Defending NJ clients against drug violations
The drug laws of New Jersey are some of the harshest in the country. Law enforcement and courts are aggressive towards those who are caught with drugs and are keen to hand down serious consequences. Even simple possession of a drug like marijuana can financially burden a person and leave them with a criminal record that can impact one’s ability to get a job. Depending on the amount of drugs in your possession, you could be subject to a more serious matter, including crimes like distribution or sales. If you are arrested for drugs in any capacity, you need an effective attorney that can explore and implement all legal defenses to free you of these charges or lessen the impact on your life. The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. has over 25 years of experience fighting drug charges for people all over New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.
Federal drugs laws are relevant in New Jersey
Most of New Jersey’s laws are based on their respective scheduling according to federal laws. The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 and the additions as years have passed categorize drugs according to what the government believes to be their use as medicine and the potential for abuse. Schedule I is saved for the most dangerous drugs with little to no medical benefits. This includes drugs like:
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Ecstasy
- LSD
- Peyote
Schedule II drugs are considered to have some medical benefits are somewhat less dangerous but are still highly prone to abuse compared to Schedule I drugs. This category includes drugs like:
- Methamphetamine
- Vicodin
- Cocaine
- Dilaudid
- Adderall/ Ritalin
- Methadone
- OxyContin
Schedule III drugs are even less dangerous, have less potential for abuse, and have medical benefits. This category includes drugs like:
- Codeine
- Testosterone
- Ketamine
- Anabolic Steroids
New Jersey laws regarding drug possession
Drug possession in New Jersey is a serious matter. Marijuana possession is a slightly different situation than most other drugs. Though it stays at the top of the federal scheduling, New Jersey has lessened the consequences of simple marijuana possession under 50 grams. It is important to note as other states have legalized or allowed medical marijuana, New Jersey has not and marijuana possession, no matter the amount you are caught with, will still be on your record and can impact your employment. Simple marijuana possession is a disorderly person offense that burdens a person with fines and the possibility of jail time. Aside from marijuana, most drug possession under Schedule I and II will be a felony, or third-degree crime. In almost all cases, the factors that will impact your case include:
- The drug’s scheduling
- The quantity in your possession
- The place of the arrest
- Whether there is proof of sales
New Jersey’s drug distribution laws
If you are caught with a certain amount of drugs that exceeds the legal definition of “personal use”, you could be charged with an intent to distribute and drug distribution and sales. These are serious charges that need the assistance of an effective attorney. Some of the factors that will impact your case include the amount in your possession, its place on the federal scheduling of drugs, and the location of the arrest. If you are caught with drugs and are charged with the intent to distribute or sales in a school zone or in a car, you are looking at even more serious charges.
Contact a Middlesex County drug crime attorney
Drug charges can seriously impact your life and livelihood. You are most likely facing a criminal record that can have serious implications regarding employment and other life goals. If you are charged with a drug crime in New Jersey, contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze, Esq. for a consultation.
