Denville NJ Juvenile Drug Paraphernalia Possession Lawyer
Drug Charges Defense Attorney for Juveniles and Students in Morris County, New Jersey
New Jersey has enacted extensive laws related to drugs (controlled dangerous substances), drug-related activities (possession, distribution), and specific locations in which drug crime penalties become more severe (in a school zone, near public property). In addition, the State criminalizes items that may be used to produce, package, or ingest drugs, all of which are subsumed under the classification “drug paraphernalia.” If you are a juvenile, college student, or other young adult charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in New Jersey, the penalties to which you are exposed will depend on whether or not you are technically a minor (under the age of 18). While juveniles may face a range of potential consequences imposed at the discretion of a Family Court Judge, adults face prosecution in municipal court and may be subject to heavy fines, a criminal record, and even a jail sentence. In either case, the repercussions of being found guilty can be significant.
Alissa Hascup is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney who is dedicated to protecting the rights of juveniles and young adults charged with drug crimes and other criminal offenses in New Jersey. From Hudson to Passaic, and Bergen to Essex county, she regularly represents college students from universities like St. Peter’s, Drew, Rutgers, and Fairleigh Dickinson, as well as high school students and other young adults. As a former Municipal Prosecutor, Assistant County Prosecutor, and Deputy Attorney General. Alissa has in-depth knowledge of the way prosecutors think. She now utilizes this insight to achieve superior results for her clients in courts in Paramus, Teaneck, Palisades Park, and throughout New Jersey. To discuss your case with Ms. Hascup today, contact her offices at 862-257-1200 for a cost-free initial consultation.
What is Drug Paraphernalia in New Jersey
New Jersey law defines drug paraphernalia as any “equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used or intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.” This broad definition encompasses items like pipes, bowls, bongs, spoons, roach clips, rolling papers, vials, and chillers, as well as scales, dilutants, and drug packaging materials. Notably, if there is even the slightest residue of a drug found in an item considered drug paraphernalia, a person can also be charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS).
Juvenile Charges for Drug Paraphernalia Possession in New Jersey
If you are a juvenile charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in New Jersey, you will be required to appear in the Family Division of the Superior Court in the county in which you live. So, for instance, if you live in Hackensack, but you were taken into custody in Paterson, your case will likely be heard in Bergen County Superior Court. You will need to have an attorney with you during these proceedings. He or she can defend your innocence and, if you are found guilty, work to secure the most lenient sentence.
If you are found guilty of drug paraphernalia possession, you are not “convicted” like an adult, but instead “adjudicated delinquent.” This means that the Family Court judge will decide the appropriate sentence in your case and the offense will appear on your juvenile record. The standard in juvenile court is the best interests of the child, which means that the judge will consider factors such as the nature and circumstances of the offense; your age, previous record, and social services received; your unique needs; and the likelihood that you will respond well to rehabilitative measures, before imposing punishment. Potential consequences in juvenile cases are highly variable and may include: probation, community service, mental health counseling, detention (incarceration), drug rehabilitation treatment, driver’s license suspension, or restitution payments.
Drug Paraphernalia Possession Charges for NJ Students and Young Adults
If you are technically an adult (18 or older) and charged with drug paraphernalia possession in New Jersey, your case will be adjudicated in the Municipal Court associated with the location of your alleged offense. For instance, if you are arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia in Hoboken, you will be required to appear in Hoboken Municipal Court.
The New Jersey Criminal Code addresses possession of drug paraphernalia in N.J.S.A. 2C:36-1. This is classified as a disorderly persons offense, which is similar to a misdemeanor, and may result in the following penalties:
- A sentence to serve up to 6 months in the county jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- A period of driver s license suspension
- A conviction on your criminal record
Contact a Totowa NJ Juvenile Drug Paraphernalia Possession Attorney Today
If you are a juvenile, college student, or other young adult charged with possession of drug paraphernalia or another drug crime in New Jersey, having an experienced defense attorney can truly spell the difference between a positive or negative outcome. Contact Alissa Hascup to discuss your case and receive a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Morris County and Passaic County, she represents clients in courts across the state. Simply call 862-257-1200 today.
