Camden County NJ Synthetic Marijuana Possession and Distribution Lawyer
Prescription Drug Charges Attorney with Offices in Collingswood, New Jersey
Synthetic drugs are schedule I drugs as explained by the Federal Controlled Dangerous Substances Act and the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012. In order to avoid FDA oversight of manufacturing and to hide their actual purpose, these synthetic drugs that are sold to the public have a warning that reads “not for human consumption.” Possessing or distributing synthetic drugs charges, including synthetic marijuana, are pursued very aggressively by prosecutors in New Jersey. They will often seek the maximum penalties allowed under the law. If you have been charged with this crime, it is advantageous for you to speak with an experienced attorney who will fight to get you the most desirable result in you case.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison have had tremendous success handling a huge volume of drug cases for years in Camden County including Woodlynne, Cherry Hill, Gloucester, and Winslow Township. In fact, one of the members of our criminal defense team is a former county prosecutor in New Jersey who used to prosecute drug charges for the State which means we know what kinds of arguments the prosecution might make. This sort of knowledge and expertise can be extremely valuable in your case. If you have been charged with possession or distribution of synthetic marijuana, having an attorney who knows what it takes to potentially beat the charges against you is imperative. Call the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison at 877-450-8301 anytime for a free initial consultation.
New Jersey Possession of Synthetic Marijuana Statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3a
The law for possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana is explained under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3a. Governor Christie signed this bill, also known as “Pamela’s Law” in 2011 after a Rutgers student was murdered by someone under the influence of synthetic drugs. The statute provides:
a. It is a crime for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, substances containing: 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone, 4-MMC); 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone, MDMC), 4-methoxymethcathinone (methedrone, bk-PMMA, PMMC); 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC); or 4-fluoromethcathinone (flephedrone, 4-FMC).
b. A person who violates subsection a. of this section where the quantity involved is one ounce or more is guilty of a crime of the Third Degree (punishable by 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison).
c. A person who violates subsection a. of this section where the quantity involved is less than one ounce is guilty of a crime of the Fourth Degree (punishable up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison).
New Jersey Distribution of Synthetic Marijuana Statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3a
The law for distribution of synthetic marijuana is also explained under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3a. It provides:
2. a. It is a crime for any person knowingly or purposely to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense substances containing: 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone, 4-MMC); 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone, MDMC), 4-methoxymethcathinone (methedrone, bk-PMMA, PMMC); 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC); or 4-fluoromethcathinone (flephedrone, 4-FMC).
b. A person who violates subsection a. of this section where the quantity involved is one ounce or more is guilty of a crime of the second degree.
c. A person who violates subsection a. of this section where the quantity involved is less than one ounce is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
Note: If you have been charged in the second degree, there is a presumption of incarceration and a possible NJ State Prison sentence of 5 to 10 years. If you have been charged in the third degree, there is a presumption of non-incarceration but still a potential prison sentence of 3 to 5 years.
Note: There are several defenses to possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana that might be available in your case. For example, if there was a problem with the way the police conducted their search, the entire case against you would have to be thrown out. Further, depending on what degree you have been charged with and whether you have a prior record, you might be eligible for a probationary sentence such as the Pre-Trial Intervention Program. Completion of this program will result in the charges being dropped against you.
Contact a Woodlynne NJ Synthetic Marijuana and Charges Lawyer for a Free Consultation
The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Leonard Biddison are always available to speak with you about your case and begin to formulate an aggressive strategy to defend you against a synthetic marijuana possession or distribution charge. Our criminal defense team understands the details of the law in New Jersey and we will use this knowledge to help you best defend against these charges. Call us today at 877-450-8301 for a free initial consultation about your case.
