Drug Possession Defense Attorney in Florence
April 11, 2020
Need a Local Drug Possession Lawyer in Florence New Jersey
Florence Township, which is located in the northwestern section of Burlington County has some of the counties busiest roadways traveling right through it, including Route 130, Interstate 95 and Interstate 295. While it only has a residential population of 12,000 people, it still remains one of Burlington County’s busiest townships. For these reasons, Florence Township Police and State law enforcement officers issue roughly 1,100 criminal charges and 4,000 traffic citations on a yearly basis.
Some of the most common criminal charges involve possession, use and distribution of controlled dangerous substances. Drug crimes, while common, can have a devastating effect on you life. A conviction may result in the suspension of your driver’s license, incarceration, fines and possible loss of employment. It is crucial that you treat these charges seriously and take advantage of the legal counsel that is available. Do not let one mistake leave you labeled as a felon for the rest of your life. If you or a loved have been arrested and charged with drug possession or drug distribution, contact the Florence Township Attorneys at Proetta, Oliver & Fay. With offices locally, our firm is prepared to step in at a moments notice on your behalf. Whether your case is at the Florence Municipal Court or the Burlington County Superior Court, we can help. For an immediate and confidential consultation with an attorney, please call us at 609.850.8284.
What Happens for Drug Possession in Florence, NJ?
In New Jersey, drug possession charges are governed under the under New Jersey’s Criminal Code, NJSA 2C:35-10. Drug cases will either be handled by the County Superior Court and the Burlington County Prosecutor or the Florence Municipal Court and the Florence Township Municipal Prosecutor. If the case only involves disorderly persons offense, then your matter will be before the Florence Township Municipal Court. Alternatively, if your case involves any indictable offenses (felony), then your matter will be handled by the Burlington County Superior Court. For example, charges like possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana or loitering for the purpose to obtain CDS will be handled by the municipal court. Whereas, charges like heroin possession, possession with intent to distribute marijuana or possession of oxycontin will be handled by the Superior Court.
The only wrinkle to this is when they individual charged is a juvenile. Regardless of the type of charge, when the defendant is a juvenile their case will be heard by the Family Division of the Burlington County Superior Court. There, the court will determine whether or not you or your child will be deemed “delinquent” under the law.
Can I Get Charged for Possession of Drugs For Just Being in a Car?
One of the most common scenarios involving drug possession that our firm has dealt with involves multiple young adults or juveniles in the same car but no one taking ownership over the marijuana, cocaine, heroin, thc oil, or ecstasy. When this happens, the officers will typically arrest each person in the car and charge them each with “constructive possession” or “joint possession”. This term refers to situations where the defendant charged didn’t have the drugs in his actual possession but instead that the individuals were aware that the controlled dangerous substance was present in the vehicle and they were each had the intention to exercise control over it.
These theories are very technical and can be proven, or disproven, based on just a minor tweak in the facts of your case. It is advisable that you consult with an experienced drug lawyer about how these legal theories of possession could apply to your case.
Best Defense Attorney for Drug Charges Near Florence
Whether it was your first time or fifth time being arrested, getting handcuffed and charged with a criminal offense for possession of a controlled dangerous substance is rarely an enjoyable experience. Not only are you facing criminal penalties involving incarceration, put you are subject to license suspension and other ancillary issues like loss of employment or revocation of certain board certified licensing. We recommend you consult with an experienced local attorney who can explain both the process of your criminal case and the “players” involved in the court system. If you would like to speak to one of the Florence criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Proetta, Oliver & Fay, then please contact us directly at 609-850-8284. Any initial consultation is at no expense and we can help provide you with what answers you may be looking for in your pending case.