Charged with Marijuana Possession in Howell NJ?
Being charged with a criminal offense can be stressful for anyone. For most of our clients who are charged with the possession of marijuana in Howell this will be their first time dealing with the criminal justice system. If you find yourself in this situation it is crucial that you speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyers about your options. Although marijuana is legal in some states and decriminalized in others, it is still illegal in New Jersey. Anyone caught possessing less than 50 grams of marijuana in Howell will be facing a disorderly persons offense, that is New Jersey’s version of a misdemeanor. If convicted, not only will a Defendant be saddled with a criminal record but they will also be facing significant jail time, even for first time offender. If you have been arrested and charged with the possession of marijuana in Howell or elsewhere in Monmouth County, the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. If you would like to speak to one of our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys about your options then please contact us at (732) 858-6959.
The attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law treat every client like they are our only client. We pride ourselves on being able to work close with our clients and make sure that no stone is left un-turned when it comes to defending these types of charges. If you would like to come into our office for a free face to face consultation then please contact us at (732) 858-6959. We can go over the specific facts of your case and well will give you our honest feedback on we can be of assistance. We are available around the clock to help assist in anyway that we can. Do not let a simple mistake jeopardize your future. Now here is some important information on marijuana possession charges in New Jersey.
Marijuana Lawyer in Howell NJ
Do I need a Lawyer for a Marijuana Charge in Howell?
Marijuana possession under 50 gram charges are one of only two crimes in New Jersey where plea bargaining is prohibited. The other being driving while intoxicated. Just to put that into prospective, plea bargaining is permissible in case which the Defendant is alleged to have possessed more than 50 grams of marijuana. Marijuana under 50 gram charges will be governed by NJSA 2C:35-10a(4). Since they are disorderly persons offenses, anyone caught possessing marijuana under 50 grams in Howell have their charges litigated in the Howell Municipal Court, which is located at 300 Old Tavern Road. If convicted, a individual will be facing the following penalties:
- 6 Months Jail;
- A $1,000
- Fees and Assessments Nearing $800:
- $500 Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction (DEDR) Fee
- $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 Driving Privileges
- Probation
- Community Service
- Court Mandated Rehabilitation Program
So as you can tell, based on the fact that New Jersey does not all plea bargaining and the potential penalties referenced above are what they are, that if you or a loved one has been charged with this type of offense that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible about your options. A criminal conviction, let alone a potential jail sentence can be crippling to anyone’s future. Our attorneys are available immediately at 732-858-6959 to discuss your options.
How to Defend Marijuana Charges in Howell NJ
All to often individuals think drug cases are rather straightforward based on the simplicity of the statute. Which states in pertinent part “it is unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely, to obtain or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance”. However, these charges tend to be heavily litigated. For example, almost all drug offenses involve some form of a search and/or seizure. This is a great angle for an experienced criminal defense lawyer to seek to attack. They can look to see whether or not there was probable cause for the stop, for the search or for the seizure. They can also look and see whether there were any Miranda violations as well. This is just a few of the key areas that the criminal defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law will look to exploit.
Marijuana Attorneys in Howell NJ
If you have been charged with the possession of marijuana in Howell, New Jersey the attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys are well aware that no two clients let alone no two cases are the same. We pride ourselves on being able to adapt our representation to fulfill our clients needs, whether that be a trial, suppression motion or negotiating a favorable plea agreement. If you would like to speak to one of our Howell criminal defense attorneys about your options then please contact us at (732) 858-6959. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs.