Publicity concerning legalization of marijuana tends to create the impression on the part of children that possession and use of the drug is nothing to fear. This clearly is naive as demonstrated by the hundreds of individuals charged with possession and distribution in Somerset County municipalities like Bernards, Franklin, Bridgewater, Hillsborough and North Plantfield. Police and school officials take marijuana seriously not only because it is illegal but also as it is viewed as a gateway to other forms of controlled dangerous substance. You can therefore expect your child to be charged with a juvenile offense if he or she possessed marijuana in a car, smoking in a public area, in their locker, or in any other context. This can lead to significant penalties including probation, drug testing, fines, and a loss of their driver’s license. Repeat offenses or even dirty urine tests can result in admission to a rehabilitation facility and to juvenile detention. If your son or daughter was arrested and/or charged with possessing or distributing marijuana, you absolutely need to retain an attorney as the law mandates that they be represented. The lawyers at our criminal firm, Marshall, Bonus, Proetta & Olive, embody one of the largest and most experienced defense teams in the state. Our former prosecutors and highly skilled attorneys possess over 100 years of combined experience to put into action at the Juvenile Division in Somerville NJ. Call us now at 908-722-1011 for a free consultation.
Charged With Possession or Being Under the Influence of Marijuana
It is illegal to possess any quantity of marijuana in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(1). It is also unlawful to smoking, ingesting or otherwise consuming marijuana. Either of these activities can mushroom into a companion motor vehicle charge as well if your son or daughter was in possession of CDS in a motor vehicle or driving under the influence of drugs. A misstep with marijuana clearly has the potential to cause significant trouble. If the quantity possessed is more than fifty (50) grams, the offense is a felony in the form of a fourth degree crime. It is a disorderly persons offense to possess less than this weight, consume, or be under the influence of marijuana. Irrespective of which grade your child’s offense fall into, the case will be heard at the Superior Court as opposed to a local municipal court like the one in Branchburg, Bound Brook, Montgomery, Warren and Somerville.
All drug possession charges result in a mandatory driver’s license suspension irrespective of whether the violation occurred in a car, truck, etc. The period of suspension is six (6) months. The fines vary depending on the grade of marijuana possession involved with a fourth degree carrying up to $25,000 and a disorderly persons variety resulting in up to $1,000 in fines. These penalties are separate from those that apply to any motor vehicle violations. In addition, if the juvenile committed the offense while on a school property or a school bus, the accused must perform one-hundred (100) hours of community service.
Somerville Juvenile Marijuana Attorney
If you or your minor child was arrested and charged with marijuana possession in Somerset County, it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced juvenile attorney immediately. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can serve you well in this regard. A lawyer on our defense staff, including one of our former prosecutors, is ready to thoroughly review the facts of your case and provide you with our recommendation as to the best strategy for protecting your child. Lawyers at the firm are available 24/7 at 908-722-1011.
