What should I do if I am arrested for drug possession in New Jersey?
If you are arrested for drug possession, it is crucial to contact a qualified CDS attorney immediately to help you navigate the legal process.
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Jersey City Possession of CDS Attorney
Charged with a criminal offense? We can help you. Our team of criminal defense lawyers, including former public defenders and prosecutors, have successfully helped thousands of clients fight their criminal charges. We proudly represent clients throughout New Jersey.
We proudly represent clients throughout New Jersey
Drug charges should always be taken seriously. New Jersey has strict laws against drug use, drug possession, and drug distribution. The legal terminology for drugs is “controlled dangerous substances.” These are the types of drugs which are illegal, addictive, and harmful to people.
If you are ever arrested for possession of CDS, then you are in very serious trouble already. The type of drug and the amount of the drug found on you will both determine the severity of your punishment if convicted. You may also be charged with drug use and drug possession, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Don’t try to defend yourself against a CDS possession charge in Jersey City. If you are convicted on this charge, you could face a long prison sentence and substantial fines and penalty charges. That is why you need a CDS attorney from Bhatt Law Group to represent you in this matter.
We are criminal defense attorneys who specialize in all drug-related cases, including possession cases. Once we review the police report and other details surrounding your case, we’ll put together the best defense possible for you. All new potential clients can receive a free consultation by scheduling an appointment. Call us at (201) 798-8000 to get started and let us fight for your rights and your freedom.
Consequences of CDS Possession in Jersey City
The potential punishment of a CDS possession charge is quite severe. Even if you only possess marijuana, that is still considered a serious crime. New Jersey has not legalized recreational marijuana yet, which is why it continues to be considered a controlled dangerous substance.
Here are the possible punishments you could face for possessing marijuana in Jersey City:
- If you possess under 50g of marijuana, you will be charged with a disorderly person’s offense. You could be incarcerated up to 6 months on this charge. You will also receive a 6-month suspension against your driver’s license and a fine of no more than $1,000.
- If you possess any drug paraphernalia, such as a bong or water pipe, then you could also receive 6 months in jail and/or a fine of no more than $1,000. If you’re caught with marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the incarceration sentences may run concurrently if it’s your first offense.
- If you possess over 50g of marijuana or another type of CDS, then you’ll be charged with an indictable offense. This is an offense which could involve a criminal trial if you plead not guilty. The length of your incarceration could be 5 years if you receive the maximum punishment permitted under the law. You’ll also have to pay up to $35,000 in fines.
If you commit repeated CDS possession offenses, then your punishment could be substantially worse with each subsequent offense. Bhatt Law Group will do whatever we can to reduce your sentence and help you avoid incarceration, especially if it is your first offense.
Potential Defenses Against the CDS Charges
Our CDS attorneys won’t automatically recommend that you plead guilty. In fact, we’ll review the evidence of the case and determine if any possible defense could be raised on your behalf. You may have been caught with CDS, but the circumstances surrounding the arrest could lead to a viable defense.
Let’s look at some common defenses for CDS possession:
- There was no probable cause for the police to stop and search your vehicle or property. For example, if you are driving in your car and obey all the traffic laws, then police have no probable cause to stop you. But if they were to stop you because of the way you look, such as racial profiling, then you could raise a “no probable cause” defense in court.
- Did police officers search your home without a warrant? The police are legally required to comply with all the search warrant requirements if they search your home. If they do not comply with those requirements, then whatever they find in your home may not be admissible in a court of law.
- If the drugs were tested in a police laboratory, then the tests may not have been properly administered. We’ll review the procedures and processes of all laboratory drug tests performed by the police. If anything is found to be improper about those tests, we can use that as a defense in court.
Other possible defenses may exist too. Perhaps the drugs belong to someone else who was in your car or home. If that can be proven, then you could walk away from the CDS possession charge altogether.
However, in most cases, a CDS possession charge is beaten if the police do not follow proper protocol when they apprehend you and search your property. Since you are not experienced with such legal technicalities, you need to hire a highly trained CDS attorney who knows all about them. We’ll search for any possible defense we can use to either get your charges thrown out or get you a lower sentence.
Contact a Jersey City CDS Attorney Today
CDS possession convictions have ruined the lives of so many people. So many people are charged with simple marijuana possession in New Jersey. They usually walk away from it with a criminal conviction, jail time, and a tarnished permanent record that makes it difficult for them to get a job.
Don’t risk having the same fate as them. Call Bhatt Law Group at (201) 798-8000 and give yourself the strongest defense possible against our CDS possession charges. The first thing we’ll do is review the police reports and focus on all the events that led up to the initial arrest.
Our goal is to prevent you from getting convicted if possible. If not, then we’ll create a defense for why you should have a reduced sentence. Give us a try and see how well we can defend you during this very serious time in your life.
