Demarest Under the Influence of Drugs in Public Defense Attorneys 

Arrested, Charged with being under the influence of drugs in public Bergen County NJ

Under Influence Drugs in Public NJIn New Jersey, drug charges can arise in a variety of circumstances. For instance, you can face drug charges for being under the influence of drugs in public even if you are not in possession of a controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia at the time of your arrest. Unfortunately, drug offenses of any kind can entail serious penalties, not the least of which is a charge on your criminal record. In order to effectively protect your reputation, your criminal record, and ultimately, your future, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable legal professional. The talented criminal defense attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm have accumulated a breadth of experience in the realm of criminal defense and drunk driving (DWI), which they harness every day on behalf of clients facing charges in Bergen County, NJ.

With offices centrally located in the Hackensack justice corridor, where the Hackensack Municipal Court, Bergen County Superior Court, and Bergen County Jail are just outside of our doors, we are passionate about fighting for our clients as they attempt to navigate the complex legal process. If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug offense such as possession of synthetic marijuana, prescription drug distribution, or forgery, we are readily available to assist you in taking the necessary steps to move on with your life.

Appearing in courts in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey in towns such as Cresskill, Demarest, and Dumont on a daily basis, we are familiar with the nuances of criminal procedure in these courts and can use this to our advantage to achieve the most desirable outcome in your case. For a free consultation about your charges, contact us anytime at (201)-330-4979. We are available to immediately assist you. Also, read on for a better understanding of charges for being under the influence of drugs in New Jersey.

 

Under the Influence of Drugs Charges in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(b)

Being under the influence of drugs is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(b), which provides, in pertinent part:

§ 2C:35-10. Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition

b. Any person who uses or who is under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, for a purpose other than the treatment of sickness or injury as lawfully prescribed or administered by a physician is a disorderly person.

In a prosecution under this subsection, it shall not be necessary for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of any specific drug, but it shall be sufficient for a conviction under this subsection for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of some controlled dangerous substance, counterfeit controlled dangerous substance, or controlled substance analog, by proving that the accused did manifest physical and physiological symptoms or reactions caused by the use of any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.

 

Penalties for Being Under the Influence of Drugs in Public in New Jersey

As the above statute details, a charge for being under the influence of drugs is considered a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. This is similar to a misdemeanor and will be handled in the local municipal court in the municipality in which the crime allegedly occurred. The penalties for a disorderly persons offense can include:

  • Fine: Up to $1,000.00
  • Jail: Up to six (6) months in the county jail
  • Probation
  • Driver’s license suspension (minimum six (6) months)
  • A permanent criminal charge on your record

 

Contact the Hackensack NJ Office of The Tormey Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Our skilled defense attorneys can often negotiate for the downgrading of the aforementioned charges to lesser, non-criminal offenses, which require the payment of a fine and will not result in a charge on your criminal record. For additional information and a free consultation about your drug charges, contact the Hackensack offices of The Tormey Law Firm at (201)-330-4979. We are always available to provide a comprehensive assessment of your case and to outline your available legal options.


NJ CRIMINAL LAW VIDEO LIBRARY

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.