Criminal defense Attorney defends CDS-drug possession charges.
Stephen A. Gravatt, Esq.
Attorney
565 NJ 35
Middletown, New Jersey 07748
(732)-337-7922
Controlled Dangerous Substance Possession – An experienced criminal defense attorney can help minimize the consequences to you if convicted of unlawful possession of controlled dangerous substances CDS.
What conduct constitutes criminal possession of CDS-Drugs?
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2 defines the following drugs as controlled dangerous substances CDS.
Benzodiazepine drugs, such as alprazolam, Xanax, valium; and Opiate drugs, such as heroine, morphine, Oxycodone, oxycontin, Percocet;
Cocaine, rock cocaine; and Methamphetamine, crystal meth; Marijuana.
Possession and ingestion of these drugs is only lawful if prescribed for you by a licensed medical doctor. If you are apprehended by police while in possession without a prescription from a medical doctor you have violated N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, et seq..
Furthermore, the same statute makes being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance without first having obtained a prescription from a medical doctor a criminal offense.
What are the penalties if I am convicted of possessing a controlled dangerous substance without a prescription from a licensed physician?
Possession of a controlled dangerous substance (other than marijuana under 50 grams) constitutes a 3rd degree felony crime. The penalty can be not less than 3 years nor more than 5 years jail time plus monetary penalties of up to $35,000.00 plus driver’s license suspension of up to 6 months plus felony criminal record.
Being under the influence of marijuana less than 50 grams constitutes a disorderly persons offense. The penalty can be not less than 0 days nor more than 180 days jail time plus monetary penalties up to $1,000.00 plus driver’s licence suspension of up to 6 months, plus disorderly persons criminal record. A criminal attorney can help by negotiating a plea bargain that avoids driver’s license suspension, conviction.
DO I NEED TO RETAIN AN ATTORNEY TO DEFEND ME FOR CDS-DRUG POSSESSION?
Yes. I would recommend it.
Money is fungible. A criminal record is not. A criminal record can preclude you from being eligible to secure employment as a school teacher or other governmental official. If you are already employed by government you may be required to forfeit your position. You may be denied professional license to practice by a professional board. In CDS drug possession cases the court can impose driver’s license suspension for up to 2 years.
In my 30 years as a criminal defense attorney I have helped many clients avoid conviction, avoid jail time, avoid maximum fines, avoid loss of driver’s license.
If you have been charged with controlled dangerous substance CDS possession I can possibly help you.
Please contact me for your free initial consultation and a no nonsense discussion of how I can help you.
Stephen A. Gravatt, Esq.
(732)-337-7922
www.njdwicriminaldefenseattorney.com
