Alternative Sentencing Option for New Jersey Drug Offenders
Drug offenses in New Jersey can result in serious jail time and heavy penalties. Courts may offer drug offenders opportunities to pursue help for their addiction instead of serving a full jail sentence. The point of alternative sentencing is to provide the alleged offender an opportunity to break the cycle of drug use and incarceration and help get them on the road to recovery. Anyone facing drug charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the legal options available.
First-time drug offenders facing disorderly persons offenses may be offered a conditional discharge under New Jersey statute 2C:36A-1. Anyone facing first-time possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia charges may plead guilty and accept supervisory treatment to avoid a jail sentence. Individuals accepting a conditional discharge may have to enroll in a drug treatment program and periodic drug tests. In some cases, a skilled attorney may even be able to get the defendant into a pre-trial intervention that will help them avoid jail time by entering a treatment program.
Drug court programs are also available to some drug offenders in certain New Jersey counties. These programs exist to help drug addicts who have already failed the other rehabilitation programs available to them. These programs could last up to five years. Offenders accepting this alternative sentencing will have to attend treatment sessions, agree to random drug testing, and regularly report to a drug court judge.
Drug crimes in New Jersey are usually punished with jail time. A drug crime conviction can be devastating for a person's career and future. It can affect an individual's ability to earn a livelihood. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges, please contact the experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.
