Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ Represents Clients Charged with Drug Paraphernalia-Realted Crimes in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Throughout NJ
Many people don’t realize that possession of drug paraphernalia is a criminal offense (in and of itself) in the state of New Jersey, regardless of whether the defendant has been found with illicit substances in their immediate possession. Call (856) 242-7300 or submit an online contact form today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with New Jersey drug paraphernalia attorney Michele Finizio. We look forward to speaking with you.
Though drug paraphernalia possession is defined as a misdemeanor (or “disorderly persons offense”) and therefore carries with it somewhat minor penalties when compared to simple drug possession and other drug-related crimes, it’s worth noting that the penalties are severe. Not only will you face jail time and thousands of dollars in fines, but a conviction could force you to have to disclose sensitive information to a future employer, thus limiting your employment prospects.
If you’ve been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and/or other drug-related offenses in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, or elsewhere in NJ, then it’s important that you get in touch with a qualified possession of drug paraphernalia defense lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ as soon as possible. Experienced New Jersey drug paraphernalia attorney Michele Finizio has a long and successful track record of helping clients avoid liability for drug crimes, including those that involve drug paraphernalia possession. Call (856) 242-7300 to speak with her today, or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation.
Facing A Drug Related Charge And Have Questions? We Can Help. Contact The Law Offices of Michele Finizio Today At 856-888-9059 Or Fill Our Our Convenient Online Contact Form For A Free Consultation About Your Case.
Basics of a Drug Paraphernalia Charge in South Jersey
N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2 establishes the offense of drug paraphernalia possession in New Jersey. Simply put, the statute makes it clear that it is unlawful for any person to use (or possess with intent to use) any drug paraphernalia. What is deemed “drug paraphernalia” depends on the circumstances, but it is generally defined as any product that aids in the propagation, cultivation, manufacture, production, preparation, testing, storage, concealment, or inhalation of controlled substances, among other drug-related functions.
This definition is quite broad, giving Camden County prosecutors a great deal of discretion when bringing charges against a defendant for possession of drug paraphernalia. It’s not always clear whether the defendant actually intended to use the item at issue for drug-related purposes. For example, it’s certainly possible that a water pipe was intended for use with tobacco and not for controlled substances. The court in your drug paraphernalia case will have to rely on the totality of the circumstances and the evidence, which may clarify your intent. If your pipe is found with tobacco leaf residue, and there is no sign of controlled substance residue, then it may be sufficient to prove that you had no intent to use the pipe in an illicit manner.
Penalties Can Be Significant for Drug Paraphernalia Possession in Camden, NJ
Despite the fact that the offense of drug paraphernalia possession is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, there are significant penalties associated with the drug crime. If you’re convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia in NJ, then you may be imprisoned for up to six months (in jail) and you may be fined up to $1,000. The court may also choose to suspend your driver’s license for up to two years.
Cherry Hill Prosecutors May Try to Force a Compromise in Your Drug Paraphernalia Case
Generally speaking, possession of drug paraphernalia charges may be used by prosecutors as part of an overall case strategy to “stack” offenses and thereby expose you to as much criminal liability as possible. The more severe the penalties, the more likely it is that you will be pressured to negotiate a plea bargain compromise.
Fortunately, the state of New Jersey has a number of options to avoid punishment in cases involving possession of drug paraphernalia and other drug crimes. Conditional discharge, for example, is an alternative track that may be available to first-time offenders who pose no real danger to others. Instead of jail time, you can enter into a rehabilitative program where you will be supervised throughout.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced South Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Medford Drug Paraphernalia Charges
Michele Finizio, possession of drug paraphernalia defense lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ, has served as an aggressive legal advocate for criminal defendants throughout Camden County and Burlington County for over a decade, helping clients being prosecuted for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia possession avoid criminal liability and minimize the damage that such litigation inflicts on their lives and livelihoods.
Attorney Michele Finizio understands that the inherently high-stakes nature of criminal litigation can make it an emotionally overwhelming experience for some clients. As such, we strive to keep our clients properly informed throughout the legal process. Further, our comprehensive approach to trial ensures that we are well prepared at every stage of litigation in your drug paraphernalia possession case.
Call (856) 242-7300 or submit an online contact form today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with Attorney Michele Finizio. We look forward to speaking with you.
