Hopewell Township Drug Possession Lawyer
Under N.J.S.A 2C:35-10, someone can be charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) if they knowingly have actual (i.e., physical possession, as in on your person) or constructive (i.e., CDS is found somewhere only you can access, like a locked locker) possession of an illegal drug or prescription medication when they do not hold a valid prescription for the prescription drug. A drug possession conviction means jail time, steep fines and other harsh penalties. As such, anyone who is facing a drug possession charge needs to speak with a member of the criminal defense team of attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall about their situation and about getting assistance with their criminal defense strategy. Our lawyers have helped countless criminal defendants just like you fight their drug charges over the many years we have been in practice. Contact us today by calling 609–683–8102.
Common Drug Possession Charges in Hopewell Township
A wide variety of illegal street drugs and prescription drugs can form the basis of a drug possession charge. New Jersey law is drafted in such a way that drug possession charges cover all CDSs ranging from the well known drugs, to some very obscure CDSs. For instance, marijuana is probably the most common basis for drug possession charge. Often times, law enforcement charge people with marijuana possession when they are caught in possession of drug paraphernalia with remnants or residue of marijuana on it.
It is also common for drug possession charges to be based on possession of illegally obtained prescription drugs. Drug possession charges are commonly issued when someone is found in possesson of prescription drugs, such as Oxycontin, Percocet, morphine, steroids and hydrocodone, when they do not have a valid prescription for the CDS found in their possession. Other well-known drugs, such as cocaine, steroids, LSD, opium, methamphetamine, heroin and MDMA, typically get people arrested when law enforcement catches these individuals with such serious Scheduled drugs.
Law enforcement is also quick to tack on any additional drug offense-related charges that apply to a particular drug possession situation. For instance, it is common for law enforcement to also charge defendants with possession of drug paraphernalia, drug possession with intent to distribute and drug possession within a school zone charges, when appropriate circumstances warrant these additional charges. When there are additional charges to the underlying drug possession charge, you most certainly will face enhanced punishment if you are convicted.
Possession for CDS in a Motor Vehicle Charges
A majority of New Jersey drug possession charges are the result of motor vehicle stops. When law enforcement stop a driver in Hopewell Township on a suspected moving violation, if the officer discovers that someone in the vehicle is in possession of a CDS then the officer will make an arrest and charge the offender with possession of a CDS in a motor vehicle under N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1. Law enforcement and the courts takes drug possession very seriously. A conviction for possession of a CDS in a motor vehicle results in a fine and the loss of the defendant’s driving privileges for up to two years after the date of conviction. The charge of possession of a CDS in a motor vehicle is often in addition to drug possession charges under the criminal statute discussed above.
Fight Drug Possession Charges With The Help of A Criminal Defense Attorney
Drug possession charges are no joke. If you are facing drug possession charges you need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The criminal defense team at the Law Offices Jonathan F. Marshall has handled countless drug possession cases before the Hopewell Borough municipal court and Superior Court. Let us put our decades of experience to work defending you against your drug possession charges. Contact us at 609–683–8102 for a free initial consultation anytime day or night.