Pennington NJ Distribution of Marijuana Attorney

With Offices in Hamilton, New Jersey

New Jersey drug laws explicitly prohibit the distribution of marijuana. Moreover, NJ prosecutors interpret the law every broadly so that a person who simply passes a joint around the room can potentially be charged with marijuana distribution. This is because any exchange of drugs can result in a distribution charge. Even if no money changed hands during the exchange, you can be convicted of marijuana distribution.

Cohen & Riechelson is a highly respected law firm with a track record of success in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our attorneys have successfully represented numerous clients charged with marijuana distribution in Mercer County, NJ, including East Windsor, Lawrence, and Hightstown. Additionally, our litigation team includes a New Jersey Certified Trial Attorney who has been recognized by his peers as one of the top lawyers in the state. Call CR now to discuss your marijuana distribution charges.

Manufacture, Distribution, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana in Mercer County NJ

N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 governs marijuana distribution offenses in New Jersey. The law prohibits anyone from distributing, dispensing, or manufacturing marijuana.

The law also applies to anyone who possesses marijuana with the intention of distributing, dispensing, or manufacturing it. It won’t matter if the attempt to distribute was not completed. That’s because possession with intent to distribute carries the same penalties.

Penalties for Marijuana Distribution in Trenton NJ

The penalties for marijuana distribution are determined by the weight of the marijuana.

  • Less than 1 Oz.: fourth degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison and a $10,000 fine
  • 1 Oz.–5 Pounds: third degree felony, punishable by 3–5 years in New Jersey State Prison and a $25,000 fine
  • 5–25 Pounds: second degree felony, punishable by 5–10 years in New Jersey State Prison and a $150,000 fine
  • 25 Pounds or More: first degree felony, punishable by 10–20 years in New Jersey State Prison and a $300,000 fine

For the purposes of a marijuana distribution charge, the weight of the marijuana is aggregated. This means that NJ prosecutors will add the weights involved in all of the marijuana exchanges that they can prove transpired. Suddenly, a few sales of joints to friends can become a high-level distribution offense.

Enhanced Penalties for School Zone and Public Park Drug Offenses

The penalties may be enhanced if you are convicted of distributing marijuana in a protected area like school zone or a public park. For example, if you sold less than 1 oz. of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, you could be looking at a minimum mandatory term of incarceration of 1 year in New Jersey State Prison. If you sold more than 1 oz. of marijuana near a school, the minimum term of incarceration is 3 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Alternative Sentencing for Marijuana Charges in Mercer County NJ

First-time offenders accused of third degree or fourth degree marijuana distribution might be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). PTI is a diversionary program that allows offenders to avoid prison and instead go on probation for a certain period of time. Once the offender has completed the program, the charge goes away.

Another option for marijuana offenders is Drug Court. This is a special court that typically allows individuals charged with drug crimes to seek treatment for drug addiction instead of being sentenced to prison. If you are admitted into the Drug Court program, court administrators and specialists will work closely with you to facilitate the recovery process. If you successfully complete all of the treatment and rehabilitation requirements, you will be able to avoid incarceration.

Contact Princeton NJ Marijuana Distribution Lawyers

The lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson understand that your freedom could be at stake in a marijuana distribution case. That’s why we will do everything possible to help you beat your criminal charges and avoid jail. Call us today to speak with a member of our litigation team, or email us to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Hamilton or Pennington.