New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Defense Attorney for Point Pleasant Court

If Point Pleasant Police have arrested you for marijuana or CDS possession, your best move is to speak with an experienced defense attorney right away. Most drug cases boil down to the circumstances surrounding the police search of your person or car. Call my office so we can discuss the possible defenses in your case.

Point Pleasant Municipal Court

The Point Pleasant Municipal Court is located at 2223 Bridge Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. Phone: (732) 892-1118. Sessions: Tuesdays 1st (9am, 11am), 2nd (2pm, 4pm) and 3rd (2pm, 4pm). Judge: James A. Liguori. Prosecutors: Steven Zabarsky, Colleen Dolcy, Paul Granick, Christian E. Schlegel and Scott Kineavy.

Currently, the Police Department is staffed by 21 Full-time Police Officers. The N.J. State Police Uniform Crime registered 226 major crimes in 2010. This results in a crime rate per 1,000 residents of 48.4 and a violent rate of 2.4. There were no murders. The reports included 1 rape, 1 robbery, 9 assaults, 26 burglaries, 80 incidents of domestic violence, 1 bias crime, and 27 cases of police force.

Independent data, which does not consider bias crimes, domestic violence or police force, show 183 thefts, 5 auto thefts, and no arsons.

Point Pleasant - New Jersey

Point Pleasant Beach was incorporated as a borough in 1886 from portions of Brick Township. The Census Bureau records its total area at 1.7 square miles, 16.28% of which is water. It is located on the Barnegat Peninsula and is home to a small commercial fishing fleet. In the 2008 Top 10 Beaches Contest sponsored by the N.J. Marine Sciences Consortium, it ranked eighth in the state. Its annual Seafood Festival in September is famous.

The population decreased from 5,314 in 2000 to 4,655 in the 2010 census. As of the 2000 census, there were 1 3,558 housing units. Unofficial data estimate the 2009 median house or condo value at $569,992 (significantly above state average). The January 2011 cost of living index was 26.2% higher than the national average.

As of the 2000 census, the median family income was $61,250. Male and female median income differed little ($40,507 versus $37,500). The median household income was $51,105 and the per capita income $27,853. According to 2009 unofficial estimates, these rose to $55,729 and $36,947, respectively. About 6.1% of the population was below the poverty line in 2000.

The most common ancestries are Irish (28.5%), Italian (22.2%), German (19.5%), English (13.8%), and Polish (8.4%). The racial and ethnic composition, as of the 2010 census, was 92.3% White and 9.00% Hispanic or Latino. The percentage of foreign-born residents was lower than the state's (5.8% versus 17.5%).

Of the 2,317 households registered in the 2000 census, 22.9% had minors living with them. Married couples living together represented 43.3% of the households. Non-family households were 43.2% and 36.3% were of individuals. Households with someone 65 years or older living alone represented 14.4%.

The median age was 43 years at the time of the 2000 census. Percentages of residents under 18 and those 65 years of age or older were almost the same (19.2% and 19.0%, respectively).

By 2010 the highest education level attained by the population aged 25 over reflected that 9.39% had not completed high school versus 24.14% who had. People with some college or associate degree were 28.78%. Compared to state levels, holders of bachelors and graduate degrees were 24.78% versus 20.65% and 12.91% versus 12.05%, respectively.

From 2005 to 2009, males engaged in construction (23%), accommodation and food services (11%), and professional, scientific and technical services (11%). Females worked in health care and social assistance (24%), and retail trade (19%).

Don't Go to Hopewell Court Alone!

Speak with an experienced defense lawyer before appearing in Hopewell Court. Retaining an attorney at the outset has many advantages in a criminal case. The sooner your attorney obtains the discovery and is able to investigate your case, the better chance of success you will have in defending against a DWI or drug possession case in Hopewell.

Hopewell Municipal Court

The Municipal Court is located at 30 N Main St., Pennington, NJ 08534. Phone 609-737-1016. Session Hours: 1st and 3rd Thursday at 6 pm. Judge: Hon. Robert Billmeier / Eric Perkins. Prosecutor: Craig Hubert, Esq.

