Princeton NJ Marijuana Grow Operation Defense Attorneys
Marijuana Grow Operation/Facility Offenses
Lawmakers have passed much tougher criminal penalties for marijuana crimes over the last several years, and marijuana grow operation/facility offenses carry some of the steepest penalties of all marijuana crimes. Marijuana grow operation/facility offenses are classified as first degree crimes. A conviction on these charges can result in many years in prison, very steep fines, the inability to obtain certain types of employment after release, the inability to lawfully own a firearm and other serious penalties. Perhaps the most serious penalties of all are the restrictions on a person's life, liberty and opportunities after the fines are paid and the sentence is served. A growing/facility conviction stays on the person's record and prevents them from enjoying the many freedoms that other citizens take for granted. This is why it is essential that anyone charged with marijuana grow operation/facility offenses in New Jersey speak with an experienced Princeton marijuana cultivation defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein.
According to New Jersey law N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4, the state "prohibits maintaining, operating, financing, promoting, or participating in maintaining or operating a facility used to produce marijuana."
This law applies to facilities where at least five plants are grown, but when someone is charged under this law, the prosecution must prove the following:
- A premises, place or facility was used for the manufacture of marijuana.
- The quantity in question is greater than five pounds or ten plants.
- The accused maintained or operated the premises.
- The defendant possessed intent to use the premises for manufacturing or producing marijuana.
A person convicted of violating N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4 faces up to 20 years in prison, a minimum parole inability period of one-third to one-half of the sentence, fines and severe restrictions on personal liberties after release. If he or she has a previous conviction of manufacturing and/or distributing marijuana, a person can be sentenced to even more time in prison.
The stakes are quite high for marijuana grow operation/facility offenses in New Jersey. That's why anyone who has been charged with these offenses needs effective legal representation. For nearly two decades, the Princeton marijuana offense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have worked hard to help clients charged with these and other NJ drug offenses achieve the best possible outcome for their case. If you or a loved one is facing marijuana charges, call our defense team to get experienced legal representation on your side.