New Jersey Juvenile Marijuana Offenses Lawyers
Marijuana Offenses and Juveniles
In New Jersey, minors caught with less than 50 grams of marijuana in their possession have an alternative to jail, fines, a permanent mark on the minor's record and limited life opportunities. First-time minor offenders may qualify for a diversionary program in place to prevent youthful indiscretions from becoming serious crimes. In our state, minors who qualify for this program may receive a Deferred Disposition. This usually involves mandatory drug testing and the provision that minors who maintain clean drug tests and follow the rules may not have the crime become a part of their permanent record. If your minor has been charged with a juvenile marijuana offense in New Jersey, the attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein can provide a more detailed explanation of this program and other legal options.
Generally, minors caught with less than 50 grams of marijuana in their possession are charged with a disorderly persons offense. This is much less severe from a legal standpoint, provided they are not within 1,000 feet of a school. Minors who are charged with possession of drug paraphernalia with residue but do not have marijuana on their person may also receive the less severe disorderly persons offense. However, this is conditional and depends on the location of the arrest. Other circumstances include: possession of paraphernalia with drug residue, possession of marijuana or hashish, possession in an automobile, and evidence, such as marijuana seeds or stems.
Please note that a piece of paraphernalia does not need to have marijuana residue in order to be considered drug paraphernalia. Paraphernalia can also include items used to transport marijuana, such as plastic baggies, envelopes, jars and other items. If a minor is found with marijuana in an automobile, this complicates matters considerably. Minors arrested in a car who have marijuana, as well as paraphernalia of any kind in their possession, can face charges of possession of less than 50 grams, possession of paraphernalia and possession of drugs in a car. These are three separate charges that can result in fines, time in jail, an arrest on record and other criminal penalties that severely limit a young person's opportunities.
The Princeton juvenile marijuana defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein understand very well the seriousness of these charges and the effect a conviction can have on a minor's life. For nearly 20 years, we have used our skills, experience and knowledge of the law to protect the rights of minors and help them achieve the best possible outcome for their case. If you are a parent of a child charged with a marijuana offense, you need experienced legal counsel to help prevent a minor lapse of judgment from becoming a major impediment. Call the New Jersey criminal defense team at Lependorf & Silverstein to schedule a free consultation.