In 2010, the Police Department consisted of 6 full-time law enforcement employees, all police officers.

The N.J. State Police Uniform Crime registered 21 major crimes in 2010 (second lowest in the county). This results in a crime rate per 1,000 residents of 8.1 and a violent rate of 0.8. There were no murders, rapes or bias crimes. The reports included 1 robbery, 1 assault, 2 burglaries, 2 incidents of domestic violence, and 6 cases of police force.
Independent data, which does not consider bias crimes, domestic violence or police force, show 12 thefts, and no motor vehicle thefts or arsons.

Pennington New Jersey

Pennington, a borough in Mercer County, was formed as such in 1890 from portions of Hopewell Township. It has a total area of 1.0 square miles, occupied by 2,585 residents as of the 2010 census.
There were 761 families and 1,050 housing units, as per the 2000 census. Unofficial estimated figures for the median house or condo value were $277,900 in 2000 and $547,063 in 2009. The median house value is significantly above state average. The January 2011 cost of living index was 18.9% higher than the national average.

According to the 2000 census, the median family income was $107,089. The difference between the median male and female income was almost 100% ($84,912 versus $43,068). The median household income was $90,366, and the per capita income $45,843. As per unofficial 2009 estimates, these rose to $109,999 and $56,697, respectively. The median household income is significantly above state average. Approximately 2.4% of the population was below the poverty line.

The main ancestries are German 24.0%, English 20.1%, Irish 18.2% and Italian 13.4%. The racial and ethnic composition as of the 2000 census was 94.96% White, 2.63% African American, 1.19% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.00% Asian.

As of the 2000 census, the median age was 41.3 years versus 36.7 in the state. The gross age breakdown shows that 29% of the population was under 18, 24% from 25 to 44, 28% from 45 to 64, and 15% 65 or older. There were 85 adult males for every 100 adult females.

Of the 1,013 households counted in the 2000 census, 40.8% had minors living with them. More than half (66.2%) were of married couples living together. Households composed of non-families and of individuals represented about a fourth each. Less than 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The highest educational level reached by the population aged 25 and over in 2010 shows that only 2.28% had not completed high school 10.26% who had. Those with some college and associate degree were 16.82%. Holders of a Bachelor's degree represented 37.24% (versus 20.65 in the state and 17.52% nationwide).
Those with a graduate degree were 33.41% (versus 12.05% in the state and 9.84% nation wide).

The major industries in which the population engaged from 2005 to 2009 were Professional, scientific, and technical services (24% males vs. 14% females), Educational services (23% females vs.11% males), Public administration (14% females), and Retail trade (13% males).

Lawyer for Sea Bright Arrests

If you have been arrested in Sea Bright for a DWI or drug possession, call to speak with an experienced local defense lawyer. I defend clients in both Sea Bright Court and the Monmouth County Superior Court. Call for a consultation on any criminal or municipal court matter in Sea Bright.

Sea Bright Municipal Court

Sea Bright Municipal Court is located at 222 Monmouth Blvd., Oceanport. Phone: (732) 222-6517. Hours: Sessions: Every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Judge: Hon. Thomas F.X. Foley. Prosecutor: John Lane, Esq.

In 2010, the Police Department consisted of 12 full-time law enforcement employees, including 11 police officers. The N.J. State Police Uniform Crime registered 35 major crimes in 2010. This results in a crime rate per 1,000 residents of 24.8 and a violent rate of 1.4.

There were no murders, rapes, robberies, bias crimes or incidents of domestic violence. The reports included 2 assaults, 2 burglaries, and 12 cases of police force.
Independent data, which do not consider bias crimes, domestic violence or police force, show 31 thefts, and no auto thefts or arsons.

Sea Bright - New Jersey

Sea Bright was formed in 1889 from portions of Ocean Township. It was reincorporated in 1897. The Atlantic Ocean borders it on one side and Shrewsbury River on the other, forming the Sandy Hook Peninsula.

The Census Bureau registers its total area at 1.1 square miles, 43.36% of which is water. The number of people who reside in Sea Bright has diminished from 1,818 as of the 2000 census to 1,412 in the 2010 census.

