Consequences of Possessing Drug Paraphernalia in New Jersey
In New Jersey, you do not have to be found with an illegal drug to face drug charges. In fact, possession of items related to illegal drugs may be all the authorities need to charge you with a disorderly persons offense.
New Jersey Statute 2C:36-2 states: “It shall be unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance.”
Disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey can result in up to six months in jail, a driver’s license suspension, and heavy fines. Depending on the criminal history of the defendant, a skilled attorney may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Some defendants may be able to receive a conditional discharge for a probationary period of one year. If the defendant completes that year without any other incidents, the charges may be dropped.
The skilled Princeton drug crime attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have helped a number of clients avoid jail time or have serious drug charges reduced. Our lawyers are also extremely knowledgeable about search and seizure laws in New Jersey, and we can look to see whether your constitutional rights were violated during an arrest. If so, the court may decide to throw out all charges. Anyone facing drug possession charges or charges involving drug paraphernalia possession in New Jersey would be well-advised to contact our law offices before speaking with the authorities. Please contact us at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case at absolutely no-cost.
