Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Possession of Marijuana & Drug Paraphenalia

My 17-year old daughter was recently arrested for possession of less than 50 grams of Marijuana and drug paraphanelia (pipe) in Ocean County,NJ. It is her first offense of any type. After speaking to me on the phone the police released her to a family friend she was staying with for the weekend.

We are awaiting a family court date and would like to know what the likely penalties will be and if there is any advice you can provide regarding the situation. Thank you.


Asked on 6/05/04, 9:39 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Ronald Aronds Law Office of Ronald Aronds, LLC

Re: Possession of Marijuana & Drug Paraphenalia

For a first offender with the charges like your daughter has, the correct thing for a lawyer to do would be to apply for a form of probation known as a "conditional discharge". If done properly, after a one year period the charges against her would be dismissed, provided she complied with the terms of her probation and does not have any new offenses during the probation period. She will have to pay various fines and other penalties which can amount to hundreds of dollars. If the conditional discharge is not granted, your daughter will have a criminal record and faces at least the possiblity of jail time, along with fines and loss of driving privileges. I am an attorney that has handled criminal cases similar to your daughters many times in the past. I would like to discuss her case in more detail with you. Please call me at 908-272-0111 to discuss how I can help defend your daughter against the charges she faces. Thank you. Sincerely, Ronald Aronds, Esq.

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Answered on 6/07/04, 8:37 am
John Ducey Law Offices of John G. Ducey, PC

Re: Possession of Marijuana & Drug Paraphenalia

I am an attorney in Toms River which is in Ocean County. Since you say your daughter has never been in trouble before she probably is eligible to have the charges dismissed if she completes the terms set forth by the Judge which will include urine testing and probably counselling as well as the payment of fines and costs. If ou wish to discuss this case further, please call me at 732-286-2170.

John

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Answered on 6/06/04, 5:49 pm
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Possession of Marijuana & Drug Paraphenalia

She is probably eligible for first offender treatment, assuming this is her first offense. First offender treatment ususally means the dismissal of the charges after some time period of good behavior and supervision by the probation department.

There are issues involving the legality of the search and seizure of the marijuana and parapehnalia and sufficiency of the proof of guilt which you might like to discuss. I suggest that you call my office to schedule a consultation.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

800 273 7933

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Answered on 6/05/04, 11:15 pm


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