Getting arrested and convicted of drug possession charges in Hamilton Township, NJ can be incredibly damaging. If you or a loved one has been recently arrested, it is crucial to hire a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible.
Hamilton Township, NJ takes drug possession charges very seriously. Those charged can face years in prison and expensive fines, depending on the drug found in their possession and the quantity of the drug. Because prosecutors may attempt to pressure defendants into pleading guilty, it is important to hire an attorney right away. Your lawyer can build a strong defense, resulting in a dismissed case or non-conviction. Without an attorney by their side, it can be extremely difficult for defendants to overcome drug possession charges in Hamilton Township, NJ.
Our attorneys understand how damaging drug possession charges can be to Hamilton Township residents in New Jersey. For a free case evaluation with our Hamilton Township, NJ drug possession defense lawyers, call us today at (609) 445-4300.
Hamilton Township, NJ Drug Possession Laws
In Hamilton Township, NJ, certain drugs are classified as controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Although the law separates different drugs into schedules, those arrested for possession of any drug deemed a CDS can face substantial fines and even prison time. Hamilton Township, NJ prosecutes drug offenses aggressively, so it is important to have a skilled attorney by your side to defend you.
Possession of any amount of a CDS can result in a prison sentence. Hamilton Township follows New Jersey’s strict drug possession laws, which criminalize even the smallest amounts of recreational drugs and other illegal substances. Hamilton Township, NJ residents may be surprised to learn that marijuana is considered a schedule I CDS, alongside heroin and methamphetamine. For example, if you are arrested for having a small amount of marijuana, you might face years in prison and fines totaling tens of thousands of dollars.
If you are arrested for possession of a schedule I, II, III, IV, or V drug in Hamilton Township, NJ, you should hire an experienced attorney. Without a lawyer by their side, defendants may feel pressured into pleading guilty for fear of a longer prison sentence, resulting in a criminal record. Our Hamilton Township, NJ drug possession defense lawyers will represent your interests in a criminal trial so that prosecutors cannot pressure you into accepting a bad plea deal.
Potential Sentences for a Drug Possession Conviction in Hamilton Township, NJ
Generally, sentences for a drug possession conviction in Hamilton Township, NJ will depend on the classification of the drug and the quantity found in your possession. These sentences can range from months to years, profoundly impacting your life.
If you are convicted of possessing fewer than 50 grams of marijuana, you can receive a maximum sentence of six months and a $1,000 fine in Hamilton Township. Possession of more than 50 grams can result in 18 months in prison and a fine of $25,000. For possession of other schedule I, II, III, and IV drugs in any amount, New Jersey residents can receive a maximum sentence of five years and a fine of up to $35,000. The consequences are much worse if a defendant is also convicted of intent to distribute the drugs in their possession. This charge often occurs when drugs are found in a certain quantity.
A drug possession conviction can negatively impact your life. In addition to potential prison sentences, Hamilton Township, NJ residents can face difficulty getting jobs and supporting their families. Just that fact alone makes it important for those facing drug possession charges to hire a skilled defense attorney.
When to Hire a Hamilton Township, NJ Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug possession charges in Hamilton Township, NJ, you should hire an attorney right away. If you do not, you can face a prison sentence that disrupts your life.
It is important to act quickly after being arrested on drug possession charges in Hamilton Township, NJ. When you do not have an attorney or ask for one, you are more likely to say something to law enforcement that damages your defense.
Immediately after being arrested, hire a Hamilton Township, NJ drug possession defense attorney. Doing so will give you the best chance of beating the charges against you and avoid a damaging prison sentence.
Building Your Defense Against a Hamilton Township, NJ Drug Possession Charge
If you were recently arrested for possession of a CDS in Hamilton Township, NJ, it is important to hire an attorney. Your lawyer can build a strong defense to clear your name and avoid prison time. When building your defense, an attorney will evaluate potential missteps on behalf of the arresting officers in order to dismiss the charges against you or get a not guilty verdict.
Often, when police officers find drugs on a Hamilton Township resident, it is because of an unlawful search and seizure. Profiling can also factor into a law enforcement officials’ search of your person, resulting in them finding illegal drugs. If such an unlawful event occurs, it is crucial to inform your attorney.
Police officers need probable cause to search your person, house, or vehicle for drugs in Hamilton Township, NJ. If there was no probable cause, tell your lawyer. That information can help your lawyer build a strong defense.
Before, during, and after an arrest, there are many times when law enforcement officials can make mistakes. For example, if an officer did not inform you of your Miranda rights while interrogating you, they may have violated your rights. If there was a subsequent issue with the chain of custody, your Hamilton Township, NJ drug possession defense attorney may be able to get your case dismissed. It is also possible that the drugs found near or on your person were not yours.
Although being arrested for drug possession in Hamilton Township, NJ can certainly be frightening, it is important to try to remember everything that happens. Any detail, even seemingly minor ones, can be useful to your attorney when building your defense.
Call Our Attorneys if You Have Been Charged with Drug Possession in Hamilton Township, NJ
If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession in Hamilton Township, NJ, you deserve an attorney who will fight for your interests. For a free case evaluation with our Hamilton Township, NJ drug possession defense lawyers, call us today at (609) 445-4300.