At the time of the 2000 census, there were 402 families and 1,202 housing units. Unofficial 2009 estimates place the median house or condo value at $690,394. This is a significant 254% increase from the 2000 value of $194,500. The January 2011 cost of living index was 23.8% higher than the national average.

As of the 2000 census, the racial composition was 94.39% White, 4.51% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 2.26% Asian and 1.76% African American. The most common ancestries are Irish (28.2%), German (19.9%), Italian (15.4%), English (11.1%), Russian (5.4%), and Polish (4.2%).

The 2000 census registered slightly more than 10% of the 1,003 households with minors living with them. There were two major types of households: 59.9% of non-families and 45.4% of individuals. Less than a third (29.6%) were composed of married couples living together.

A rough age breakdown, as of the 2000 census, is 11.2% under the age of 18, 41.5% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years.

As per the 2000 census, the median family income was $72,031. Male median income was about 47% higher than that of females ($60,417 versus $41,100). The median household income was $65,563 and the per capita income $45,066. Unofficial 2009 estimates place these at $77,013 and $89,411. More than 15% of the households had an income of $200,000 and over, versus 8.25% statewide. About 7.6% of the population was below the poverty line.

The 2010 data for highest educational level of residents age 25 and over reveal that 6.33% did not complete high school versus 18.53% who did. Those with some college or associate's degree represented 24.99%. Holders of a bachelor's degree were 30.27% versus 20.65% statewide. Those with a graduate degree were 19.90% versus 12.05% statewide.

The major industries in which residents engage are professional, scientific and technical services (14% males/15% females), accommodation and food services (13% males), retail trade (13% females), finance and insurance (13% males) and educational services (12% females).

Drug Possession Defense Attorney

Being arrested for marijuana possession in Westfield is not the end of the world. However, such an arrest can have a significant effect on your life if not handled properly. New Jersey imposes a mandatory driver's license suspension of at least six months for all drug possession charges. This can only be avoided through a dismissal, diversionary program, or hardship waiver. Call to speak to an experienced defense lawyer if you are facing charges in Westfield.

Westfield - New Jersey Info

The Town of Westfield was initially formed as a township in 1794. It was incorporated as one of the State's first 104 townships in 1798. It became part of the recently formed Union County in 1857. In 1903, it was incorporated as a Town.

It occupies a total area of 6.3 square miles. As of the 2000 census, there were 30,316 inhabitants (up from 29,664 in 2000). There were 10,819 housing units in 2000, with a median value of $338,300. The median house or condo value rose to an estimated $630,004 in 2009 The January 2011 cost of living index was 21.2% higher than the national average.

The most usual ancestries are Irish (22.9%), Italian (20.1%), German (17.1%), English (11.2%), Polish (8.5%), and Russian (4.8%). There are 2,704 foreign-born residents (4.3% Europe, 3.0% Asia, 1.3% Latin America). The ethnic composition in 2000 was 89.98% White, 3.88% African American, 4.08% Asian and 2.82% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The age distribution in 2000 was 28.4% below 18, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 adult females there were 87.4 adult males.

In 2000, 40.8% of the 10,622 households had children under the age of 18 living with them. More than half (68.0%) of the households were made up of married couples living together. Households composed of non-families and of individuals accounted for 23.0% and 19.3%, respectively.

The median household income in 2000 was $98,390. It rose to $120,878 and $126,131 according to 2007 and 2009 estimates, respectively. The per capita income increased from $47,187 in 2007 to $60,986 in 2009 (both estimates). As per 2007 estimates, the median family income was $146,891. Male median income was $82,420 versus $45,305 for females. About 2.7% of the population was below the poverty line.

Westfield Criminal Defense

In 2010, the Police Department had 68 full-time law enforcement employees, including 55 police officers. The N.J. State Police Uniform Crime registered 254 major crimes in 2010. This results in a crime rate per 1,000 residents of 8.4 and a violent rate of 0.6.