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When you’ve been charged with a crime or a traffic offense in New Jersey, you need a dedicated team of lawyers who will fight your charge aggressively. At Bhatt Law Group, our criminal defense team is made up of skilled and experienced trial attorneys, including a former prosecutor, who will work hard to get you the best possible outcome for your case.
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Basil Kuriakose
August 18, 2022.
Verified
Alright! These guys are amazing. I was devastated when I got a three tickets in New Jersey with 12 points in total and fines adding up over $1K. The officer was truly rude, unfair and just took out his bad day on me. At this point I had no idea what to do but I must find some legal help to fight this in court.
After getting the tickets, I called a bunch of different law groups trying to see who can help me with this. I was able to talk to many of them and mostly all of them seemed like they wanted to see how much they can get out of me before even hearing out what my concerns where.
Then I got around to calling Bhatt Law Group and I was welcome by this lady (whose name I don't know) and she was amazing. She listened and helped me be calm and gave me assurance I am in good hands. She offer pricing and it seemed very reasonable too. I made my payment and then I didn't have anything to worry about till the day of the virtual court. They figured out all my court dates and managed everything on the back end. They would give me updates on what the process is up to.
Funny story, on the day of my virtual court session I overslept thinking my court time was at 11 am instead of 9 am and I had my attorney Devin Baer even giving me a call to get me out of bed to attend the zoom. I don't know how many attorneys would do that for their client.
Devin was very helpful, professional and understanding. He gave me a call prior to my court session and gave important pointers and even through out the court session he made me feel confident and assure that everything will be okay.
So these guys were friendly, helpful and professional but where there any results? OH YEAH!
I was able to lower my fines and points to barely nothing.
These guys are life savers and will help you legally in any situation where you have been treated unfairly.
Thank you Bhatt Law.
Linda Passaro
June 24, 2022.
Verified
I want to thank Mr Devin Baer my attorney for all of his help w my case.....his devotion and expertise was so appreciated....I would highly recommend this law firm...this is the 2nd time I am using them and things worked out terrific both times
Emily Wetmore
June 22, 2022.
Verified
Thanks to Christopher DeSocio for the great work on my case, I’m very happy with my outcome! I’m so happy my fines were reduced, thanks so much.
Deanna ODonnell
June 20, 2022.
Verified
Amazing group of lawyers. Helped me with my personal injury case from an accident. They kept me in the loop at all times and were very quick to answer any questions or concerns I had. Chris DeSocio worked very hard to make sure I got the best possible outcome for the injuries I sustained. Daniel was also great in answering any questions I had. I would recommend them to anyone I know.
Ismael Valderrama
June 17, 2022.
Verified
It’s a very profesional team they with you all the way until you done with the judge 100%
Trini Boy
June 8, 2022.
Verified
Byatt law group fight an won my fraud dui case they stood bye my side all the way through to the end thanks Christopher DeSocio
Mireya Bardinas
June 6, 2022.
Verified
BHATT LAW GROUP IS BY FAR, THE MOST PROFESSIONAL LAW GROUP, I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE TO DEAL WITH. THEY WENT FAR AND BEYOND THERE ABILITY TO DROP AND LOWER MOST OF MY CHARGES.. IF ANYONE NEEDS HELP WITH ANY KIND OF CRIMINAL/DWI ETC. THEY COME HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT A JOB THEY DID. IF IT WASN'T FOR THEM, I WOULD MOST LIKELY BE IN JAIL. IF ANYONE NEEDS A GREAT ATTORNEY. THEY WILL FIGHT FOR YOU AND I GUARANTEE YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED
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* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential penalties for possessing marijuana in Jersey City?
Possessing under 50g of marijuana can lead to up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possessing over 50g can result in a criminal trial and up to 5 years in prison with fines up to $35,000.
Can I defend myself against a CDS possession charge?
It is highly discouraged to defend yourself against a CDS possession charge. Hiring an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
What are some common defenses against CDS possession charges?
Common defenses include lack of probable cause for the police stop, illegal search and seizure, and improper testing of drug evidence.
Is recreational marijuana legal in New Jersey?
As of now, recreational marijuana is not legalized in New Jersey, and possession is still considered a serious offense.
How can Bhatt Law Group help me with my CDS possession case?
Bhatt Law Group specializes in drug-related cases and will review your case details to build the best defense possible for you.
What happens if I have multiple CDS possession offenses?
Repeated offenses can lead to increasingly severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.
How can I schedule a consultation with Bhatt Law Group?
You can schedule a free consultation by calling Bhatt Law Group at (201) 798-8000.
What is a disorderly person's offense in New Jersey?
A disorderly person's offense in New Jersey is a less severe charge that can result in up to 6 months of incarceration and fines, typically for minor drug possession.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
During your first consultation, the attorney will review the police report and discuss the circumstances of your case to determine the best defense strategy.