If you were caught in possession of a very small amount of marijuana, or in possession of paraphernalia, your case will likely be heard in your local Municipal Court.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the Municipal Court can’t levy significant penalties on you though.
If you are convicted of drug charges, you will face fines of up to $1,000, loss of driving privileges for up to two years, and as much as six months in jail.
You’ll also have a criminal record that can exclude you from jobs, educational opportunities, and housing.
If this is your first arrest for possession, you may be eligible for a Conditional Discharge.
If the court agrees to this diversionary program, you’ll be placed on probation for six months or a year, during which time you will be required to stay out of trouble, not be arrested again, and meet the terms of your probation.
At the end of the probation period, your charges will be dismissed with no criminal record, and you will be eligible to expunge your arrest record after six months.
New Jersey takes drug charges very seriously, even at the Municipal Court level, but it also understands that incarceration for first offenders and for minor amounts of marijuana isn’t always in the best interest of the state.
Attorney Matthew Reisig defends clients against drug charges in all New Jersey courts, and can help protect your rights when facing Municipal Court charges.
Call 732-625-9661 today for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey drug defense attorney.