Marijuana Charges Lawyer Robbinsville, NJ

New Jersey Drug Crime Lawyers Represent Clients Facing Marijuana Charges in Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County, NJ

It is no secret that the nation’s attitudes toward marijuana use have changed in recent years, and many states like New Jersey, have adopted laws that display an increased attitude of leniency toward individuals who are caught with a small amount of marijuana. Often, individuals who are arrested for a drug crime like possession of marijuana in NJ might not have a criminal record, and they may not even realize that they can still be arrested for possessing over 6 ounces of marijuana under New Jersey law.

At The Scardella Law Firm LLC in Hamilton, NJ, we are Robbinsville marijuana charges lawyers who handle marijuana possession cases on a regular basis, and understand how a conviction could impact your personal and professional life. We fight vigorously to obtain dismissals and keep your record clean. Contact our office today at 609-587-1144 to schedule a free consultation, during which we will explain your options and begin the process of putting the arrest behind you.

Criminal Attorneys The Scardella Law Firm LLC Fight For Reduced Punishment in Robbinsville Marijuana Charge Cases

If a client is found guilty of possessing over 6 ounces of marijuana in Hamilton, Robbinsville, Trenton, Plainsboro, or anywhere else in New Jersey, jail time is not the inevitable punishment in all cases. The New Jersey courts may be willing to agree to alternative forms of punishment for first offenders and minors who are guilty of possessing a smaller amount of marijuana. Often, alternative forms of punishment will involve rehabilitation and substance abuse counseling to avoid future drug crime charges. Potential options for reduced or dropped charges may include Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), conditional discharge, or a plea agreement.

Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)

We strongly advocate for PTI in appropriate drug crime cases, as this program can result in complete dismissal of all charges against the accused individual. This program is available under N.J.S.A. 2C:43-12 to first offenders charged with marijuana possession, and it mandates supervised rehabilitation when it can reasonably be expected that supervision or rehabilitation will prevent future crimes, or where it is apparent that the possession of marijuana charge stemmed from the defendant’s need for rehabilitation or substance abuse counseling. If PTI is granted, the judge can suspend all criminal proceedings against the individual until he or she completes treatment. In determining whether PTI is appropriate, the judge will consider:

• The offense that is charged, and whether that offense was a violent offense that could potentially have injured others.
• All facts of the case, including the motivation and age of the defendant.
• Whether the complainant or victim wishes to forego prosecution.
• Personal issues and conditions of the defendant that are related to the crime and for which services may be unavailable or less effective within the criminal justice system, and whether prosecution would exacerbate the social problems leading to the criminal act.
• The likelihood that the crime is related to a condition or situation that would likely be improved through participation in supervised treatment.
• The interests of any victims and society as a whole, including whether the nature of the crime indicates that the value of treatment is outweighed by the need for prosecution.
• Whether the crime fits into a pattern of anti-social behavior and the defendant’s past criminal record and history of physical violence toward others.
• Any involvement by the defendant with organized crime.
• Whether PTI would adversely impact prosecution of any co-defendants.

Conditional Discharge

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:36A-1, conditional discharge allows the client to avoid jail time and serve a probationary sentence instead, typically lasting between six months and one year, but potentially for up to three years. During this time, the individual must remain drug-free and arrest-free. After the client has successfully completed the probationary period, the judge may drop the marijuana possession charges and allow the client to have the charge removed from his or her record. Conditional discharge is generally available only to first offenders.

Plea Agreements

A plea agreement may become an option where the client is not eligible for PTI or conditional discharge but the prosecution’s case has weaknesses that would make it difficult to prove that the client committed the actual crime accused. Plea agreements generally require the client to admit guilt to a lesser charge in order to avoid a lengthy jail sentence or larger monetary fines.

Contact a Reputable NJ Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Your West Windsor Marijuana Charges Case

Contact The Scardella Law Firm LLC in Hamilton at 609-587-1144 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your marijuana charges. We are always available to take your call, or you can fill out this online form and I will respond promptly. We understand that your marijuana possession case is too important to wait, so we are always available to answer questions and respond to the prosecution quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana Possession Charges in NJ

What is the difference between legal possession of marijuana and illegal possession of marijuana?

Weight. It is legal to possess 6 ounces or less of marijuana. Possessing more than 6 ounces of marijuana can lead to charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. It is a fourth-degree crime for which a fine of up to $25,000, in addition to a prison sentence of up to 1.5 years, may be imposed.

Why do I need an attorney for a marijuana charge?

An experienced New Jersey drug crimes attorney understands the potential avenues that can be explored to possibly avoid conviction in a marijuana possession case, and they can fight to have the charge itself removed from your record. A drug crime conviction will remain on your criminal record. Moreover, if you are arrested again, your prior marijuana possession conviction could increase the penalties that can be brought against you—even if the subsequent arrest is again for simple possession.