Under New Jersey’s criminal code, an illegal or contraband drug is referred to as “controlled dangerous substance,” or CDS. New Jersey law classifies controlled dangerous substances into five categories, based on potential for abuse and recognized medical value. Possession of marijuana is a Schedule I offense (the most serious crime), as it is considered to have a high risk of abuse with no perceived medical value. The state does, however, allow marijuana to be used for limited medical purposes.
Possession of Marijuana in New Jersey
There are generally two factors that determine the type of offense and severity of the penalty when you are convicted of possession of marijuana in New Jersey—the amount in possession and the number of convictions. If you are convicted of having less than 50 grams, you can be sentenced to 6 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. For 50 grams or more, then sentence increases substantially—up to 18 months in prison and a possible fine of $25,000. If the offense occurred within 1,000 feet of a school, public park, or public housing, a 100-hour community service requirement will typically be ordered. For all repeat offenses, the sanctions listed above can be doubled.
Growing Marijuana in New Jersey
The penalties for cultivation of cannabis in New Jersey vary, based on the number of plants. For less than 10 plants, you can be sentenced to 3-5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. For 10-49 plants, the penalty is 5-10 years and a fine of up to $150,000. If you are convicted of having more than 50 plants, you can spend 10-20 years in prison and be fined up to $300,000.
Contact Attorney Gregg A. Wisotsky, Esq, Partner, Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins, PC
We offer a free phone consultation to every prospective client. For a complimentary evaluation of your case, contact our office online or call 973-898-0161. We will come to your home or the hospital to meet with you, if necessary. All major credit cards are accepted.
Under the laws of the state of New Jersey, it is illegal to produce, possess, sell of distribute any pornographic image that portrays or exploits someone under the age of 18. In fact, there are state and federal laws that lead to serious penalties for involvement in child pornography operations. In New Jersey, for example, it’s considered endangering the welfare of children to photograph or take footage of a minor in a proscribed sexual act, or simulating a prohibited act. The law forbids any attempt to convey those images to another person, including digital transmissions.
When you’ve been pulled over by law enforcement officers in New Jersey, you can be almost certain that the first question you’ll face is some variation of “have you had any alcoholic beverages today?” If your answer is yes, or if the officer has any reasonable suspicion that you may be impaired, the next step will typically involve some type of field sobriety test, so that the officer can either establish probable cause to administer a blood alcohol test or send you on your way.
The New Jersey state senate moved a bill forward in May that will criminalize dog-fighting operations and subject anyone participating in such activities to the state’s anti-racketeering statute. The bill also calls for a separate offense of leading a dog-fighting network.
