Drug possession charges are common in the Atlantic City area. A variety of drugs — including but certainly not limited to marijuana, methamphetamines (or chemicals used in the manufacturing thereof), ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, heroin, crack, and cocaine — are classified as scheduled substances. Possession of any one of these drugs, and many others, can lead to heavy fines, long prison sentences, and future difficulties in obtaining gainful employment.
For 19 years, Joseph A. Lombardo, Esq. has concentrated on defending against various drug charges in Atlantic City. Cases have included disorderly marijuana possession to first-degree drug charges. Mr. Lombardo, who is a former Municipal Court Prosecutor, offers most services for a single flat fee. If the charges occurred while driving, the serious traffic offenses in New Jersey can carry a loss of license to drive, significant fines, community service, and jail term penalties. He has helped many clients who have had drug charges and traffic offenses including a DWI or DUI, no license or insurance, suspended license, significant speeding violations, reckless and/or careless driving. If a person is convicted of any drug offense in Atlantic City, NJ apart from loitering to possess drugs, even if the offense did not occur in a motor vehicle, in New Jersey, that person specifically faces a suspension of driving privileges which could range in time from six months to two years. However, it is mandatory for a person’s driver’s license to be suspended for two years if the offense occurred in a motor vehicle including possession of marijuana, cocaine, drugs or any CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance).
If you were arrested for drug possession in the Atlantic City area, Lombardo Law Group, LLC can help. Call Atlantic City drug possession attorney Joseph Lombardo for a free consultation at (609) 445-4300.
How Our Atlantic City Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Lombardo Law has been representing clients in Atlantic City and surrounding areas since 1993. We have two decades of experience successfully defending people like yourself against serious possession charges. If you or someone you love is facing allegations of illegal drug possession, you need a team of seasoned and aggressive Atlantic City drug possession attorneys fighting in your corner.
Contact us immediately, online, or by phone at (609) 445-4300. We offer free consultations, and our attorneys are available around the clock, every day of the week, to talk about your case. We even make emergency visits to jails and holding centers. You have nothing to lose by calling, and everything to lose by not calling — so reach out today, before it’s too late.
Classification of Drug Possession Crimes in Atlantic City
The possession of controlled dangerous substances (“CDS”) is heavily regulated and controlled. Not only are well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS classified, but so are the compounds used to manufacture them. Committing this crime here places all crimes into one of three categories for CDS’s:
- Petty disorderly person offenses
- Disorderly person offenses
- Indictable crimes
Indictable crimes are the most serious category; they are comparable to felonies in other states, and are further broken down by degrees (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) of severity. Drug possession crimes in Atlantic City are typically categorized as 3rd Degree indictable offenses and carry steep penalties in the event of a conviction. The type and amount of substance present influences the severity of the sentencing. New Jersey is particularly aggressive in punishing drug offenses in that mandatory minimum prison sentences are rigidly enforced, regardless of any mitigating factors or circumstances.
Manufacturing, Distribution, and Possession With Intent to Distribute Charges
Not only do New Jersey laws regulate the possession of a CDS in Atlantic City, but the legislature has also devised a statutory scheme for drug manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute. The full text can be found in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. Each of these charges carries a still penalty as the state legislature has taken a strong stance against drug use and distribution.
It is illegal to possessed Marijuana in Atlantic City despite its widespread popularity. Marijuana, an individual can be charged as a first, second, third, or fourth-degree indictable offense, depending on the quantity of the substance.
- If the quantity if less than one ounce, it is a Fourth-Degree Offense.
- If the quantity is more than one ounce but less than five pounds, it is a Third-Degree Offense.
- If the quantity if more than five pounds but less than 25 pounds, it is a Second-Degree Offense.
- If the quantity is more than 25 pounds, it is a First-Degree Offense.
Heroin and Cocaine have unfortunately become a problem in many areas in Atlantic City, and indeed, the Country. New Jersey drug laws impose strict and harsh punishments in an attempt to deter people from using these dangerous substances. For Heroin or Cocaine, an individual can be charged with a first, second, or third-degree indictable offense.
- If the quantity involved is less than ½ an ounce, it is a Third-Degree Crime.
- If the quantity is more than ½ an ounce but less than five ounces, it is a Second-Degree Crime.
- If the quantity is more than five ounces, it is a First-Degree Crime.
For Psilocybin/LSD, an individual can be charged with a second or first-degree crime.
- If the quantity involved is less than 100 milligrams, it is a Second-Degree Crime.
- If the quantity involved is more than 100 milligrams, it is a First-Degree Offense.
Penalties for Possessing CDS in Atlantic City, NJ
While the state’s legislature has passed bills for Medical Marijuana, they have not decriminalized regular drug use. It is illegal in Atlantic City to possess CDS for personal use without a valid medical prescription. The penalities in Atlantic City are generally severe and steep in an attempt to deter the use and sale of CDS. Penalties vary according to the type and amount of CDS involved in the violation, as described below:
- Crime in the third degree
Possessing any amount of a schedule I, II, III, or IV CDS incurs a fine of up to $35,000, at least three (and up to five) years in prison, or both.
- Crime in the fourth degree
Possessing any amount of a Schedule V CDS incurs a fine of up to $15,000, up to 18 months in prison, or both.
- Disorderly person offense
Using or being under the influence of any CDS not for the purpose of treating sickness or injury (as legally prescribed by a licensed physician) incurs a fine of up to $500.
- Possession of CDS Near School Property
It is illegal to possess CDS on or within 1,000 feet of school property, or while on or within 1,000 feet of a school bus. If not sentenced to time in jail or prison, the defendant will have to perform a mandatory minimum of 100 hours of community service (in addition to any fine that the judge imposes).
This state is aggressive in its sentencing policies for drug possession crimes in Atlantic City. You need an aggressive attorney to match. At Lombardo Law, while we are aggressive in the courtroom, we are compassionate to our clients. We will work with you to be certain we fully understand all dimensions of your situation, and to ensure that your case is presented in the most favorable light possible.
Atlantic City Drug Possession Lawyers Fighting for You
For the past 20 years, our highly skilled drug crime attorneys have successfully argued to have even serious charges reduced, acquitted, or dismissed outright. Over the years, Lombardo Law has assisted thousands of residents of Atlantic City in retaining their good name and their freedom. Now, let us assist you. Although each case is different and the results may vary, Mr. Lombardo will handle each case personally so as to help you successfully keep your driving privileges, avoid significant fines, jail, and a criminal record. Mr. Lombardo states that it would be his pleasure to discuss your matter in confidence about your case and if he can help you, he will personally handle your case, from start to finish. Do not hesitate to call today for a free consultation and to personally speak with Mr. Lombardo. If you have been pulled over, arrested, are being investigated for a crime, or were charged with a DUI, contact us today to set up a consultation.
Atlantic City drug possession lawyer Joseph Lombardo Lombardo will personally meet with you, explain the details of your case, the strategies in presenting the best defense, and what your reasonable expectations can be. Call our law offices today at (609) 445-4300, or schedule your free and confidential consultation online.
