Drug Paraphernalia

Woodbridge NJ Drug Paraphernalia Possession Lawyer

Drug Charges Defense Attorneys in Middlesex County, New Jersey

Possession of drug paraphernalia is a very common charge in New Jersey. This is because it may result from possession of any object that aids on in the ability to ingest, smoke, hold, or produce any illegal drug. As a result, this offense applies to anything from rolling papers and a roach clip to a plastic bag containing drugs. For obvious reason, drug paraphernalia charges are normally accompanied by companion drug charges such as possession of marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. Although many defendants try to rationalize that a drug paraphernalia charge is less serious than an actual possession crime, New Jersey State law sees it differently. A conviction for drug paraphernalia possession will result in a permanent criminal record that can hinder employment opportunities, especially in today’s market. Our law firm defends clients charged with possession of drug paraphernalia throughout Middlesex County, including in Milltown, Cranbury, Spotswood, South Plainfield, Edison, Colonia, and Woodbridge. If you would like to speak with an experienced drug paraphernalia lawyer please contact our Edison office at (732) 659-9600.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2

The crime of drug paraphernalia possession is governed by a broad New Jersey statute, which has been provided below for your reading convenience:

§ 2C:36-2. Use or possession with intent to use, disorderly persons offense

It shall be unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or toxic chemical in violation of the provisions of chapter 35 of this title. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

As the above statute describes, possession of drug paraphernalia is considered a disorderly persons offense – also known as a misdemeanor – and is punishable by up 6 months incarceration, probation, loss of driver’s license, and one thousand dollars in fines.

Contact Piscataway NJ Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyers

Drug paraphernalia is actually considered a drug charge under the law, even in the absence of drugs actually found at the time of arrest. Therefore, the state takes a hard stance and will not offer plea-bargaining. Drug paraphernalia charges often have complicated issues that must be litigated in court by an experienced criminal defense attorney. For example, there are often suppression issues such as an illegal search or seizure, which, if portrayed efficiently, will deem the prosecutor unable to effectively prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Moreover, a criminal lawyer can ascertain your eligibility for a diversion program and help secure your acceptance into a Conditional Discharge program to get your charges ultimately dismissed. William A. Proetta, Esq., the founder of our firm, has represented thousands of criminal and municipal court charges over the years, including numerous drug paraphernalia cases. We defend clients throughout the Middlesex County area including New Brunswick, Helmetta, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, Avenel and Highland Park. Call us at (732) 659-9600 for a free initial consultation with an experienced Middlesex County drug paraphernalia lawyer today.