Contact Our Freehold Office To Discuss Your Third Degree Possession of Cocaine Offense
There isn’t much room to debate the fact that cocaine has burst back on the scene with third-degree possession charges becoming more and more commonplace in Freehold New Jersey. In fact, there is no area municipality that is associated more with possession of cocaine offenses than Freehold. The reason why the charge is so prevalent is because personal possession of cocaine is a third-degree crime that can only be heard at the Monmouth County Superior Court which is located in Freehold.
If you have been charged with cocaine possession under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1), you are encouraged to contact our office to speak to a lawyer who is highly experienced in defending Freehold cocaine possession charges. The attorneys at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, can offer you unique qualifications in the defense of cocaine possession charges in Freehold. We are the largest criminal defense team in the county, offer representation from several lawyers who are former prosecutors within the county, and also have over 100 years of combined experience defending drug possession and distribution offenses at the Superior Court. To speak to an attorney in an immediate free initial consultation, call 732-462-1197.
Freehold Cocaine Possession Charges
Every cocaine possession charge filed in Monmouth County arises out of the law set forth at 2C:35-10a(1). This statute makes it a third-degree crime for someone to knowingly or purposely obtain or possess cocaine in any quantity. An individual can possess CDS in violation of this law either actually or constructively. Actual possession means that the cocaine was on the person of the accused including pocket, purse, wallet, etc. Constructive possession applies where someone does not have directly physical control of drug but has knowledge of their presence and has the power and intent to control them in the future. The classic scenario where constructive possession of cocaine arises in Freehold is where the accused has the drug hidden in his/her car or residence. They know the cds is present and intend to exercise control although it is not on their physical person. If you possess cocaine in either manner, it can result in a third-degree crime under 2C:35-10a(1).
The penalties for possessing cocaine are significant in the event you are convicted. First, you face a fine that can reach $35,000. There is also a state prison term of up to 5 years that may be imposed by a judge at the Superior Court in Freehold. The court may also sentence you to probation, drug counseling and/or community service. New Jersey law also imposes a mandatory driver’s license suspension of 6-24 months.
An avenue that allows an individual to avoid prosecution for cocaine possession is Pretrial Intervention. The guidelines for admission into this program are very strict and include being a first time offender who has never been afforded a diversion previously. You are strongly encouraged to consult with an experienced criminal attorney if you want to maximize your chances of admission into Pretrial Intervention.
Freehold Possession Of Cocaine Defense Attorneys
Whether your case involves powder or rock cocaine (i.e. crack), a conviction for possessing this Schedule I CDS is a felony under NJ Law. When you consider this fact in combination with the penalties that are triggered, you should not attempt to tackle Monmouth County possession of cocaine charges without a skilled lawyer at your side. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our defense attorneys have a long record of success in defending CDS offenses in Monmouth County. A Freehold criminal attorney at our firm is ready to review all of the facts surrounding your case, including the reason for the stop or search of your vehicle and whether any search warrant was properly issued. All of the insight provided by lawyers at the firm is complimentary. Call us anytime at 732-462-1197 for the answers you need.
Related Resource Pages To Assist You
- Freehold NJ Drug Possession Attorney
- Cocaine Charges in Freehold New Jersey
- Freehold CDS Distribution Defense Lawyers
