Being charged with a drug offense can be nerve wracking however being charged with distributing drugs, like marijuana, can be absolutely terrifying. If you have been arrested and charged with the distribution, the possession with the intent to distribute or manufacturing of marijuana in Somerset or Hunterdon County it is crucial that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A Defendant charged with distributing marijuana could be facing in upwards of two decades behind bars depending on the quantity of marijuana seized. In addition to that, based on the new bail guidelines, a Defendant charged with the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute could be detained in the county jail, without bail, pending trial. However, in order to do so, the prosecution would need to file for and be successful at a Detention Hearing. For more information on Detention Hearings and how to contest them, please contact our office at (908) 533-1064. Our attorneys are available immediately for a free consultation.
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we treat every case like it is our only case. We pride ourselves on being able to adapt our representation to fit our clients needs. Whether that be a trial, suppression hearing or negotiating a favorable plea deal. If you have been arrested for distributing marijuana, possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing marijuana, unlawful possession of a weapon or any other crime for that matter in Somerset or Hunterdon County, the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys have been appearing in courts throughout the counties including in towns like Bedminster, Readington, Flemington, North Plainfield, Bridgewater, Franklin, Clinton, Somerville, Raritan and South Bound Brook for years now. If you would like to speak to one of our criminal defense attorneys about your options then please contact us at (908) 533-1064. We can discuss the specific facts of your case and we will give you our honest feedback on how we think we can be of assistance. Now here is some information on the distribution of marijuana charges in New Jersey.
Marijuana Distribution Attorneys in Hunterdon County NJ
A Defendant charged with the distribution of marijuana in New Jersey could be facing either a first, second, third or fourth degree felony offense. The quantity of the marijuana in question will dictate what degree the Defendant is charged with. With that being said, if the Defendant is alleged to have distributed the marijuana within a park and/or school zone they will be charged with an additional offense, which could be more severe the underlying distribution charge. NJSA 2C:35-5 is the governing statute in New Jersey for marijuana distribution charges. The statute is in essence broken down into three different subsections. Here is a chart that breaks down the three offenses:
| Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute | To be convicted of this offense, the State must prove that the Defendant possessed or had under their control, a quantity of marijuana and that they had the underlying intent to distribute that marijuana. |
| Distribution of Marijuana | To be convicted of this offense, the State must establish that the Defendant knowingly or purposely distributed a quantity of marijuana to another. |
| Manufacturing Marijuana | Before a Defendant can be convicted of this offense, the State must prove that the Defendant knowingly or purposely manufactured the marijuana in question. |
The term manufacturing covers the production, preparation, compounding or processing. That includes packaging and/or labeling. In addition, when it comes to distributing marijuana, the exchanging of money is not required. The term distributing simply means providing and/or transferring. If you would like to speak to one of our New Jersey criminal defense attorneys about your options then please contact us at (908) 533-1064.
How Much Jail Time for Distributing Marijuana in NJ?
As touched upon earlier, a Defendant charged with distributing marijuana in New Jersey can be facing either a first, second, third or fourth degree felony offense. Here is a breakdown of not only what will separate a first degree felony charge from a fourth degree but also what the potential penalties are.
| Degree | Quantity Possessed | Penalties |
| 1st Degree | More than 25 lb. or More than 50 plants |
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| 2nd Degree | More than 5 lb. but Less than 1 oz or More than 10 plants but less than 50 plants |
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| 3rd Degree | More than 1 oz but less than 5 lb. |
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| 4th Degree | Less than 1 oz |
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Franklin NJ Marijuana Distribution Lawyer
If you have been charged with distributing marijuana, possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, possessing cocaine or possessing Xanax, in Somerset or Hunterdon County, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. We are well aware that no two clients let alone no two cases are the same. As such, we will work hard to formulate a game plan that works best to suit your needs. Our New Jersey criminal defense lawyers serve all of Somerset and Hunterdon County including towns like Bound Brook, Plainfield, Watchung, Bedminster, Bernards, West Amwell, Raritan, Somerville, Hillsborough, Manville and Montgomery. If you would like to speak to one of our attorneys about your options today then please contact us at (908) 533-1064.