New Jersey Marijuana Sales Lawyers
Marijuana Sales
Being charged with selling marijuana is a very serious accusation, one that requires a strong defense. In New Jersey, there are two types of marijuana sales charges: distribution and possession with intent to distribute. Each of these charges is further divided according to the amount of the controlled substance in question and the place where the alleged incident occurred.
The sale of one ounce of marijuana or less is a fourth degree felony. Even if you simply helped a friend buy a small bag of marijuana, you could face marijuana distribution charges in New Jersey. Conviction means the possibility of steep fines, lost driving privileges, probation and up to 18 months of jail time. The sale of one ounce to five pounds is a third degree crime, and between five and 25 pounds is a second degree felony. The penalties increase at each interval. The sale of, or intention to sell, more than 25 pounds of marijuana is a first degree felony with very harsh penalties. Conviction can bring up to 20 years of prison and $300,000 in fines.
Repeat offenders can count on harsher sentencing, and those who are convicted of selling marijuana in a drug free school zone, in a public park or housing project or to a minor or pregnant woman face harsher sentencing.
The sale of marijuana paraphernalia is also a felony, and just like the sale of the drug itself, sale to a minor brings harsher sentencing than sale to adults does. Marijuana paraphernalia includes pipes, bowls, bongs or rolling papers. Sometimes, an item can be considered paraphernalia even with no drug residue.
If you are facing NJ marijuana distribution charges, whether distribution charges or merely the suspected intent to distribute, you need the carefully constructed defense that only a skilled drug crimes attorney can provide. A lawyer with experience in marijuana sales cases in the state is essential for the protection of your rights as a citizen.
At Lependorf & Silverstein, we protect the legal rights of New Jersey citizens against the bullying of state prosecutors. It might serve the courts to seem tough on drug crime by convicting many offenders and imposing harsh sentences, but it is not fair to the people whose lives it ruins in the process. If appropriate in your case, we may seek to have the charges dropped or diminished. In the unfortunate event of a marijuana sales conviction, we will plead for the lightest possible sentencing.
If you are facing marijuana sales charges, even for a seemingly minor fourth degree offense, call the Princeton marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein now for a free and confidential case evaluation.