Have you been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in NJ? If you have been caught with drug paraphernalia–a pipe, bong, scale, plastic baggies, rolling papers, syringes, capsules, cutting agents, or spoons –you can be convicted of drug paraphernalia charges in the state of New Jersey.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in New Jersey
N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2 governs charges for possession of drug paraphernalia in New Jersey and provides in pertinent part:
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.
Penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia in NJ
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) and can affect your future educational and career outlook. Your driver’s license can be suspended anywhere from 6 months (standard minimum) to two years with no opportunity for a hardship license. You may also be sentenced to jail time for up to six months. When combined with other drug charges, such as simple possession or possession with intent to distribute, it can become much more serious and include a longer jail term. Our New Jersey criminal defense attorney can advise you and help by negotiating your drug paraphernalia charges for a lesser penalty.
Negotiating drug paraphernalia charges in NJ
Randolph Wolf is experienced in defending drug paraphernalia charges and can advise you on your legal options. He will investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, inform you of your choices, and work hard to lessen any penalties.
You may be eligible to receive a Conditional Discharge where you are placed on probation for a year and have the charge dismissed if you complete it successfully. If your charges include more serious drug possession charges, Pretrial intervention (PTI) is available for some drug crimes (usually first-time offenders). PTI puts your drug charges on hold for a year and offers alternatives to the traditional criminal justice process. You may take part in rehabilitation services over the course of the year, and if you successfully complete this program, your charges are dismissed and your criminal record is eligible to be cleared. We will seek pretrial intervention for offenders that meet the criteria for this alternative sentencing.
Randolph Wolf is a New Jersey criminal defense attorney experienced in negotiating drug charges and drug paraphernalia charges and will offer you the best options for your particular situation. If you or someone you know has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia or any other drug-related charge, call today for a consultation and let us help set the record straight.