Understanding Marijuana Growing Operation Offenses in New Jersey
Marijuana growing operations and facility offenses are classified as first-degree crimes in New Jersey. Individuals charged with these offenses face several years in prison, heavy fines, the loss of the right to own a firearm, employment restrictions, and other serious penalties. Additionally, a growing/facility conviction will remain on a person's record and seriously affect his or her career and future.
N.J.S.A 2C:35-4 prohibits "maintaining, operating, financing, promoting, or participating in maintaining or operating a facility used to produce marijuana." To obtain a conviction in such cases, the prosecution must prove that a place was used to manufacture marijuana, that there were more than five pounds or 10 plants involved, that the defendant maintained or operated the premises, and that the defendant intended to use the location for manufacturing or producing marijuana.
A conviction for involvement in a New Jersey marijuana growing operation could result in up to 20 years in prison. There is the potential for even more prison time if the suspect has been previously convicted of manufacturing or distributing marijuana. Additional penalties include thousands of dollars in fees, a parole inability period of one-third to one-half of the sentence, and other restrictions.
A marijuana defense lawyer in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein has a proven track record of handling all types of marijuana cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana-related charges, please contact our law offices at (609) 240-0040 to get the quality legal representation you need. Our experienced drug crime attorneys will work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
