Drug Crime Attorney in Union County, NJ
If you have been arrested or accused of breaking drug crime laws in Elizabeth, Cranford, Plainfield, or the surrounding area, you need a trusted Union County drug crime lawyer immediately. The state imposes severe penalties for drug crimes, and a conviction can have serious, long-lasting consequences.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss
With 20 years of experience, our founder, Jared B. Weiss, has been designated a NJ Certified Municipal Court Trial Attorney. A Certified Trial Attorney has to demonstrate excellence in knowledge, skill, and experience, as well as being evaluated favorably by other attorneys and judges. With The Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss, you can trust that your legal defense is in good hands.
Common New Jersey Drug Crime Offenses
Although New Jersey has taken steps to decriminalize possession of marijuana and legalize recreational use for adults, the state remains aggressive in prosecuting other drug crime cases. At our firm, we can provide a robust defense for clients facing a wide range of drug charges, including:
- Possession of controlled substances: Charges involving substances such as cocaine, heroin, illegal prescription medications, and other illicit drugs
- Possession with intent to distribute (PWID): A more serious charge, often inferred from evidence like scales, materials for packaging, or the possession of large amounts of money
- Distributing/manufacturing: Crimes encompassing the selling, delivering, or producing illegal substances
- Prescription drug crimes: Offenses ranging from unlawful possession of controlled medications to fraud involving prescriptions
- Possession of drug paraphernalia: Charges related to possessing common items used to consume, package, or distribute illegal drugs, such as pipes, bongs, or syringes
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Beat Drug Charges in Union County
Our experienced drug crime lawyers have successfully fought New Jersey drug charges for many clients. We can utilize different aggressive defense strategies in your case, including:
- Challenging whether the defendant had constructive possession of the controlled substance
- Moving to dismiss evidence gathered during an illegal search and seizure
- Contesting the results of lab testing performed on the controlled substance
- Demonstrating that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop or probable cause for the search
Since every drug crime case is unique, our team can meticulously review the facts of your situation and develop the most effective strategy possible. At The Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss, we are committed to fighting for your freedom, seeking a reduction in charges, or getting your charges dismissed outright.
Drug Crime Penalties in Union County
A drug crime conviction can have an impact on your life that can sometimes last long after your case is resolved. Convictions often lead to incarceration, fines, and other penalties, the severity of which depends on the specific charge and degree.
Luckily, the rate of drug crimes in New Jersey has fallen in recent years, with a rate of 0.6417 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. This translates to roughly $47 million in economic costs or approximately $5 per resident, compared to the national average of $23 per resident.
Besides jail time, convictions can have significant broader consequences. Employment is often impacted, as many employers do not want to hire individuals with convictions or are not able to due to the nature of the work. You could face housing challenges because landlords may reject applicants with criminal records.
Convictions can also result in driver’s license suspension, immigration consequences for non-U.S. citizens, and the loss of child custody rights. Besides those consequences, a conviction can also strain personal relationships and your ties with your community.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Due to the long-lasting consequences of a drug crime charge, it is important to take the charges against you seriously and hire a drug crime lawyer. When you have experienced legal representation by your side, you have an advocate who understands how complex the legal system is, how to challenge the evidence against you, and how to fight to minimize the devastating impacts of drug charges.
FAQs
Q: What Are New Jersey’s Laws Regarding Marijuana Possession for Adults?
A: New Jersey law permits adults aged 21 years and older to legally possess up to six ounces of cannabis for personal use. Legal purchases can be made from licensed dispensaries, with a limit of one ounce of dried flower or equivalent products per transaction. It is prohibited to publicly consume cannabis, as well as to drive while impaired by cannabis and to cultivate it at home.
Q: Can a Drug Possession Charge Be Dropped in New Jersey?
A: Yes, a drug possession charge can be dropped in New Jersey, but it depends on the individual circumstances of the case. First-time offenders may qualify for diversionary programs like Conditional Discharge or Pretrial Intervention (PTI), which can mean dismissal of charges after certain requirements are met. An experienced attorney can seek a dismissal by challenging the prosecution’s evidence as well.
Q: What Are My Constitutional Rights During a Stop, Search, and Arrest in Union County?
A: During a drug stop, search, or arrest in Union County, you have rights that protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need reasonable suspicion for a stop and probable cause to conduct a full search or make an arrest, unless a warrant exception applies, such as consent or the drugs being in plain view. If you believe your constitutional rights were violated during a stop, search, or arrest, you should discuss your case with our knowledgeable attorney.
Q: Am I Eligible for New Jersey’s Recovery Court?
A: Eligibility for New Jersey’s Recovery Court is determined through a process of legal and clinical review. You generally need to be a non-violent offender with a moderate to severe substance use disorder whose current offense was committed due to that dependency. You must not be facing charges for or previously convicted of a serious and violent crime. It is important that you discuss your situation with an attorney who can help you understand your specific case.
Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer: Contact The Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss
Whether you are facing drug distribution charges or have been arrested for a serious drug trafficking offense, The Law Offices of Jared B. Weiss has the skills, resources, and experience to fight for you. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation with our team.
