Drug Paraphernalia | Disorderly Persons Offense
Drug paraphernalia possession in the state of New Jersey is a disorderly persons offense, and is a fairly serious crime, especially when combined with additional drug charges such as simple drug possession, or possession with intent to distribute. These carry much heavier penalties including increased fines and potential jail time. An experienced New Jersey drug crime lawyer can help negotiate your drug paraphernalia possession charges for a lesser penalty that preserves your freedom, and your reputation.
In my experience, some of the most common drug paraphernalia possession charges I come across are for the obvious items such as rolling papers, pipes, hypodermic needles, and then the packaging materials, certain types of packaging for heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
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Scales are more common in distribution cases but there is a very strong drug paraphernalia statute against people in the state of New Jersey. It is a disorderly persons offense and it does carry some pretty harsh penalties.
Drug Paraphernalia | What is a disorderly persons offense?
In the state of New Jersey, there are first-degree crimes, which are the most serious and second, third and fourth degree crimes. In some other states you’d probably call those crimes “felonies.” In the state of New Jersey, they simply call them “indictable offenses.” It’s a case that can go to the grand jury and then be prosecuted by the County Prosecutor in the Superior Court of the state of New Jersey.
A record for a disorderly persons offense can have a negative effect on somebody’s future and their job prospects. Were you charged with possession in New Jersey? A conviction can impact your current employment, or even exclude you from future employment. Don’t settle for less than the best possible legal representation. Contact experienced New Jersey drug crime lawyer Carl Spector for a free confidential consultation. Let his experience work for you.