There were no murders or bias crimes. The 2010 reports included 2 rapes, 6 robberies, 9 assaults, 43 burglaries, 118 cases of domestic violence, and 68 cases of police force.
Independent data for 2010, which do not consider bias crimes, domestic violence or police force, show 2 rapes, 185 thefts, 9 arsons and no auto thefts.

The 2010 data for highest educational level of residents age 25 and over reveal that 3.41% did not complete high school versus 14.78% who did. Those with some college or associate's degree represented 17.11%. Holders of a bachelor's degree were 33.83% versus 20.65% statewide. Those with a graduate degree were 30.85% versus 12.05% statewide.

From 2005 to 2009, most males engaged in finance and insurance (18%), professional, scientific and technical services (16%), and manufacturing (12%)8%). Females worked in educational services (19%), health care and social assistance (15%), professional, scientific and technical services (13%), and retail trade (12%).

Lawyer for Garwood DWI & Drug Possession Charges

The Garwood Municipal Court presides over DWI, marijuana possession arrests and traffic violations committed in the borough. If you were arrested in Garwood for a disorderly persons offense or crime, your best bet is to speak with an experienced defense lawyer right away.

The Garwood Municipal Court is located at 403 South Avenue in Garwood, NJ 07027. The presiding judge is the Honorable Susan MacMullen, J.M.C. Call now for help in Garwood Court.

Garwood - NJ Stats

Garwood Borough was incorporated in 1903, from portions of Cranford Township and Westfield Town. The Census Bureau records its total area at 0.7 square miles, all of it land. The population density is high. At the time of the 2010 census there were 4,226 inhabitants, up from 4,153 in 2000. For every 100 adult females, there were 89.6 adult males.

The ethnic composition in 2000 was 95.91% White, 4.98% Hispanic or Latino of any race and 1.32% Asian. The most frequent ancestries are Italian (29.2%), Irish (25.4%), German (16.1%), Polish (11.7%), English (6.1%), and Ukrainian (3.2%). There are presently 435 foreign-born residents (4.3% Europe, 3.3% Latin America, 2.1% Asia).
In 2000, the age breakdown of the population was 20.0% under the age of 18, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years.

About a fourth (26.2%) of the 1,731 households existing in 2000 had children under the age of 18 living with them. Almost half (49.0%) of the households were made up of married couples living together. Households composed of non-families and individuals represented 35.0% and 28.7%, respectively.

The median income for a household in 2000 was $52,571. It increased to an estimated $66,145 in 2009. Likewise, the per capita income rose from $26,944 in 2000 to $35,072 in 2009. The median family income was $64,053 in 2000. Male median income was $50,951 versus $36,538 for females. About 5.1% of the population was living below the poverty level.

There were 1,782 housing units registered in the 2000 census. The median house or condo value was then $186,400. It augmented to an estimated $367,149 in 2009. The January 2011 cost of living index in Garwood was 20.9% higher than the national average.

Garwood Criminal & School Data

In 2010, the Police Department consisted of 20 full-time law enforcement employees, including 16 police officers. The N.J. State Police Uniform Crime registered 52 major crimes in 2010. This results in a crime rate per 1,000 residents of 12.3 and a violent rate of 1.4. There were no murders or rapes, bias crimes or incidents of domestic violence. The 2009 reports included 5 robberies, 1 assault, 8 burglaries, and 20 cases of police force.

Independent data for 2010, which do not consider bias crimes, domestic violence or police force, show 5 robberies, 1 assault, 8 burglaries, and 38 thefts. There were no murders, rapes, arsons or auto thefts.

The 2010 data for highest educational level of residents age 25 and over reveal that 10.30% did not complete high school versus 35.85% who did. Those with some college or associate's degree represented 24.04%. Holders of a bachelor's degree were 17.88% versus 20.65% statewide. Those with a graduate degree were 12.19% versus 12.05% statewide.

From 2005 to 2009, half of the male population was engaged in manufacturing (18%), retail trade (17%) and construction (16%). Females were employed in retail trade (16%), educational services (13%), finance and insurance (11%) and accommodation and food services (10%)

Most drug arrests in Aberdeen are made by local police. However, some Aberdeen drug charges are also made by New Jersey State Police, who patrol a sliver of the Garden State Parkway that passes through the township. If you are facing drug charges in Aberdeen, call to speak with a New Jersey drug charge lawyer.

