Whether you are a student at the College of New Jersey, a resident of Ewing or just passing through, if you have been charged with the possession of marijuana it is imperative that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your options. Contrary to what most people think, marijuana possession charges are serious offenses in New Jersey. It has not been decriminalized like it is in New York or legalized like it is California, it is still illegal in New Jersey. Anyone charged with the unlawful possession of marijuana under 50 grams in Ewing will be facing up a disorderly person offense, that is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. If you have been charged with the possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia or possession of CDS in a motor vehicle in Ewing, the attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help.
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we understand the stress and pressure most people are under when they are charged with a criminal offense. In fact, most people charged with the possession of marijuana under 50 grams in Ewing will be dealing with the court system for the first time. If you would like to come into our office for a free face-to-face consultation with one our attorneys then please contact us at (609) 789-0779. We can discuss the specific facts of your case and we will give you our honest feedback on how we can be of assistance. Do not let a simple mistake ruin your future.
Do I need an attorney for a Marijuana Charge in Ewing NJ?
The possession of marijuana under 50 grams is a serious offense in New Jersey. In fact, this offense is one of only two offenses under the entire criminal code where plea bargaining is prohibited. In other words, plea bargaining is permissible in homicide, rape and even possession of marijuana over 50 grams charges, just not possession under 50 grams and driving while intoxicated charges. Pursuant to NJSA 2C:35-10a(4), anyone caught possessing less than 50 grams of marijuana will be charged with a disorderly persons offense. If convicted, not only will a Defendant be scarred with a criminal record but they will also be facing the following penalties:
- Up to 6 Months in the Mercer County Jail;
- A Fine up to $1,000
- A $500 Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fee
- A $50 Forensic Laboratory Fee
- A $30 Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fee
- A $50 Victims of Crimes Compensation Fund Fee
- A $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund Fee
- A 6 Month Loss of License
- Probation
- Community Service
- Court Ordered Rehab
So as you can see, the theory that marijuana charges in New Jersey are “no big deal” really is not accurate. An experienced Ewing Municipal Court defense attorney can aggressively challenge the evidence presented against you in order to obtain a favorable outcome. That is why we recommend that you seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer about your options prior to going into court.
How to Defend Marijuana Charges in Ewing Municipal Court
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, out attorneys will leave no stone unturned when it comes to defending these types of charges. We will examine the evidence presented against you and formulate a game plan that will work best to fulfill your needs. Here is some of the key angles that we look to exploit when it comes to defending these types of charges:
- Was there a motor vehicle stop? What was the basis for the stop?
- What was the basis for the seizure?
- What was the basis for the search?
- Where was the marijuana located?
- Jointly Possessed?
- Constructively Possessed?
- Are the lab reports valid?
- Chain of Custody for the evidence valid?
These are just a few of the angles that our attorneys will look to explore when it comes to defending these types of charges. For more information on your options, please contact our office at (609) 789-0779,
Where Do I go to Court?
Since marijuana under 50 grams is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, the Ewing Municipal Court will have jurisdiction over the charges. The Ewing Municipal Court is located at 2 Jake Garzio Dr and court will be in session:
- Mon. 5:00 pm
- Wed. 8:30 am
- Wed. 1:00 pm
- Thurs. 8:30 am
Ewing NJ Marijuana Attorneys
Being charged with a criminal offense can be nerve wracking. However, hiring the right attorney, one who not only knows how to defend the charges but has experience dealing with the Ewing Municipal Court can go a long way to alleviating the stress. At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, you case will be personally handled by Mr. Oliver, one of the firms founding partners. Mr. Oliver prides himself on making sure that his clients are full informed throughout the entire process so that they can make an educated decision on how to proceed with their case. If you would like to speak to Mr. Oliver about your options, then please contact us at 609-789-0779.