The severity of the penalty for conviction of less than 50 grams of marijuana (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4)) has almost as much to do with the offender and his or her legal defense as it does with the statute itself.
While conviction can carry a jail sentence of up to six months, first time offenders have a presumption of non-incarceration, and in many cases, marijuana possession charges can be handled through conditional discharges or other alternative approaches.
Aside from the potential six month sentence, conviction also carries a $1000 fine, plus approximately $700 in various fees and assessments.
Your driving privileges will also be suspended for at least six months, and as long as two years.
When facing marijuana possession charges, an experienced attorney can make a big difference in how your case plays out.
Call attorney Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.