Marijuana arrests in Aberdeen are the most common drug charges that are filed in the township. The strong smell that both raw and burnt marijuana gives off makes it easy to identify by police. The effects of the drug, including the tendency to make eyes bloodshot also helps police determine whether someone is under the influence of marijuana. Both adults and Aberdeen juvenile drug charges are commonly filed in the township. Adult charges will be heard either in the local Aberdeen Municipal Court or the Monmouth County Superior Court depending on the severity of the offense. However, all juvenile drug arrests in Aberdeen will be dealt with in the Monmouth County Juvenile Court in Freehold.

While relatively uncommon, NJ police can charge you with a DWI for driving under the influence of marijuana (NJSA 2C:35-10(a)4). Like all drug DWI charges, a first offense conviction for driving under the influence of marijuana carries a minimum driver's license suspension of 7 months. Simply being under the influence of marijuana is also a criminal offense in New Jersey. Simple possession, use, or being under the influence of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey.

Aberdeen Township has seen a spike in recent years of arrests for prescription pills such as oxycontin and other painkillers. Most of these are opiate base and have a chemical structure similar to heroin. Prescription painkillers are easy to hide, odorless, and scentless. This is one reason they are so popular with young adults. This also poses a challenge to police and makes it more difficult for them to conduct a lawful search. Prescription pills like roxycodone and oxycontin are also highly addictive.

The extremely addictive nature of these controlled dangerous substances (CDS in NJ) also commonly leads to the commission of other crimes. These include the charges of Attempting to Obtain CDS by fraud, in violation of NJSA 2C:35-13; the charge of Conspiracy, contrary to NJSA 2C:5-1; the charge of Uttering a Forged Instrument, which violates NJSA 2C:21-1a(3); and Forgery, contrary to NJSA 2C:21-1(a). This occurs as users attempt to obtain pills from pharmacists and doctors.

Some pharmacists and doctors find themselves on the wrong end of the law and are charged with filling scripts they know are fake and sometimes even selling pills without any script at all. If you have been charged with possession of CDS in Aberdeen, I can help.

We will ensure that you are properly represented, obtain all evidence and discovery, and try to show that the police search was illegal. While most police officers are highly trained and skilled, mistakes are often made. Sometimes police are anxious to make an arrest and hastily decide to search your car, house, or person without just cause. Call to speak with a Monmouth County drug charge lawyer to see how your Aberdeen drug arrest can be defended.

If you have been arrested for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana in Monmouth County, New Jersey, you face six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, a $500 DEDR penalty, $75 safe streets assessment, $50 VCCB penalty and $33 court costs. In addition, there is a minimum driver's license suspension for six months for any drug offense in New Jersey, including possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia. More than 50 grams exposes you to a felony conviction.

If you have been charged in any Monmouth County town with possession of marijuana or other drug offense, you will probably be scheduled for a first appearance in that town's municipal court. Or your case could be sent to the Superior Court - Criminal Part. Contact a Monmouth County Drug Arrest Lawyer for a free consultation before appearing in court.

Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana or being under the influence of marijuana is classified not as a felony, or "crime" under New Jersey Law. Rather, it is a disorderly persons offense, which are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A conviction of more than 50 grams or marijuana is punishable by up to 18 month in jail and a fine of up to $25,000. A charge of possession within 1,000 feet of a school adds an another 100 hours or more of community service to the sentence.

Manufacturing or distributing less than a single ounce of marijuana can be punished by up to 18 months in jail and a fine of $10,000. If you are caught distributing one ounce or more, it is a third degree indictable, which penalty increases to 3 - 5 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000. Manufacture or sale of five pounds or more or cultivation of 10 - 50 plants is punishable by 5 - 10 years in prison and a fine up to $150,000. For amounts of 25 pounds or greater, or cultivation of greater than 50 plants, the penalties increase to 10 - 20 years in prison and a fine up to $300,000.

