Bridgewater Police Charge Middlesex Man with Various Drug Offenses
A random drive through of the Washington Valley Park by a Bridgewater police officer leads to the arrest of a twenty year old male from Middlesex County. According to the reports, while patrolling the area, an officer noticed the Defendant loitering after hours in the park on March 24th around 11 pm. Based on the inherent suspicious nature, the officer decided to approach the Defendant and investigate. During the investigation, the officer uncovered a quantity marijuana, drug paraphernalia as well as an open bottle of alcohol. Based on their findings, the Defendant was charged with the following offenses:
- Possession of Marijuana Under 50 Grams;
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
- Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle;
- Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle;
- Underage Possession of Alcohol;
- Loitering in a Park After Hours.
The Defendant was taken to the Bridgewater Police Department to be processed. Once processing was complete, the Defendant was released upon a summons to appear in the Bridgewater Municipal Court for his first appearance. Since these are all disorderly persons offenses, which is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor, all of the charges will be litigated in the Bridgewater Municipal Court. If convicted, the Defendant would be facing jail time, high fines, community service, a license suspension and even court order rehab.
Facing a Marijuana Possession Charge in Bridgewater New Jersey?
Although rumors continue to swirl around New Jersey that marijuana may soon be legalized, the fact of that matter is, that is still illegal and law enforcement throughout the State continues to arrest and prosecute those found to be in possession of it. Anyone caught possessing under 50 grams of marijuana will be facing a disorderly persons offense. If convicted of this offense, a Defendant would be facing the following penalties:
- 6 Months in the County Jail
- $1,000 Fine
- $500 Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Penalty
- $50 Forensic Laboratory Fee
- $30 Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fee
- $50 Victims of Crimes Compensation Fund Fee
- $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund Fee
- 6 Month Loss of License
- Probation
- Community Service
- Court Mandated Rehab
Charged with Marijuana Possession in Bridgewater?
As you can see, this criminal offense is not something to take lightly. In addition, this offense is one of only two crimes in New Jersey where plea bargaining is prohibited, the other being driving while intoxicated. If you have been accused of possession marijuana or any other drug offense in Bridgewater and would like to speak to one of our lawyers about your options, then please contact our Bridgewater Office at 908-533-1064 or you can try contacting us online. Our initial, in-depth, consultations are always free of costs, so if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us.
