Marijuana Lawyers Howell, NJ

Experienced Drug Attorneys Defend Clients Against Marijuana Possession & Distribution Charges in Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey

New Jersey is tough on drug crimes. Even possessing a small amount of illegal marijuana could threaten your entire future. After an arrest, your head might be spinning. Should you accept a plea bargain? Should you take your case to trial? You know you have legal options, but you might not know all your legal rights. Instead of fretting about your future, let a skilled lawyer take over your case and ensure that a little bit of pot doesn’t ruin the rest of your life.

If you, or a member of your family, are charged with marijuana possession, or possession with intent to distribute marijuana or any other controlled substance, you’ll need experienced legal representation. For more than 40 years, people in Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties have turned to Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC in times of legal need. Don’t hesitate to call our firm to learn more about how we can help.

Possession of Marijuana Charges and Penalties in Freehold Township, NJ

It is a crime to knowingly possess marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in New Jersey. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed. Second and subsequent convictions may be punished with up to double the standard penalties described below.

The manufacture, sale and possession of marijuana are regulated by both state and federal law. In New Jersey, marijuana is classified as a “Schedule I substance.” That means it has a high potential for abuse and, except as the state’s Medical Marijuana law allows, no other recognized medical value. Because of marijuana’s intoxicating effects, it is also a crime to drive under the influence of marijuana.

Medical Marijuana Exceptions in East Brunswick and Throughout New Jersey

New Jersey allows medical marijuana use by patients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, Lou Gehrig’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, inflammatory bowel disease, seizures and spasms (including epilepsy) or any terminal illness from which the patient is expected to die within one year. This removes the criminal penalties that would otherwise apply to non medical marijuana possession and use.

The patient may possess and use up to two ounces of marijuana each month, but may not cultivate marijuana plants. Primary caregivers may possess—but not use—the patient’s marijuana, may assist their patients with medical marijuana use and may cultivate the plants.

Penalties for Marijuana Charges in Edison, New Jersey

New Jersey’s laws are much less severe for possession of marijuana than for possession of “hard drugs” such as cocaine and heroin:

• Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense and carries up to six months imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. If the marijuana is possessed within 1,000 feet of a school, 100 hours of community service and other fines may be added to the penalties.
• Possession or sale of more than 50 grams but less than one ounce is a fourth degree crime and carries up to 18 months imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.

Where larger amounts of marijuana are involved, the penalties become much harsher:

• One ounce to five pounds: a third degree crime carrying three to five years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.
• Five to 25 pounds: a second degree crime carrying five to 10 years imprisonment and a $150,000 fine.
• More than 25 pounds: a first degree crime carrying 10 to 20 years imprisonment and a $300,000 fine.

New Jersey’s criminal law is toughest on large-scale drug distributors, called “traffickers.” For example, a person operating a drug trafficking network can be sentenced to life imprisonment, with a 25year minimum to be served before parole, and fined as much as $500,000.

Contact Our Experienced Criminal Attorneys If You Are Charged with a Marijuana Offense in Middletown, New Jersey

Considering the penalties for possessing large amounts of pot or marijuana, if you are arrested and charged with a marijuana offense, you should have an experienced criminal defense lawyer seated next to you in court.

A criminal defense lawyer at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC is ready to assist you right now. Our attorneys have more than 80 years of combined legal experience, including countless hours of criminal defense work. We have been meeting the legal needs of clients throughout Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties for decades.

Call us and learn how we can help you. From our Hazlet and East Brunswick offices, we serve clients in and around Hazlet, Middletown, Keyport, Union Beach, Holmdel, Red Bank, Monroe, Rumson, Asbury Park, Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Leonardo, Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach.

Call today at 888-657-8883 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out a contact form online.