Although marijuana is more common in the United States, and many laws are looser than in the past, each state is different. In New Jersey, getting caught with marijuana puts you in a difficult position. If you’re caught with papers to roll a joint, you could face distribution charges. If you police find you with a plant, they may charge you with wanting to sell or manufacture marijuana.
As a teen just starting college, they will try you as an adult for these drug charges. The severity of penalties may vary significantly, and a strong defense can help you make sure you’re not affected in the long term because of this single mistake.
You can go to prison for possession alone
New Jersey is hard on drug users, and if you are in possession of 50g or less of marijuana, you can still face up to six months in jail with a $1,000 fine. The fine will be more due to being within 1,000 feet of a school if you use marijuana on campus. If you have over 50g of marijuana, you will be fighting against a felony charge. This charge could land you in jail for up to 18 months and cost you up to $25,000 in fines.
Selling marijuana is still illegal in New Jersey
Even though some states, like Washington or Colorado, allow the sale of marijuana, this doesn’t apply in New Jersey. If you sell less than an ounce, you can go to jail for up to 18 months and face a $25,000 fine. If you think that’s severe, the penalty for having over an ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana may surprise you. It can result in a prison sentence of up to five years and the same fine as above.
Medical marijuana is legal for some people
In the case that you use marijuana for medical purposes, you can defend your use of the drug. Assembly Bill number 457 has expanded the number of conditions that qualify a person for medical marijuana. Those with post-traumatic stress disorder and other debilitating medical conditions now qualify for medical marijuana prescriptions and a medical marijuana card. An arrest with a prescription is typically incorrect, so you can fight the claim against you.
Marijuana laws are changing, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on the legalization of the drug. With the right help now, you can fight charges that could impact you in the future.