Manalapan, Marlboro, Englishtown, Freehold, Howell, Millstone, Upper Freehold, Allentown, Matawan, Aberdeen, Tinton Falls, Colts Neck, Neptune, Asbury Park, Keansburg, Keyport, Middletown, Red Bank, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands, Hazlet, Holmdel, Rumson, Fair Haven, Farmingdale, Wall Township, Belmar, Spring Lake, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Eatontown, Oceanport, Ocean Township, Allenhurst, Loch Arbor, Avon, Bradley Beach, Bay Head, Deal,

Robbinsville Police make a surprising number of arrest for Marijuana, drug and drug paraphernalia possession in the Township of Robbinsville. If you have had the misfortune of being charged with a drug offense, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia or marijuana possession, you will be summoned to appear for a first appearance in the Robbinsville Municipal Court. The Robbinsvlle Court is also sometimes known as the Washington Township Municipal Court.

Before you appear for this arraignment for a marijuana or other drug offense, you should contact a Robbinsville defense lawyer to discuss your rights and how to best defend yourself against the charges. Robbinville Township is located in eastern Mercer County, New Jersey. A lot of these arrests in Robbinsville occur after traffic stops for tickets on Route 130. The Judge in Robbinsville Court is the Honorable Douglas Hoffman, J.M.C. The prosecutor is Christopher K. Koutsouris, Esq.

In the State of New Jersey, both charges of possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia are classified as "disorderly persons" offenses. Disorderly persons offenses are criminal charges, but not technically "crimes" or felonies under New Jersey law. Disorderly Persons offenses, or "DP"s are punishable by up to six months jail and a 1,000 fine. The judge must also impose a $500 DEDR penalty and other sanctions or a marijuana conviction.

In addition, the New Jersey Legislature has deemed that these offenses must also carry a mandatory minimum six month license suspension. This is to be imposed even if a car was not involved in the possession. Of course, a criminal conviction can be made part of your record, which can follow you around until you may obtain an expungement.

An experienced attorney may be able to get the charges against you dismissed through a diversionary program such as a conditional discharge. The search of your person or your vehicle may have been illegal, and subject to suppression. There may be other defenses to the charge but all depend on the facts of your specific case.

A substantial number of Arrests for Drug Possession are made in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Monroe Township Police make a lot of arrests for Marijuana Possession, CDS possession, and some painkillers, pills and pharmaceuticals. Monroe Township is located in southern Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call now to speak with a Monroe Township criminal defense attorney.

Most of these arrests in Monroe Township occur as a result of a traffic stop. Police in Monroe Township typically issue around five summons per day for traffic tickets such as speeding, improper passing, tailgating and DWI. Any time you are stopped for a traffic violation in Monroe, the Monroe police officer will approach the driver and ask to see his or her credentials. If there are any irregularities, or if the police officer smells marijuana or sees any contraband in the vehicle, the cop will likely ask the driver to step out of the vehicle.

If the police officer has probable cause to believe that the vehicle may contain drugs or weapons, the officer may ask for consent to search the vehicle. The driver almost always grants such consent, often to the driver's detriment. I

If you have been charged with drug offense in Monroe, you will be scheduled to appear in the Monroe Township Municipal Court before Judge Boyd. Before your court date, you should contact a drug arrest lawyer to discuss your rights and the penalties you may be facing. It may be possible to beat the case based on a bad or illegal search or to find a way to reduce the charges or penalties.

Princeton Police make a significant amount of arrests for possession of marijuana, drugs, drug paraphernalia and other controlled dangerous substance (CDS) possession. This is partly because of Princeton Townships roads and highways. Routes 27, 1 and 206 all traverse the Township. These roads bring in tons of traffic tickets, which often lead to searches and seizures of drugs.

Princeton Township is located in eastern Mercer County, New Jersey. Princeton Township has its own municipal court. Princeton Borough also has a Municipal Court, leading to confusion as to where one has to go for their court appearance. These New Jersey Municipal Courts have jurisdiction over traffic tickets, DWI, DUI, Drunk Driving, and criminal matters such as harassment, assault, and drug charges.

