New Jersey Drug Possession Lawyer
Experienced New Jersey Drug Possession Lawyer Aggressively Defending Clients Charged with Drug Possession In Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlesex County, and Throughout NJ
Drug possession charges can lead to serious criminal penalties in New Jersey. This is true even for first-time offenders. Being found in possession of even a small amount of drugs can result in hefty fines and spending time in jail. A drug possession conviction will also result in a criminal record that will stay with you for the rest of your life. An experienced New Jersey drug possession lawyer will fight on your behalf and help you avoid the consequences of a drug possession conviction.
Being charged with drug possession is serious. Don’t risk your freedom or your future. Contact Mollo Law Firm to speak with our experienced attorney. Lawyer Al Mollo will fight aggressively to defend your right to freedom and work to ensure your best interests are considered. You can rely on his experience and knowledge of the law to conduct an investigation and gather the evidence needed to support your case. Our law firm will devise an effective strategy for defense.
Contact us now to book an appointment for a consultation with our attorney.
Understanding Drug Possession Charges and Penalties
Drug possession charges vary and the severity of the penalties they carry varies along with them. There are several factors that are used to determine the severity of the penalties for drug possession convictions. These include:
- The volume of drugs you were found to be in possession of
- Whether you had the intention to distribute the drugs for profit
- Whether this is your first offense
- The classification of the drugs in the controlled and dangerous substances list
Controlled dangerous substances (CDS) are drugs that are categorized under schedules I, II, III, and IV. These drugs include prescription medications and drugs that are illegal. The distribution of these drugs is prohibited. They also include any substance or drug which upon being ingested and metabolized becomes a controlled dangerous substance within the human body as outlined in schedules I, II, III, and IV.
The CDS schedules or categories are as summarized below:
- Schedule I – this includes substances that are not accepted for medical use and have no known safe use for treatment even under medical supervision. These substances also have a high potential for abuse.
- Schedule II – these are substances that also have a high potential for abuse. However, they can be used for medical treatment under severe restrictions. They include opium, cocaine, and fentanyl.
- Schedule III – these are substances with a potential for abuse. They are accepted for medical use with a prescription. They include amphetamine, anabolic steroids, and some medications that contain codeine.
- Schedule IV – these have the lowest potential for abuse. They are accepted for medicinal use. They include Valium, Ambien, Ativan and Tramadol.
The penalties for drug possession vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case. Some potential penalties for drug possession are as outlined below:
- Being found in possession of drug paraphernalia such as syringes, bowls or pipes will result in a disorderly persons charge. A conviction can result in penalties that include up to six months imprisonment and fines between $500 and $1000. You may also have your driving license suspended.
- Being found in possession of up to 50 grams of marijuana in New Jersey can result in a disorderly person’s charge. A conviction can result in up to six months imprisonment, fines of between $500 and $1000, and the suspension of your driver’s license.
- Being found in possession of heroin, oxytocin or cocaine is a third-degree crime. A conviction can result in three to five years of imprisonment as well as hefty fines.
- Being found in possession of up to four prescription pills with the intent to sell the pills will result in a fourth-degree charge. A conviction can result in up to 18 months of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000.
Contact Mollo Law Firm if charged with any drug possession crime.
Contact Mollo Law Firm and Schedule an Appointment for Consultation with our Seasoned New Jersey Drug Possession Lawyer
Drug possession is a serious criminal offense. Do not risk your freedom or your future by trying to deal with the charges on your own or by hiring an inexperienced attorney. Contact Mollo Law Firm and gain access to an experienced New Jersey drug possession lawyer. Attorney Al Mollo specializes in criminal law. He has extensive experience in representing people charged with drug possession. You can rely on his experience, skill, and knowledge of New Jersey law to help you get the best outcome for your case.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Possession in New Jersey
Yes. However, it depends on the circumstances of the case. The judge in a case can order for the driver’s license to be suspended. However, this does not happen in all cases. It is important to have an experienced New Jersey drug possession lawyer representing you. Your lawyer can defend your rights and work to prevent the suspension of your driving license. Having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney representing you is your best chance of not losing your license.
Do not consent to a search of your vehicle by a police officer unless the police officer has a search warrant issued by a judge. Police officers do not have the authority to search your vehicle without probable cause. In other words, giving your consent to a search is giving the law enforcement officer authority to do something that even the law would not normally allow. If the police officer finds drugs in your car, they will have cause to arrest you.
Many drivers worry that failing to consent to a search translates to having something to hide. However, if the officer has no probable cause to search your car, you have the right to refuse.