Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Attorneys Brick NJ
A common drug charge in New Jersey is possession of drug paraphernalia. The charge is not a felony but it can still have serious consequences. Speak with our attorneys today to find out what defenses you may have and how we can help.
In New Jersey paraphernalia is a disorderly persons offense. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2, people are prohibited from having items commonly associated with drugs. Almost anything can be considered paraphernalia if it is discovered in the presence of drugs. For instance, a straw can be considered drug paraphernalia if there is evidence of other drugs in the car such as heroin or cocaine, etc. Normally, a straw would be a straw but coupled with drugs it is considered paraphernalia.
Do not make the mistake of going to court without the counsel of a qualified attorney who is familiar with the system and has practiced in the municipality you must appear in. If you have been charged with drug crimes in Brick, Toms River, Ocean, Wall, Pt Pleasant or any town across Monmouth and Ocean County, call the Bronzino Law Firm today or fill out an online contact form to schedule your free and confidential consultation (732) 812-3102.
Drug Paraphernalia: Materials Used to Ingest or Package Narcotics
Some common items considered to be paraphernalia may include: bags, pipes, bongs, rolling papers, tin foil, scrubbies (steel wool). Syringes, scales, bags, rubber bands, and anything you can think of to assist in ingesting or packaging drugs. In many cases, individuals who are distributing narcotics can be found with the materials required to package the drug, and also may have available the instruments or household materials that users need to introduce the drug to their system.
In urban areas, where the drug trade can be seen alive and well out in the open air, there are even individuals (sometimes addicts) who have small businesses where they peddle these types of materials; everything from a syringe to a bag, rubber band, or a pipe can be purchased in the same area that the narcotics are picked up.
Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Ocean County NJ
Possession of paraphernalia can have many negative impacts on your life. For one, you will have to miss work, school, and daily life to attend court. If you fail to show up as directed, the court can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. You often lose money attending court as you cannot work. If your job finds out about the charge, they may consider you no longer employable.
If charged with paraphernalia, you will have to go to municipal court provided there is no felony attached to the charge. In municipal court you should obtain an attorney because there is a potential for jail time. Paraphernalia is considered a disorderly persons offense.
Penalties for Disorderly Persons Paraphernalia Charge Monmouth County NJ
Disorderly persons offenses are punishable by up to 180 days in the county jail. You can also be placed on probation if the 180 days is not imposed. The court will also fine you a mandatory fine of $500 known as a DEDR (drug enforcement demand reduction penalty), a $75 fine, another $50 fine, and court costs and fees. You will have to pay these fines up front or over the course of several months. Often people cannot pay the fines and wind up having a bench warrant for their arrest being issued. You can be forced to sit in jail until some of the fines are paid.
In addition to the above, you can pay a discretionary fine of $1000 and suffer a loss of license of up to 24 months. Clearly, the impacts of a paraphernalia charge can be devastating to a person.
Attorneys Defend Against Drug Charges in Toms River NJ
Our law firm has experience in defending clients charged with paraphernalia, as it is often used as a catch all charge when an officer suspects that a person uses drugs. We will look at your discovery and determine if there are any potential motions that will be filed. For example, maybe the police officer did not have a right to pull you over. We would challenge the stop of the motor vehicle. Was an illegal stop?
Even if the police officer did have a reason to stop you, did he have a right to look in your car or ask you to get out of your car? Is what the officer says correct? We will review the reports, the motor vehicle cameras and advise on the law and if there are any issues. Was there an illegal search of the car? Or, if you were searched while walking down the street it is possible that the officer had no right to stop you.
Contact a Brick NJ Drug Crimes and Paraphernalia Lawyer Today
There are any numbers of issues that may have occurred. We will listen to your version of the events, review the discovery as provided by the state, and compare it against the law to see if it comports with the law.
Do not go to court alone or without knowing your rights. Call Bronzino Law Firm today, (732) 812-3102., or fill out an online contact form for a free and confidential consultation regarding your case.