After stopping a car over for a traffic violation such as speeding, tailgating, or passing a school bus, police will obviously approach the driver and ask for his or her credentials. Princeton police are well-trained to smell both raw and burnt marijuana. If, during a lawful stop, police smell the odor or marijuana, they may ask the driver for consent to search the vehicle. If the police see drugs, weapons, or contraband in plain view, this may also cause them to search the vehicle.

These searches can be challenged by an experienced criminal defense attorney. Before appearing in Princeton court by yourself, you should find out what your rights are and what penalties you may be facing. Being convicted of a drug offense in New Jersey carries serious consequences such as jail, probation, fines, driver's license suspension and a criminal record.

A surprising drug arrests are made in Berkeley Township. Berkeley Township Police and New Jersey State Police patrol the Township with the State troopers restricted primarily to the Garden State Parkway section of Berkeley. Berkeley is located at exit 77, the Berkeley Municipal Court is practically in Double Trouble State Park.

The majority of drug arrests in Berkeley are made for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia possession. Some cocaine and heroin charges are also filed in Berkeley, but are usually transferred to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. Pharmaceutical pills, mostly pain killers like oxycontin also lead to many of these charges in Berkeley.

Berkeley Township is located in central Ocean County, New Jersey. The town borders Toms River, which has its own Municipal Court. The judge in Berkeley is the Honorable John Sheehy, J.M.C. If you are caught with drugs, marijuana or paraphernalia in Berkeley, you will have to appear for an arraignment/first appearance before Judge Sheehy in the Berkeley Court. The court meets on Wednesday mornings at 8:00 a.m., but you will likely be there for most of the morning. If you hire a lawyer, your appearance may be waived. You should contact an experienced defense attorney before you attend the first appearance.

A defense to the drug charge may exist. For example, if the stop was made without reasonable suspicion, the stop may be challenged. Or, if there was no probable cause to ask for consent to search the vehicle, the consent may be nullified. Other defenses may exist depending on the facts of the case. Anyone convicted of a disorderly persons drug offense in New Jersey may be subject to up to six months in jail and substantial fines. You may also lose your driver's license for a minimum of six months.
A charge of possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana can lead to felony charges. Possession of cocaine or heroin or pills such as Oxycontin usually leads to felony charges as well.

A ton of drug arrests are made in Toms River Township. Toms River is also known as Dover Township. South Toms River is a separate Municipality with its own court. Toms River, along with New Jersey State Police patrol Dover Township and Toms River, routinely investigating drug distribution and possession. The majority of these arrests are made for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia possession. However, Toms River is also unfortunately known as the heroin capital of New Jersey. Pharmaceutical pills found without a script also lead to many of these charges in Toms River.

Toms River - Dover Township is located in northern Ocean County, New Jersey. The town borders Lakewood and Manchester Townships. The judge in Toms River the Honorable James Ligouri, J.M.C. The prosecutors are Steven Zabarsky, Paul Branick, and John Reilly, Esq. If you are arrested for a drug charge in Toms River or Dover Township, you will have to appear for an arraignment/first appearance before Judge Ligouri in the Dover Township Municipal Court. If you hire a lawyer, your appearance may be waived. So it's important to contact an experienced defense attorney before you attend the first appearance.

There may be a valid defense to the drug charge. For example, if you were not pulled over for a valid reason, the stop may be challenged. Or, if there was no probable cause to ask for consent to search the vehicle, the consent may be nullified. Other defenses may exist depending on the facts of the case. Anyone convicted of a disorderly persons drug offense in New Jersey may be subject to up to six months in jail and substantial fines. You may also lose your driver's license for a minimum of six months.

A charge of possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana can lead to felony charges. Possession of cocaine or heroin or pills such as Oxycontin usually leads to felony charges as well.

A fair amount of drug arrests are made in Manchester Township. Manchester Police and New Jersey State Police patrol Manchester, actively investigating drug distribution and possession. The majority of these arrests are made for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia possession. Pharmaceutical pills found without a prescription also lead to a lot of these charges in Manchester.

