Monmouth County Marijuana Possession Lawyer

For several years, marijuana has been front page news throughout the country. Currently, recreational marijuana has been made legal in eight states, as well as the District of Columbia. New Jersey, however, is not one of those states. While New Jersey does allow for the use of medical marijuana in certain circumstances, possession for personal recreational use is still prohibited.

When it comes to marijuana possession in New Jersey, there are a variety of charges you might be facing. Even when using marijuana for medicinal purposes, it is still possible to violate state laws governing its use.

However, understanding what laws govern marijuana possession can be a good starting point in working with your attorney to defend against those charges. If you run into problems with marijuana in New Jersey, a Monmouth County marijuana possession lawyer could help make sure you do not have to face your charges alone. Contact an experienced drug possession attorney as soon as you find you are under investigation.

New Jersey Statutes Annotated 2C:35-10 contains the state’s legal approach to marijuana. It divides marijuana possession into two main categories: possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, and possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana. Possession of marijuana also includes marijuana derivatives like edibles, candies, tinctures, and other forms of the drug.

Charges of possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana can result in a disorderly person conviction. Often, the consequences of such a conviction can include up to a year in jail, as well as a monetary fine of up to $1,000. Depending on the circumstances of the case, conviction may also include significant community service requirements and other consequences the court sees fit to impose within the law.

When a marijuana possession charge is for having more than 50 grams of marijuana or a related product, the consequences are usually more severe. These charges are prosecuted as a crime in the fourth degree, but the details of the case and the exact amount of marijuana in question could elevate that charge. Conviction on these charges depend on the total amount of marijuana found in the accused party’s possession and can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines on top of a year or more in jail.

Monmouth County law allows for enhanced penalties when an individual is facing marijuana possession and/or related charges within a specified distance from a school zone. These can include additional community service requirements, but may also include a year or more of mandatory jail time. A Monmouth County marijuana possession lawyer could elaborate upon the possible consequences of any such charges and explore all of the possible avenues of defense that might be available.

As you can imagine, there can be serious consequences involved when it comes to New Jersey marijuana possession charges. Working with an experienced, dedicated criminal defense attorney may help make these charges easier to face.

There are many defense strategies and options available under the law, ranging from attacking evidence presented in the case to exploring alternative sentencing options. Not every defense is available in every circumstance, but a marijuana possession lawyer who focuses on a thorough approach to defending against these charges could be an important advocate and ally in exploring these options.