Distribute Of Marijuana In A Public Park or Housing Facility

Wall NJ Distribution In a Public Park Lawyer

New Jersey law imposes harsh penalties for possession with intent to distribute marijuana near a public park or public housing project. The goal of the law is obviously to discourage individuals from possessing or selling marijuana in a park by imposing severe consequences if you are convicted. The attorneys at our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall know the ins and outs of the public park/housing project distribution law, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1. This only makes sense given the fact that we are the largest criminal defense firm in Monmouth County, possessing over 100 years of collective experience, including years acting as prosecutors in the county. Since all 500 foot cases involve indictable crimes, they are referred to county for handling irrespective of whether your initial arraignment or complaint was in Howell, Wall, Long Branch, Neptune, Marlboro or another locality. Our team of skilled drug crime attorneys has defended countless cases like yours with success. A lawyer from our Freehold Office is available anytime 24/7 at 732-462-1197 to review the facts of your complaint or indictment and to guide you through this difficult time.

Distribution Within 500 Feet of a Park or Housing Project – N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1

In addition to enhanced sentencing for school zone marijuana distribution, the state has passed a statute, 2C:35-7.1, to prohibit the possession or distribution of controlled dangerous substances within 500 feet of certain public property. The “public property” that is the focus of the law is limited to a public housing facility, a public park, or a public building. A “public housing facility” is a facility owned by or leased to a local housing authority for the purpose of providing living accommodations to persons of low income. “Public park” is any recreational property controlled by the state, county or town. “Public building” is a publicly owned or leased library or museum.

Grading & Penalties

If the weight of marijuana involved is less than one ounce, then a conviction under 2C:35-7.1 is a third degree crime. A third degree offense carries fines of up to $25,000 and jail that can reach five (5) years. For distribution of one ounce or more, it is a second degree crime that triggers a period of incarceration of five (5) to ten (10) years and up to $150,000 in fines. Sentencing that includes jail is an extremely high probability if you are convicted of the second degree variety of distribution of marijuana within 500 feet of a public park as it carries a presumption of incarceration. This is one reason why it is important to hire an experienced defense lawyer if you are facing this charge.

Howell NJ Distribution of Marijuana In A School Zone Attorneys

It is not unusual for defendants to believe that this offense is minor because it involves marijuana. This certainly is a huge mistake as NJ Law treats marijuana as an illegal drug just like cocaine, heroin and other forms of controlled dangerous substance. You can be subjected to many penalties including fines, a mandatory driver’s license suspension, and even jail. A conviction will also result in a felony criminal record for selling drugs. A knowledgeable lawyer who has practiced in Freehold and throughout Monmouth County, especially a former prosecutor, can be instrumental in avoiding these consequences. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the qualifications who require whether you were arrested in Eatontown, Tinton Falls, Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Hazlet or elsewhere. For immediate assist without obligation, including a free review of your case, call one our Monmouth County offices.

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