Manchester Township is located in northern Ocean County, New Jersey. The judge in Manchester is the Honorable Daniel Sahin, J.M.C. The prosecutors are Valter Must, Esq. Robert Rothstein, Esq., and Michael Burns, Esq. If you are charged with a drug charge in Manchester Township, you will have to appear for an arraignment/first appearance before Judge Sahin in the Manchester Township Municipal Court. If you are represented by an attorney, your appearance may be waived. It is therefore important to contact a criminal defense attorney before attending the first appearance.

There may be valid defenses to the drug charge. For example, if the police pulled you over, but not for a valid reason, the stop can be challenged. Or, if there was no probable cause to ask for consent to search the vehicle, the consent may be nullified. Other defenses may exist depending on the facts of the case. Anyone convicted of a disorderly persons drug offense in New Jersey may be subject to up to six months in jail and substantial fines. You may also lose your driver's license for a minimum of six months.

A charge of possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana can lead to felony charges. Possession of cocaine or heroin or pills such as Oxycontin usually leads to felony charges as well.

Lakewood Police have make a lot of Marijuana, drug and drug paraphernalia arrests in the Lakewood Township. If you have been charged with a drug offense, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, drug paraphernalia or marijuana possession, you will be scheduled for a first appearance in the Lakewood Municipal Court.

Before you appear for this arraignment for a marijuana or other drug offense, you should contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss your rights and how to best defend against the charges. Lakewood Township is located in northern Ocean County, New Jersey. The Township has faced some challenges lately, with increased gang activity and corresponding drug problems. The Judge in Lakewood is the Honorable Scott Basen, J.M.C. The prosecutors are Valter Must, Esq. Robert Rothstein, Esq., and Michael Burns, Esq.

In the State of New Jersey, both possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia are "disorderly persons" offenses. Disorderly persons offenses are criminal charges, but not "crimes" or felonies under New Jersey law. Disorderly Persons offenses, or "DP"s are punishable by up to six months jail and a 1,000 fine. The judge must also impose a $500 DEDR penalty and other sanctions or a marijuana conviction.

In addition, the New Jersey Legislature has deemed that these offenses must also carry a mandatory minimum six month license suspension. This is to be imposed even if a car was not involved in the possession. Of course, a criminal conviction can be made part of your record, which can follow you around until you may obtain an expungement.

Most drug arrests in Lakewood take place after police officers conduct motor vehicle stops for violations such as speeding, tailgating, improper passing, and DWI. After making such a stop, the officer may approach the window of the car and detect the smell of marijuana. This may give the officer probable cause to ask for your consent to search the vehicle. Your consent must be given freely and voluntarily, and the right to refuse should be explained to you as well.

If you refuse to grant the officers consent to search the vehicle, they will have to get a warrant unless there is some kind of emergency to search the car.

Woodbridge Police are very active in investigating drug activity in Woodbridge Township. This, combined with the many roads and highways in Woodbridge, results in a lot of arrests for possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) marijuana and drug paraphernalia. If Woodbridge police have arrested you for a drug offense, you be summoned to appear at an arraignment in the Woodbridge Municipal Court. Before your this date, you simply must contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to find out what your rights are and what the possible penalties are that you might be facing.

The consequences of pleading or being found guilty to a drug charge, including Possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia may not be fully realized until it is too late. These criminal charges are classified as disorderly persons offenses or misdemeanors. While they are not "crimes" under New Jersey law, they still subject you to six months in jail and a 1,000 dollar fine. Your driver's license may also be suspended.

Many people are arrested for drug possession after being stopped for a traffic violation. This is true especially in Woodbridge. Woodbridge is located in central New Jersey in Middlesex County. Many roads and highways go through Woodbridge. These include the Garden State Parkway, Route 9, Route 1, and the New Jersey Turnpike.

There are several judges and prosecutors that preside in the Woodbridge Municipal Court. Woodbridge court can be a very hectic, overwhelming place to find yourself. You should certainly contact an attorney before considering appearing on your own.