Hightstown, which is a small little borough nestled in the far eastern region of Mercer County, sure does see its fair share drug related arrests, especially considering its home to less than 6,000 people. Some of the most common drug related offenses issued in Hightstown include but is not limited to possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of THC Vape Pens. A conviction for a drug related offense can and almost certainly will have a devastating impact on one’s life moving forward. A conviction could not only lead to incarceration but high fines, probation, court mandated drug rehabilitation treatment, a license suspension and community service. If you unfortunately been arrested and charged with a drug offense in Hightstown, it imperative that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your options. Understanding your options, including potential defenses and the specific consequences if convicted is crucial to mounting a successful defense. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation with one of the Mercer County criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law please do not hesitate to contact our Hamilton office at 609-789-0779. One of our lawyers would be glad to discuss the specifics of your case and formulate a game plan that works best to suit your needs.
Charged with Possession of Marijuana in Hightstown?
Contrary to the most people think, marijuana is still illegal in New Jersey and local police departments throughout the state are still arresting those caught possessing it, including Hightstown. The most common marijuana offense issued in Hightstown is possession of marijuana under 50 grams. This is considered a disorderly persons offense, which is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. Since it is a disorderly persons offense, the matter will be litigated in the Hightstown Municipal Court which is actually located in Robbinsville on Route 130. If convicted, an individual will be facing up to six months in the Mercer County Jail, a fine up to $1,000, fees and assessment nearing $800, community service, probation as well as up to a two year loss of license. For more information on possession of marijuana under 50 gram charges in New Jersey, please click the link.
If the individual is caught possessing more than 50 grams of marijuana they will be charged with a fourth degree indictable offense, which is New Jersey’s version of a felony. Since it is an indictable offense, the case must be transferred to the Mercer County Superior Court for disposition. With that being said, depending on the facts and the individual’s prior record, it could be possible to convince the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office to downgrade and remand the charges back to the Hightstown Municipal Court. If convicted of this offense, an individual will be facing up to eighteen months in a State Prison, a fine up to $15,000, fees and assessments nearing $1,000, community service, probation as well as up to a two year loss of license. For more information on possession of marijuana over 50 grams please click the link.
Caught with a THC Vape Pen in Hightstown New Jersey?
THC filled Vape Pens have become one of the more frequent drug related charges that we see being issued in New Jersey. Generally, there is nothing illegal about vape pens. However, when they are altered and filled with THC oil, which is a schedule I controlled dangerous substance in New Jersey, it becomes an illegal product. We have been seeing individuals caught possessing THC filled vape pens being charged under the general under 50 grams of marijuana statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4)), which as mentioned about is a disorderly persons offense as well as them being charged under Obtaining, Possessing Synthetic Cannabinoid statute (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3c) which is a fourth degree indictable offense. As indicated above, if the individual is charged with the disorderly person offense their case will be litigated in the Hightstown Municipal Court however if they are charged under the fourth degree indictable subsection their case will be sent to the Mercer County Superior Court for disposition. For more information on THC Vape Pens in New Jersey, please click the link.
Arrested for Possession of Heroin in Hightstown NJ?
Anyone arrested for possessing heroin in Hightstown will be charged with a third degree indictable offense (felony). As with the fourth degree marijuana possession charge discussed above, all heroin possession charges must be transferred to the Mercer County Superior Court for disposition. Anyone convicted of this offense will be facing up to five years in a State Prison, a fine up to $35,000, fees and assessments nearing $1,250, community service, probation, court mandated rehab as well as up to a two year loss of license. New Jersey as a whole but more importantly Mercer County takes heroin possession charges very seriously especially considering the heroin epidemic that has been haunting this state for the better part of the last decade. For more information on heroin charges in Mercer County, including potential defense, please click the link.
Hightstown NJ Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
As you can tell from reading above, a conviction for a drug offense can have a devastating, long lasting consequence to your life if not handled properly. If you have been placed under arrest for a drug charge in Hightstown and would like to speak to one of the criminal defense lawyers at Keith Oliver Criminal Law about your options then please contact our Hamilton office at 609-789-0779 or you can try contacting us online. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs, so if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us.