A traffic stop on the Atlantic City Expressway led to the search and seizure of 15k in cash and 10 lbs. of marijuana. William Bumpass was driving east on the Expressway in Hamilton when he was stopped. He was stopped because of another driver’s call that he was driving erratically. When New Jersey State Trooper Michael Pistone stopped the car, he claims that when he walked up to the window to speak to Bumpass, he smelled the odor of burning marijuana emanating from the the vehicle. At that point, the trooper asked Bumpass to exit the vehicle while the trooper searched him. At that point, the trooper found a scale and the 15k in cash in Bumpass’ pocket. When the trooper pressed Bumpass, he allegedly admitted that there were drugs in the car. The car was then towed to a State Police Barracks where a search warrant was issued, allowing police to do a full search. During the search police allegedly found eight one gallon freezer bags filled with marijuana. At this point, Bumpass was arrested and charged with possession of drugs, intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held at the Atlantic County jail. Possession of 5-25 pounds of marijuana with an intent to distribute is a second-degree crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $150,000.
Consequences for marijuana possession and intent to distribute
Generally, the consequences for possession or intent to distribute marijuana are slightly less than the same volume of other drugs. Although several bills have been introduced to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in New Jersey, currently, possession of 50 grams or marijuana or less is charged as a disorderly persons and carries a possible prison term of up to six months, a fine of $1,500, and a suspension of an individual’s driver’s license for up to two years. Possession of more than 50 grams is charged as a fourth degree crime which carries a sentence of up to 18 months, fines of $25,750, and loss of a driver’s license for up to two years.
Charges of possession with intent to distribute of less than one ounce of marijuana is a fourth degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the amount is between one ounce and one pound, it is charged as a third degree crime and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. If the amount is between five pounds and 25 pounds, it is charged as a second degree crime, which carries up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000. If the amount is more than 25 pounds, is it charged as a first degree crime and carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $300,000.
Contact us
If you have been arrested and charged with drug possession or possession with intent to distribute, contact us today. Joseph Lombardo, a former Municipal Court Prosecutor, has been representing individuals arrested and charged with drug related crimes since 1993. He will work to challenge evidence, ensure that your rights are protected, and have the charges against you reduced or dropped. Mr. Lombardo is available to consultations 24 hours a day, and in the case of emergencies, can make jail or holding center visits.
