Convictions for drug possession can result in serious consequences for Hammonton residents. If you were recently arrested for possession, call an experienced defense attorney right away.
Depending on the drug or narcotic in question and its quantity, Hammonton defendants may face various charges for possession. Drug possession charges can potentially result in prison time and an expensive fine. Certain possession charges pertaining to marijuana might amount to a disorderly persons conviction, but these still come with hefty penalties. Immediately after an arrest, call an attorney. An experienced lawyer can begin building your defense right away so that you can clear your name.
Our lawyers are here to help you after an arrest for drug possession. For a free case evaluation with the Hammonton drug/narcotics possession lawyers at Lombardo Law Group, LLC, call today at (609) 445-4300.
Charges for Drug/Narcotics Possession in Hammonton
In New Jersey, controlled dangerous substances (“CDs”) refer to various drugs and narcotics and the compounds necessary to manufacture such items. Charges may vary under N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-10 depending on the specific drug allegedly found in your possession.
Possession of Schedule I-IV or Schedule V Drugs
Section 2C:35-10(a)(1) covers possession of drugs classified as Schedule I, II, III, or IV, while § 2C:35-10(a)(2) deals with possession of Schedule V drugs.
Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and marijuana. Schedule II drugs include oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, and narcotics like opium. Schedule III drugs include certain prescription drugs that have the potential for abuse, like methamphetamines. Schedule IV and V drugs have medical uses of various degrees. If you are found to be in possession of a prescription drug that is not prescribed to you, you might face certain charges in Hammonton.
Marijuana Possession
Although marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level, possession of a small amount of marijuana was legalized in NJ in 2022. Additionally, N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-23.1 orders prosecutors not to pursue charges for certain drug crimes anymore.
You could previously be charged with possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana under § 2C:35-10(a)(3) and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana under § 2C:35-10(a)(4) before NJ’s new marijuana laws took effect. After that date, subsection 10(a)(3) covers possession of more than six ounces of marijuana
Synthetic Marijuana Possession
Possession of synthetic marijuana is handled a bit differently and is charged under N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-5.3C. Subsection (b) of that statute covers possession of one or more ounces of synthetic marijuana, while subsection (c) covers less than one ounce of synthetic marijuana.
Other drug possession charges, like possession with intent to deliver under N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-5(a)(1), are also serious. Generally, these charges carry more severe consequences than simple possession charges do in Hammonton. Call a Hammonton drug/narcotics possession lawyer immediately after an arrest. Your attorney can help you understand the charges against you and immediately create a plan to get them dropped.
Penalties for Drug/Narcotics Possession in Hammonton
The penalties for certain drug and narcotics possession charges in New Jersey can be severe. If you are facing possession charges in Hammonton, it is crucial to learn about the potential consequences you may face. That way, Hammonton defendants can understand the importance of hiring an experienced defense attorney after an arrest.
Possession of Schedule I-IV Drugs
A conviction for possession of a Schedule I-IV drug is a third-degree crime. This can result in three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000. Possession of a Schedule V drug is a fourth-degree crime involving up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $15,000.
There is also a carveout for one ounce or less of psilocybin, which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000 under § 2C:35-10(a)(5).
Marijuana Possession
Old charges for possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana would have been a fourth-degree crime with up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $25,000, while possession of under 50 grams of marijuana was a disorderly persons offense with up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Current charges for possession of more than six ounces of marijuana are a fourth-degree crime with up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $25,000. Under § 2C:35-10(a)(4)(b), possession of under six ounces or under of marijuana is not a crime or offense.
Synthetic Marijuana Possession
For synthetic marijuana, possession of one ounce or more is a third-degree crime with three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Possession of under one ounce of synthetic marijuana is a fourth-degree crime with up to 18 months in jail and fines up to $10,000.
Repeat Offenses
If you have previous convictions for possessing drugs in Hammonton, you may face more severe penalties upon a second arrest. That is why hiring a Hammonton drug/narcotic possession lawyer is important. Your attorney can help you avoid unnecessary jail time and expensive fines for a crime you did not commit.
When to Hire a Hammonton Drug/Narcotics Possession Lawyer
Immediately after being arrested for possession of drugs or narcotics in Hammonton, hire a lawyer. If Hammonton police officers gathered evidence illegally or your rights were violated in any other way, your attorney may be able to get the charges against you dropped.
Drug possession charges can be difficult to navigate, especially if police officers allegedly found drugs on your person or property. However, if Hammonton police officers acted inappropriately and searched your person or property without justification, your attorney may be able to get the charges against you thrown out. Pay close attention to what happened before, during, and after an arrest for drug possession. Then, call a lawyer.
It is important to hire an experienced defense attorney immediately after an arrest. While you might be understandably frustrated and confused, stay silent and call an attorney. Hammonton police officers might try to entice you into speaking, hoping you will incriminate yourself and make their case easy. Instead of trying to explain a situation or ask about the charges against you, call your lawyer. Your attorney can determine the reasons for your arrest and move forward.
It is crucial to hire an attorney right away. If you do, your Hammonton drug/narcotics possession lawyer can begin building your defense immediately after an arrest. The substances found may be inadmissible if police officers do not have probable cause to arrest you or to search your person or property. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the fresher your memories of an arrest will be, allowing you to remember crucial details that might ultimately help you clear your name.
Call Our Hammonton Drug/Narcotics Possession Lawyers Today
If you were recently arrested on charges of drug or narcotics possession, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the Hammonton drug/narcotics possession lawyers at Lombardo Law Group, LLC, call today at (609) 445-4300.
