New Jersey Law to Allow Sale of Needles
Under New Jersey law, pharmacies are not allowed to sell hypodermic needles over the counter. According to a news report in New Jersey Today, a bill that will allow the sale of hypodermic syringes in quantities of 10 or less has been signed into law. The new law will require pharmacies to keep the needles out of their customers' view and to provide information on substance abuse treatment options to those who purchase them. Starting July 17, it will be legal to possess a hypodermic syringe or needle without a prescription and not be viewed as a drug crime in New Jersey.
The new law will not, however, allow individuals to sell hypodermic syringes or needles. Only pharmacies are allowed to sell them. Individuals who legally purchase them, only to turn around and sell them to others, could be charged with a disorderly persons offense. As is true with all disorderly persons offenses in New Jersey, penalties could include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
It is common for individuals facing disorderly persons offense charges to not take them seriously because they are not misdemeanors or felonies. That is a big mistake that can have devastating repercussions. Individuals with skilled legal representation will have a better chance of fighting the charges, staying out of jail, negotiating lesser penalties, and even having the case dismissed.
An experienced criminal defense attorney in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein handles all types of disorderly persons cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is facing drug possession charges or charges involving possession of drug paraphernalia, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.
