Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Cocaine possession

I was speeding (around 110) w/ 2 friends in the car when pulled over. A small amount of cocaine (less than a gram) was found in my *locked* glove compartment.

The police officers suspected we had been drinking and claimed to have smelled alcohol. After we were all pulled out of the car and questioned a bit, he continued remarking that we smelled of alcohol. There was obviously drinking going on, but not very much. He demanded my keys to unlock the glove box and found the cocaine..we were all arrested and charged for possession of controlled substance. I also had a laundry list of moving violations (speeding, dwi, dui, wreckless driving, etc). I tested 0.00 and passed all tests for drunk driving when at the station which is the only place where they tested for these things.

With that said, my question is..what are the likely penalties that my friends and I face?

Was searching of my car legal given the 'probable' cause?

And what ab the PTI program, this is my first offense. Lastly, can we postpone the court date w/o an attorney?

Someone please help me


Asked on 2/08/09, 9:39 am

5 Answers from Attorneys
Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

Re: Cocaine possession

The possession of cocaine, no matter how small an amount, is a third degree crime which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in state prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and up to two years loss of your license. The other driving tickets you describe carry in excess of 10 points on your license, likely a loss of your driving privileges for an additional amount of time, and heavy fines. You need a lawyer to help you out in this predicament. I am an attorney who has handled many cases similar to yours in various courts throughout New Jersey in the past. Please contact me to discuss your case in more detail. I never charge for simply talking to a person about their case. Thank you.

Sincerely yours, -Ronald Aronds, Esq.-

www.njworkerscompensationlaw.com

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Answered on 2/09/09, 1:13 pm
Savyon Grant Law Office of Savy Grant

Re: Cocaine possession

It sounds like a warrantless search, but you are looking at very serious charges. You can not represent yourself. You must hire an attorney or apply for a pd.if you have additional questions I can be reached at 201\646\9600.

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Answered on 2/08/09, 9:46 am
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

Re: Cocaine possession

Generally, the locked glove compartment is treated

Separately and will not fall into general search

Requirements.

I would strongly suggest all of your friends and

You hire attorneys to ensure that your rights are

Best protected.

If you would like a free consultation give my office

A call at 2127098303

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Answered on 2/08/09, 9:52 am
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Cocaine possession

If you are a first offender you are eligible for pti. If you need time to hire an attorney you should call the office of the judge you appear before to request an adjournment. If this does not work you can simply go to court and ask for more time to hire an attorney.

Call me if you like.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 2/08/09, 11:49 am
Kenneth Vercammen,Esq. Kenneth Vercammen

Re: Cocaine possession

Please call our office to schedule an in-office consultation. Please visit www.njlaws.com for articles pertaining to your situation.

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Answered on 2/18/09, 10:19 am


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