Drug Paraphernalia Attorney in Ocean County

Toms River NJ Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer

Defense Attorneys for Drug Charges in Ocean County, New Jersey

Arrests for possession of drug paraphernalia are commonplace in New Jersey. This is because it just about any object that can assist in ingesting, smoking, holding, or producing an illegal drug qualifies as “paraphernalia” under state law. For example, rolling papers, roach clips, grinders, and plastic bags containing trace drugs are all considered to be drug paraphernalia and can lead to an arrest and criminal charges. For these reasons, drug paraphernalia charges are commonly accompanied by companion charges such as possession of marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. Many defendants believe that drug paraphernalia charges are less serious than actual drug possession crimes, however the law sees it differently. A conviction on drug paraphernalia charges will result in a permanent criminal record. This record can hinder employment, governmental, and educational opportunities. At the Law Offices of William Proetta Criminal Law, our attorneys defend clients facing drug paraphernalia charges throughout Ocean County and New Jersey including Jackson Township, Lakewood, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Lacey Township, Stafford Township, Ocean Gate, Mantaloking, and South Toms River. If you would like to speak with an experienced Ocean County drug paraphernalia lawyer to build a case strategy customized to meet your needs, please contact our Toms River office at (848) 238-2100.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2

The crime of drug paraphernalia is governed by a broad New Jersey statute which has been provided below for your reading convenience:

§ 2C:36-2. Use or possession with intent to use, disorderly persons offense

It shall be unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or toxic chemical in violation of the provisions of chapter 35 of this title. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

As you can see, possession of drug paraphernalia is considered a disorderly persons offense – also known as a misdemeanor –and is punishable by up 6 months in jail, probation, loss of driving privileges, and thousand dollar fine.

Contact Seaside Park NJ Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyers

Drug paraphernalia charges are classified as drug charges even in instances where no actual drugs are found at the time of arrest. Therefore the NJ law enforcement takes a hard stance and will not offer plea bargaining. Drug paraphernalia charges often complicate issues, requiring litigation in court by an experienced criminal defense attorney. For example, suppression issues often arise out of charges that can include the Fourth Amendment violation of illegal search or seizure. Additionally, the prosecutor may not be able to effectively prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. A criminal lawyer can help ascertain and eligibility and acceptance into a Conditional Discharge program to get your charges ultimately dismissed. William A. Proetta, Esq., has represented thousands of criminal and municipal court charges over the years including numerous drug paraphernalia cases. We defend clients throughout the Ocean County and are conveniently located in Toms River. Call us today at (848) 238-2100 for a free initial consultation with an experienced possession of drug paraphernalia defense lawyer.