Union County Defense Lawyers: Marijuana Distribution & Manufacturing
If you or a loved one has been arrested for distributing or selling marijuana in Union County, you are undoubtedly researching your options. We believe that the best first step you can take in helping yourself is to learn a little about the law and to speak to an attorney experienced in handling Union County intent to distribute charges. The lawyers at our firm are available to assist you and possess the know how you are seeking. Our three attorneys have a minimum of 15 years experience and two of them, Jonathan F. Marshall and Thomas V. