Our Former Drug Task Force Director & Other Ex County Prosecutors Are Ready To Provide A Free Consultation To Discuss Your Cocaine Possession Charge In Hoboken New Jersey
Cocaine abuse and addiction is a serious problem posed to young people (i.e. 18-25 years old) according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Given the concentration of individuals falling within this age group, it should not be surprising that there are countless cocaine charges in Hoboken annually. The police are well aware of the presence of this controlled dangerous substance and are active in making arrests. Whether your cocaine possession charge stemmed from addiction or recreational use, you need to know that a conviction will leave you with a felony criminal record and exposure to severe penalties. This is why you definitely need an accomplished Hoboken cocaine possession lawyer to defend you.
The highly talented defense team at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has exactly what you need to combat your a possession of cocaine charge in Hoboken New Jersey. We can provide you with:
- More than 200 years of combined experience defending individuals charged with cocaine possession offenses in Hudson County Superior Court
- Ten (10) lawyers that specialize exclusively in defense
- Former county prosecutors that include a Director of the Drugs Task Force, Major Crimes Bureau, Juvenile Unit and even the entire Trial Division
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- Offices located in both Hoboken and Jersey City to serve our clients
Our firm is devoted to defending the rights of individuals facing incarceration and the life-long stigma of a criminal record for a cocaine charge. The goal of every attorney on our team is to give you the best chance of avoiding a conviction through aggressive defense strategies, knowledge of the drug laws and a rich history of interaction with law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts. Before you do anything else, speak to one of our knowledgeable Hoboken drug possession lawyers by calling us now at 201-309-0500. We have a lawyer available to discuss your case, answer your questions and review your options with you during a free initial consultation at any time of the day or night.
Cocaine Possession Offense in Hoboken
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 is the statute that applies to possession of cocaine and other drugs in New Jersey. This law makes it a third degree crime to purposely or knowingly possess cocaine. An individual can possess cocaine either actually or constructively. Actual possession exists when someone has CDS on their person or otherwise within their direct control. An individual constructively possesses something if they lack direct control but know where the drug is located and has both the ability and intent to possess it in the future. Constructive possession frequently occurs when police find cocaine in a vehicle with multiple occupants or in a room in a home or apartment. Unless someone steps forward to claim possession of the cocaine, everyone in the room or the vehicle can be charged with violating N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This means you could be charged as long as police can prove you were aware of the cocaine and intended to take control over it later.
Fortunately, our defense attorneys know what it takes for the prosecution to prove that you committed a cocaine possession offense and use the evidence and legal defenses to attack and weaken their case. Unlawful searches and seizures of evidence or improper interrogation by police are examples of mistakes made during an investigation that could allow us to persuade a judge to prevent the use of the evidence against you.
Hoboken Cocaine Possession Penalties
The penalties that may be imposed at the county courthouse in Jersey City for possession of cocaine in Hoboken are much more severe than you might think. For example, you could be imprisoned for up to five year and be ordered to pay as much as $35,000. You could also lose your driver’s license for up to two years. These consequences apply on top of your being left with record that will follow you for years.
Possession of larger amounts of cocaine could cause the prosecution to charge you with the more serious crime of possession of cocaine with intent to sell or distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. This is a third degree crime where the quantity is less than one-half ounce, a second degree crime where the weight is at least one-half ounce but less than five ounces and a first degree crime where there is over five ounces of cocaine.
We are staunch advocates fighting to achieve a dismissal of the charges while at the same time exploring other options that could allow you to avoid a conviction. Pretrial intervention and drug court programs could result in the charges being dismissed if you fulfill certain conditions, such as undergoing a substance abuse evaluation and completing a recommended treatment program. A Hoboken cocaine possession lawyer at our firm is ready to explore all avenues to ensure you avoid a conviction.
Hoboken Cocaine Possession Defense Attorney
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have cocaine possession attorneys dedicated to achieving the best possible result whether through dismissal or acquittal after trial. Their years of experience give them insight into defense strategies, as well as negotiation tactics, that allow clients to avoid a conviction and a criminal record. If you want a lawyer defending you who is committed to your wellbeing, call us now at 201-309-0500. A member of our defense team is available at any time of the day or night to speak with you during a free initial consultation.
