Cranford Drug Possession Attorney
Cranford, New Jersey is a beautiful township located in Union County. A number of movies have been filmed in Cranford, most notably Garden State, and the township boasts a number of parks, a thriving downtown, and Union County College. Cranford also has a relatively low rate of crime, specifically lower than 79% of other US communities. With this kind of background, you might think that drug arrests and charges are rare in Cranford. Unfortunately, they are not. Cranford police officers are particularly vigilant in searching for people committing drug crimes and local prosecutors vigorously pursue the resulting cases. Countless people find themselves arrested for possession of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy, prescription drugs, heroin, and other controlled dangerous substances. In many cases, officers end up charging people with drug possession offenses, known technically as Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), after searching a vehicle and finding drugs inside. Drug paraphernalia charges are also highly common in Cranford, as it is typical for rolling papers, pipes, baggies, and other items to be found along with the drugs.
Cranford Drug Possession Charges
Drug possession charges are all governed by the same statute in New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10), regardless of the type of drug involved in a given case. However, the differences in penalties for possession of CDS vary significantly based on the specific controlled dangerous substance.
CHARGED WITH MARIJUANA POSSESSION IN CRANFORD
If you are arrested for possessing under 50 grams of marijuana in Cranford, you will be charged with a disorderly persons offense, similar to a misdemeanor offense in other states. These cases are prosecuted in Cranford Municipal Court, located at Cranford Municipal Building, 8 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016. You can be sentenced to up to six months in jail, probation, a fine of up to $1000, a license suspension of several months, and ordered to complete drug education classes if you are convicted of a marijuana possession disorderly persons offense.
On the other hand, if you are caught in possession of over 50 grams of marijuana, you will likely face a more serious fourth degree criminal charge A fourth degree conviction can result in a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $25,000. If you possess significantly more marijuana than 50 grams, you may even be charged with third degree possession with intent to distribute, which can expose you to 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $35,000. Indictable offenses based on drug possession are not heard in Cranford Municipal Court, but instead in Union County Superior Court.
FACING 3RD DEGREE DRUG POSSESSION CHARGE IN CRANFORD NJ
Controlled Dangerous Substances charges get even more serious if you are caught with “harder” drugs than marijuana, including cocaine and heroin. Possession of even trace or minimal amounts of cocaine can result in a third degree criminal charge against you, exposing you to 3-5 years in prison and fines of up to $35,000 upon conviction. You can face even more serious crimes if you have higher amounts of cocaine in your possession.
The same is true of heroin. If you are convicted of possessing any amount of heroin, you can be charged with a third degree crime, exposing you to the same penalties discussed above. If you possess between half an ounce to five ounces of heroin, which may cause police to believe that you are selling the drug to others, you may be charged with second degree heroin possession with intent to distribute. These crimes are severe, with penalties including 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Possessing over 5 ounces can result in an even more severe first degree charges, for which you can be sentenced to 10-20 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 upon conviction.
Arrested for Drug Possession in Cranford? We can help.
Regardless of whether you were arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana or another drug like meth, heroin, or cocaine, enlisting help from an experienced attorney can truly turn the tide of your case. Our seasoned Cranford NJ Drug Possession Lawyers have successfully defended clients in your situation in both superior and municipal court in Union County. Call (908) 838-0150 to talk through your possession of CDS case today. We provide free consultations 24/7.