may be increased based on the location of the defendant at the time of arrest. For instance, if a defendant is found within a certain distance from a school or public park in Matawan, the penalties are enhanced.
We are experienced New Jersey drug possession attorneys. We have handled many cases in Matawan and throughout New Jersey. We will defend your rights and vigorously pursue all available legal defenses. The right Matawan drug lawyer can make all the difference. Contact our offices for a free consultation. You can reach us at (732) 747-1844 or e-mail Al Mollo directly at amollo@mollolawfirm.com. Thank you.
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