What are the drug crime consequences in New Jersey?

New Jersey takes drug crime consequences seriously. The possession of illegal drugs is considered a serious crime in New Jersey and charges may lead to harsh penalties and convictions. Consequences of drug possession change depending on the circumstances surrounding the possession and the drug. However, all penalties for drug crimes are severe. If you are facing drug charges, reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights in court. Continue reading to discover the consequences for drug possession for marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs.

Marijuana

If an individual is found with the possession of under 50 grams of marijuana without medical necessity, it is considered a disorderly persons offense. This may require 100 hours of community service. However, if this crime was within 1,000 feet of a school, the penalties may change and worsen. It is considered a felony if an individual is found with over 50 grams of marijuana and may result in a $25,000 fine and up to 18 months in prison.

Cocaine

Cocaine possession of less than a half-ounce of cocaine is known as a third-degree offense of simple possession. This third-degree offense may result in a fine between $35,000 and $75,000 with a prison sentence of up to 5 years. This may include the loss of your driver’s license. Cocaine possession can also result in the penalties of enrollment in a mandatory drug education and rehabilitation program, plus 100 hours of community service if you were caught with cocaine within 100 feet of a school.

Heroin

Heroin possession is considered a third-degree crime regardless of how much heroin you are found in possession of. You may also be charged with a penalty of up to $35,000 and up to a five-year prison sentence. These penalties may increase if the individual was found with heroin near a park, public house, or school. Penalties may also increase depending on if there was an intent to distribute or sell the heroin.

Prescription Drugs

Depending on how the drugs were obtained and the amount the individual possessed when charged, prescription drug possession penalties may vary. Penalties may vary depending on if this was the individual’s first offense or if they are a recurring offender. Illegal possession of prescription drugs may face penalties from $1,000 to $300,000 and there may be a charge of theft if the drugs were obtained without a prescription. There is also a possibility of spending 6 months in jail and up to 10 years in prison.