Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe or Needle Attorney in Ocean County

Toms River NJ Hypodermic Needle Possession Attorney

Defense Lawyers for Syringe and Heroin Charges in Ocean County, New Jersey

In many instances in Ocean County, people are arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses, often referred to as “CDS,” which stands for controlled dangerous substances. Due to the fact that there are so many different drug violations under New Jersey law, a person can be charged with committing several drug crimes in the same incident. For instance, if a motor vehicle stop results in a search of your vehicle and police find drugs or paraphernalia, you can be charged with possession of CDS, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and/or possession of a hypodermic needle or syringe. Although it seems like these should not be separate charges, they are distinct offenses in New Jersey, each of which are punishable by serious penalties. In fact, possession of needles or syringes is an entirely unique drug offense that can result in jail time if you are found guilty. When facing these charges, it is imperative to have an experienced drug defense lawyer working to ensure that you avoid such serious consequences. At William Proetta Criminal Law, our attorneys regularly represent clients charged with heroin and associated offenses in Brick, Jackson, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant, Seaside Park, Lavallette, and throughout Ocean County. If you have been arrested for possessing a syringe or needle or other drug charges at the Jersey Shore, contact our offices in Toms River at (848) 238-2100 for a free consultation about your case.

N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6 Possession or Distribution of Hypodermic Syringe or Needle

In New Jersey, a person can possess a hypodermic needle or hypodermic syringe if they obtain it through a valid prescription issued by a licensed physician, dentist or veterinarian and use it for its authorized purpose. In other words, if you have a prescription for the syringe or needle because it is used to administer medication and you use it for that purpose, you are not in violation of NJ law. However, it is illegal to have a needle or syringe in your possession without a valid prescription or to possess with intent to distribute these items, as they are typically used to to administer heroin. The New Jersey statute that addresses these offenses is provided below for your convenience.

§ 2C:36-6 Possession or Distribution of Hypodermic Syringe or Needle

It shall be unlawful for a person to have under his control or possess with the intent to use a hypodermic syringe, hypodermic needle or any other instrument adapted for the use of a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog or to sell, furnish or give to any person such syringe, needle or instrument. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

Thus, if you are convicted of possessing or distributing a syringe or needle in New Jersey, you are exposed to penalties including: up to 6 months in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a conviction on your criminal record which will appear on background checks moving forward. It is important to note that you may face additional penalties in connection with any other drug charges that were issued in coordination with those for needle/syringe possession, such as:

• Possession of heroin
• Heroin distribution or intent to distribute
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of CDS in a motor vehicle

Contact a Brick NJ Syringe Possession Lawyer for a Free Consultation

When you are charged with a CDS offense such as possession of a syringe, you need a dedicated and experienced defense attorney working to have your charges downgraded or dismissed entirely. Will Proetta, Esq., our firm’s founding member, has handled a wide array of criminal and municipal charges throughout New Jersey, many of which involve drug charges. Our Ocean County criminal defense team is prepared to help you resolve your case and achieve the best possible outcome. To build a case strategy customized to meet your needs or just to speak with a skilled drug defense lawyer, contact our Toms River Office at (848) 238-2100 for a free consultation.