The Consequences of Cultivating Marijuana Charges in New Jersey
New Jersey may have legalized medical marijuana use but that does not mean that it is legal to grow marijuana. In fact, marijuana cultivation is a felony that can result in heavy fines and incarceration. If you are facing marijuana cultivation charges in New Jersey, it is crucial that you immediately seek legal representation from a skilled drug crime defense attorney.
The severity of the penalties a defendant may face for marijuana cultivation depends upon the quantity of marijuana found by authorities. For example, cultivating less than one ounce of marijuana could result in 18 months of jail time and a fine of up to $10,000. Cultivating one ounce to five pounds of marijuana could result in up to five years of incarceration and a fine of $25,000. If the authorities discover more than 10 marijuana plants, the defendant could face charges relating to manufacturing and sale of controlled substances, which is a first degree felony that could result in 10 to 20 years of incarceration.
There are a number of factors that need to be considered in a marijuana cultivation case. Was the defendant aware of the plants on the property? Does the defendant have a criminal history of drug use or cultivation? How did the authorities seize the drugs? Did they have a proper warrant? Do the charges reasonably reflect the alleged crime committed?
The Princeton marijuana defense lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein have a history of successfully handling many kinds of marijuana charges. We have a successful track record of getting our clients’ charges dismissed or lessened. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana-related charges in New Jersey, please call our law office at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and completely confidential consultation.
