Hudson County NJ Synthetic Marijuana Attorneys
In Hudson County it is a crime for any person knowingly or purposely to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a synthetic cannabinoid (i.e. synthetic marijuana). The degree of the crime will vary between the second and third degree depending on the amount of synthetic marijuana recovered during the arrest. If convicted of a third degree offense involving synthetic marijuana, you will be facing up to five (5) years in a New Jersey State Penitentiary. The Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall has been defending individual’s charged with possessing and distributing synthetic marijuana throughout Hudson County, in towns like Bayonne, Hoboken, West New York, Weehawken and Jersey City for over fifteen years. If you or someone you know has been charged with possessing synthetic marijuana, cocaine distribution, possessing heroin with the intent to distribute or possession of prescription drugs, we can help. If you would like a free initial consultation, please contact our Jersey City office at (201) 309-1800.
What is Synthetic Marijuana in New Jersey?
Synthetic Marijuana: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3(b) Synthetic cannabinoid; prohibition upon manufacture, distribution and possession to distribute prohibited substance
The following list comprises a list of what is considered to be a compound, derivative, or analog of synthetic marijuana, as defined by New Jersey’s governing statute:
- Naphthoylindoles
- Naphthylmethylindoles
- Naphthoylpyrroles
- Naphthylmethylindenes
- Phenylacetylindoles
- Cyclohexylphenols
- Benzoylindoles
- [2,3-Dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-orpholinylmethyl)pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1, 4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-napthalenylmethanone
- (6aR,1 10aR)-9-(hydroxymethyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-3-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydrobenzo[c]chromen-l-ol 7370
- Adamantoylindoles
- Any other synthetic chemical compound that is a cannabinoid receptor agonist and mimics the pharmacological effect of naturally occurring cannabinoids that is not listed in Schedules II through V or is not an FDA approved drug.
Is Distribution of Synthetic Marijuana a Felony in NJ?
While New Jersey does not classify crimes as felonies and misdemeanors, it does label its crimes as either an indictable (i.e. felony) or disorderly persons offenses (i.e. misdemeanor). Therefore, possession of synthetic marijuana will qualify as New Jersey’s equivalent to a felony offense. It is a second degree offense if the quantity of synthetic marijuana involved, including adulterants and dilutants, is one (1) ounce or more. Alternatively, it is a third degree offense if the quantity of synthetic marijuana involved, including adulterants and dilutants, is less than one (1) ounce.
What are the Penalties for Synthetic Marijuana Offenses?
A second degree crime carries a potential prison term of between five (5) and ten (10) years in prison. Defendants who are convicted of a second degree crimes face a presumptive term of incarceration. In addition to potential imprisonment, the defendant may also face a fine up to $150,000. A Third degree crime exposes you to between three (3) to five (5) years, if convicted. In addition to potential imprisonment, the defendant also faces a fine up to $15,000.
Possession of Synthetic Marijuana Attorneys in Jersey City
Synthetic Marijuana: 2C:35-5.3(c) Synthetic cannabinoid; Possession or Attempt to Possess Prohibited Substance
It is a crime for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain or possess a synthetic cannabinoid, as that term is defined in in the aforementioned exhaustive list of compounds, derivatives, or analogs. Grading under this crime can either be in the third or fourth degree depending on the amount of synthetic marijuana recovered during the arrest.
Is Possession of Synthetic Marijuana a Felony in New Jersey?
As mentioned above, New Jersey does not classify crimes as felonies and misdemeanors. However, our classification of indictable and disorderly persons offenses roughly mimics that of felonies and misdemeanors. In regards to synthetic marijuana, it is a crime in the third degree (indictable offense) to possess a quantity of one ounce (1) or more, including adulterants and dilutants. It is a crime in the fourth degree (indictable offense) to possess a quantity, including adulterants and dilutants, of less than one (1) ounce.
Will I go to Jail for Possession of Synthetic Marijuana in NJ?
A third degree crime may result in three (3) to five (5) years if convicted and a fine up to $15,000. A fourth degree crime may result in up to eighteen (18) years if convicted and, a fine up to $10,000.
Synthetic Marijuana Possession Defense Attorneys in Hudson County
The Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall has eight criminal defense attorneys on staff, making our office one of the largest criminal defense firms in the State let alone Hudson County. Our team of Hudson County NJ synthetic marijuana distribution defense attorneys have the experience and skill set required to successfully protect your rights. For a free initial consultation, please contact our Jersey City office at (201) 309-1800. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have.
