Possession of a CDS in a Motor Vehicle Lawyers in Lawrenceville NJ
One of the more common charges issued in towns throughout Mercer County is the possession of a controlled dangerous substances in a motor vehicle, in violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1. This offense is usually tacked on to other criminal charges like possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of heroin, possession of cocaine or possession of Molly. Although possession of CDS in a motor vehicle is a traffic offense by nature the penalties are more devastating than most criminal offenses. As you will see below, anyone convicted of possessing CDS in a motor vehicle in New Jersey will be facing a mandatory licenses suspension. If you have been charged with possessing CDS in a motor vehicle in towns like Lawrenceville, Trenton, West Windsor, Ewing, Robbinsville, Hightstown, Princeton or elsewhere in Mercer County is imperative that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney about your options. The attorneys at the Keith Oliver Criminal Law are frequently defending clients accused of possessing CDS in a motor vehicle in courts throughout Mercer County. Our attorneys are well aware of what a license suspension can do one’s life. We are fully prepared to fight to protect not only your license but your freedom as well. If you would like to have a free face to face consultation with one of our attorneys then please contact us at (609) 789-0779. Now here is some more information on the offense of possessing CDS in a motor vehicle in New Jersey.
Possession of CDS in Motor Vehicle Attorneys in Princeton NJ
Possession of a controlled dangerous substance is a traffic offense in New Jersey and it is governed by N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1. It states in pertinent part that:
“No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any highway while knowingly having in his possession or in the motor vehicle any controlled dangerous substance … or any prescription legend drug, unless the person has obtained the substance or drug from, or on a valid written prescription…”
As touched upon earlier, this offense is usually in addition to other criminal charges like possession of marijuana, possession of heroin, possession of Oxycontin or any other drug for that matter. So, on top of the potential penalties for any of the aforementioned charges, the Defendant will most likely be charged with possessing CDS in a motor vehicle as well. These offenses always go hand and hand. Furthermore, since a conviction for possessing CDS in a motor vehicle carries with it a mandatory license suspension it is one of those charges that a prosecutor will try and hold over your head in order to get you to resolve the underlying criminal charges. If you have been charged with possessing CDS in a motor vehicle and would like to discuss strategies with one of our attorneys then please contact us at (609)789-0779.
What are the Penalties for Possessing CDS in a Motor Vehicle in NJ?
Will I lose my license for Possessing CDS in a Motor Vehicle?
Although this offense is technically traffic in nature, the ramifications if convicted are devastating. In fact, a Defendant would lose their licenses for a shorter time period if they were convicted of Driving While Intoxicated. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1, anyone convicted of this offense shall be fined not less than $50 and forfeit their drivers licenses for a period of two (2) years. There is no hardship or temporary license whatsoever for anyone convicted of this offense. Although every drug conviction in New Jersey carries with it a potential for a six month loss of their driver’s license, there is a Bendix application that can be made in an effort to prevent the suspension. That application does not exist with a possession of CDS in a motor vehicle charge. As you can tell the penalties are absolutely devastating. These charges should not be taken lightly.
What is N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1 Violation?
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we are well aware of what any licenses suspension, let alone a two year suspension would do to one’s life. The penalties for possessing a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle are crippling. As a result it is crucial that you speak to an experienced Mercer County drug possession defense lawyer as soon as possible about your options. Our office serves all of Mercer County, including towns like East Windsor, Pennington, Princeton, Hamilton, Trenton, Robbinsville and West Windsor. If you would like to speak to one of our attorneys about your options then please contact us directly at (609) 789-0779.