Trenton Drug Paraphernalia Defense Attorney
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Trenton New Jersey
If you have been charged with possession or use of drug paraphernalia in Trenton, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, you will have a criminal record if you are convicted of this offense in Trenton Municipal Court or at the Mercer County Superior Court. A unfavorable outcome in your case therefore certainly has the potential for negatively impacting your life. The only way to avoid the consequences of a conviction is to mount a successful defense and a skilled attorney will be crucial in achieving this outcome.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have decades of legal experience that they can use to assist you if you are arrested for having drug paraphernalia in your possession. Our legal team understands how serious drug offenses are and we work on your behalf to help you avoid conviction. A lawyer on our staff, including former prosecutors who know how the court system works, will formulate an effective defense strategy to help you secure a dismissal or downgrade of the drug paraphernalia charge. To speak to an attorney in a free consultation now, contact us at 609–683–8102.
Drug Paraphernalia Offense in Trenton New Jersey
It is illegal to use, intend to use or possess drug paraphernalia under N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2. Just about anything that can be used to consume, ingest, produce, store or prepare a controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”) is considered drug paraphernalia. N.J.S.A. 2C:36-1 details how courts are to determine whether a particular object is drug paraphernalia and references specific items that fall within this term including: baggies, rolling paper, grinders, sifters, pipes, bongs, vaporizers, spoons, vials, needles and even envelopes. In order to be considered drug paraphernalia the prosecutor must be able to prove that the item meets the legal definition of drug paraphernalia, has been used or will be used with drugs, and that the drugs in question are illegal. If the prosecutor is not able to prove all three elements beyond any reasonable doubt, then a conviction cannot be sustained pursuant to 2C:36-2.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia is a disorderly persons offense. The penalties for this violation include a fine of up to $1,000 and a county jail term of up to 6 months. A conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia also subjects a defendant to a mandatory driver’s license suspension of at least 6 months and as much as 24 months. There are also collateral consequences from the resulting criminal record that include a possible impediment to securing employment, a professional license or even maintaining your immigration status.
Trenton Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer
Being convicted of a drug paraphernalia charge is more serious than many people realize. Once you have been charged you will be unable to receive a dismissal or have the charges downgraded unless you can present a valid defense since plea bargaining is outlawed in Trenton drug paraphernalia cases. The best chance you have to achieve this result is by retaining a qualified lawyer.
The drug paraphernalia defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are here to help you work to avoid conviction. Our lawyers routinely appear in the City of Trenton municipal court as well as in courts throughout the surrounding area. We understand the importance of presenting a strong defense and we work with you by going over the circumstances of your arrest and determining how best to help you. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation so that we can begin working on your behalf.