Middlesex County Drug Possession Lawyers

Drug Possession Penalties in Middlesex County, NJ

Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana

Marijuana is a Schedule I drug in New Jersey. It is categorized as a third-degree indictable offense, which can carry a sentence of three to five years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000.

Small amounts of marijuana—less than 50 grams—are treated as disorderly offenses, or municipal offenses. While county jail time is possible, the penalties for convictions are significantly less severe than those for 3rd-degree offenses.

Possession of less than 50 grams is treated less severely because the amount indicates the person in possession probably intended to use the drug personally instead of selling it to others. 50 grams is about two ounces of marijuana and costs about $400 to $500

Often, our Middlesex drug lawyers can assert challenges to possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana. We may argue that someone else had the drug, and you just happened to be nearby. Our lawyers often challenge the grounds for the search, mainly if the marijuana was found in a home or apartment.

Penalties for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana

The penalties for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana are harsh:

• • Jail or imprisonment. The municipal court judge can impose a sentence of up to 6 months. The judge can also order probation. During the probationary period, the defendant will be required to undergo random drug testing. If the defendant is found guilty of violating probation, he/she will usually be sent to jail and will also have to respond to the probation violation.

• • Fines and penalties. The maximum fine is $1,000 plus additional assessment fees, such as $75 for safe neighborhoods. The defendant will also be required to pay court costs – the administrative expenses for handling the defendant’s case.

• • Suspension of the driver’s license. The defendant can also lose his/her driving privileges for up to six months, even if a car was not involved in the crime.

• • Community service. The defendant may be required to perform 100 hours of community service if the defendant possessed the marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school bus or school.

5 grams of hashish is treated similarly to less than 50 grams of marijuana.