Freehold Drug Possession Charges Lawyer

Charged with Drug Possession in Freehold? 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 Freehold, New Jersey, or anywhere else in the state, it is critical that you have an experienced Freehold, New Jersey criminal defense attorney representing you. Our law firm is located just a few short minutes from the Freehold Municipal Court, and we have appeared on cases of this nature in Freehold. Police in Freehold, New Jersey can bring charges for possession of any illegal drug or substance, including marijuana, hallucinogens, methamphetamines, heroin, and cocaine. Crimes in Freehold, NJ involving allegations of drug distribution are generally more serious and present more significant penalties.

Freehold Marijuana Charges

Marijuana charges are among the most common in Freehold, NJ and other New Jersey criminal courts. A person can be charged in Freehold for possessing even seemingly minuscule 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, or anywhere else in New Jersey, it is important that you have an experienced Freehold, 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 Freehold marijuana possession attorney can review all of the evidence presented against you and recommend options for defense.

Freehold Prescription Drug Charges

Charges may also be brought in Freehold 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 Freehold 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 prescription drugs possessed. For instance, a defendant convicted in Freehold 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 Freehold 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 Freehold 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 a 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 Freehold, both crimes of the third degree. If convicted, defendants face up to 5 years in state prison.

Freehold Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute

Generally, allegations involving distribution of drugs in Freehold present more significant penalties.  Penalties are often determined based on the type and amount of drugs possessed. Also, consequences may be increased based on the location of the defendant at the time of the arrest. For instance, if a defendant is found within a certain distance from a school or public park in Freehold, the penalties are enhanced.

We are experienced New Jersey drug possession attorneys. We have handled many cases in Freehold and throughout New Jersey. We will defend your rights and vigorously pursue all available legal defenses. The right Freehold drug lawyer can make all the difference. Contact our offices for a free consultation. You can reach us at 888-356-4529 or e-mail Al Mollo directly at [email protected]. Thank you.