There is a huge misconception going on in New Jersey that the possession marijuana is a “low level” offense and that it is “no big deal”. However, that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Marijuana is still illegal in New Jersey. So the fact that it is legal in California or Colorado or the fact that it is decriminalized in New York will have no bearing on someone caught possessing marijuana in New Jersey. The Hamilton Municipal Court in Mercer County deals with a tremendous amount of drug charges each and every year and the possession of marijuana under 50 grams is one of the most common charges levied against individuals. If you have been charged with the unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia or issued a ticket for being in possession of CDS while in a motor vehicle in Hamilton, New Jersey, the attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help.
Looking for Local Simple Assault Lawyer Near Hamilton NJ
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law regardless of whether you have been charged with a homicide or a speeding ticket we treat each and every case like it is our only case. We will go through the evidence presented against you and aggressively challenge any issues that we may spot. We are well aware of what is on the line when an individual is charged with a drug offense in New Jersey. If you would like to speak with Mr. Oliver or one of the other attorneys in our office about your options, then please contact us at (609) 789-0779. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs. Now here is some more information on marijuana possession charges in Hamilton, New Jersey.
Marijuana Possession Attorneys in Hamilton NJ
Anyone caught possessing less than 50 grams of marijuana will be charged with a violation of NJSA 2C:35-10a(4). This charge is considered a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. That is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. If the individual was caught possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana or charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute then they will be facing an indictable offense. That is New Jersey’s version of a felony. Whether you were arrested and charged the possession of marijuana by the Hamilton Police Department or the New Jersey State Police, your charges will be heard in the Hamilton Municipal Court. The courthouse is located at 1270 Whitehorse Avenue, in Hamilton. Just to show you how busy this court really is, they needed to hire two Judges just to try and manage their busy court calendars. The Chief Judge for the Hamilton Municipal Court is the Honorable R. Douglas Hoffman and the Honorable Kenneth W. Lozier.
What to Expect in the Hamilton Municipal Court
If you have been charged with the possession of marijuana in New Jersey it is highly recommended that you speak to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your options. Since marijuana under 50 grams is a disorderly persons offense, a Defendant convicted of this offense will face the following penalties:
- Up to 6 Months in the Mercer County Jail;
- A Fine up to $1,000
- Fees & Assessments nearing $800
- Up to a 6 Month Loss of License;
- A Criminal Record;
- Probation;
- Community Service;
- Court ordered rehab.
Although you are well within your rights to litigate these types of charges without hiring an attorney, it is not recommended. An experienced Hamilton Municipal Court drug defense lawyer can look to attack the case from so many different angles in an effort to either dismiss the charges outright or at least reduce the charges. At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we look to attack our clients case from every possible angle, here are just a few that we look to exploit:
How to Defend a Marijuana Charge in NJ:
- Was a motor vehicle stop involved? Was it valid?
- What was the underlying basis for the search?
- What was the underlying basis for the seizure?
- Where were the drug found? Constructive Possession? Joint Possession?
- Are the labs valid?
- Where any statements given? Was Miranda violated?
- Is the chain of custody for the evidence valid?
- Was there an audio recording from the officers? Backups?
- Was there a body camera from the officer? Was there a MVR from the officer?
This is just a few of the areas that the attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law would look to exploit. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys about your options, then please contact us at (609) 789-0779.
Hamilton NJ Marijuana Possession Attorney
If you have been charged with the possession of marijuana, the possession of heroin or the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute in Hamilton or elsewhere in Mercer County, we can help. Our attorneys will work close with you to formulate a game plan that works best to suit your needs. We are well aware that no two clients let alone no two cases are the same. To speak to one of our attorneys today about your options, please contact us at (732) 858-6959.
For More information on other offenses we Defend in the Hamilton Municipal Court, please click below:
- Hamilton Assault Defense Lawyer
- Drug Possession Charges in Hamilton NJ
- Shoplifting Charges in Hamilton NJ
- Simple Assault Attorney in Hamilton NJ
- Hamilton NJ DUI Lawyers