Def Jam Rapper Faces Marijuana and Weapons Charges in New Jersey
Def Jam artist Juelz Santana was arrested in New Jersey for marijuana possession. According to Artist Direct News, the arrest occurred at his Bergenfield, NJ recording studio. After conducted a 10-month investigation, police raided the studio and found 17 bags of marijuana and two fully loaded 9mm guns. The report makes it clear that the police suspected Santana was involved in illegal activity, but it is not clear what evidence they had before filing for the warrant that allowed them to conduct the drug raid.
Even though new laws in New Jersey make medical marijuana legal, possession of the drug still carries heavy penalties. Although medical marijuana is legal in several states, it is still a federal offense to possess marijuana for recreational or medical use. The severity of the penalties marijuana possession in New Jersey depends upon the amount of marijuana found and whether the defendant intended to sell or distribute the drugs. For example, an “intent to distribute” charge is typically much more severe than a simple possession charge.
New Jersey marijuana penalties are directly connected to the amount of drugs seized by the police. For example, intent to distribute one ounce to five pounds of marijuana could result in up to five years in prison, while five to 10 pounds of marijuana could result in up to 10 years in prison.
The Princeton marijuana charge defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein carefully examine the specifics of a drug crime arrest to determine if the defendant’s rights were violated in any way. We will fight to have the charges lessened or dismissed. Anyone facing drug crime charges in New Jersey can reach our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.
