Cliffside Park Possession of Synthetic Marijuana Defense Attorneys 

Charged with Possession Synthetic Marijuana Bergen County? We can help

Fake Marijuana Possession Charge Bergen County NJWere you arrested and charged with possession or distribution of synthetic marijuana in Bergen County? Contact us now for immediate assistance and a free consultation.

Travis J. Tormey and the members of his criminal defense law practice represent clients charged with offenses such as distribution of marijuana, cocaine possession, and prescription drug offenses in towns such as Bogota, Carlstadt, and Cliffside Park. The criminal defense attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm have effectively resolved thousands of criminal cases, including indictable felony crimes and disorderly persons offenses in Superior and Municipal Courts in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey. Accumulating a breadth of experience through their years of practice, they employ their specifically-formulated defense strategies to achieve the best possible results for their clients. For a free consultation with one of the attorneys at Hackensack’s Tormey Law Firm, contact (201)-330-4979. Do not hesitate to find the answers to your questions as you confront the allegations against you.

 

Possession of Synthetic Marijuana in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a

On August 22, 2011, Governor Chris Christie signed SCS-28289, which criminalized the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of synthetic drugs commonly labeled as “bath salts” or “plant food” in New Jersey. The bill, now known as “Pamela’s Law,” was ultimately codified in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3a (manufacture, distribution, and sale) and 2C:35-10.3a (possession). The bill was named in memory of Pamela Schmidt, a Rutgers student and Warren Township resident, who was believed to have been murdered by an individual under the influence of synthetic drugs.

The statute which governs possession of synthetic marijuana, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a, provides, in pertinent part:

§ 2C:35-10.3a. Possession of Synthetic Marijuana

3. a. It is a crime for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, substances containing: 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone, 4-MMC); 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone, MDMC), 4-methoxymethcathinone (methedrone, bk-PMMA, PMMC); 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC); or 4-fluoromethcathinone (flephedrone, 4-FMC).

b. A person who violates subsection a. of this section where the quantity involved is one ounce or more is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

c. A person who violates subsection a. of this section where the quantity involved is less than one ounce is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

 

Penalties for Possession of Synthetic Marijuana in New Jersey

As the above statute details, possession of synthetic marijuana in New Jersey is a serious criminal offense. Ironically, many of these products were sold over the counter at gas stations and convenience stores and were also available for purchase online prior to becoming illegal. Now, in some cases, possession of synthetic marijuana is a more serious offense than possession of actual marijuana. For example, possession of less than fifty (50) grams of actual marijuana is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, punishable by up to six (6) months in the county jail. By contrast, possession of less than fifty (50) grams of synthetic marijuana is a fourth degree indictable offense, which is punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison. Moreover, possession of more than one (1) ounce of synthetic marijuana is a third degree indictable crime, punishable by three (3) to five (5) years in state prison. However, if you have no prior criminal record and you are charged with third degree or fourth degree synthetic marijuana possession, you may be eligible for the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program.

 

Contact the Hackensack NJ Law Offices of The Tormey Law Firm for Immediate Assistance

Travis J. Tormey and his Bergen County law firm regularly represent clients charged with serious drug crimes and they are committed to providing you with the best possible defense. For additional information or assistance, contact the Hackensack offices of The Tormey Law Firm at (201)-330-4979. This consultation is always provided free of charge.


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If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or traffic / DWI violation, you have the right to an attorney who will defend you against your charges and fight for your best interests. To learn more about how your attorney can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced, click a link below to see our video library of legal defenses and strategies.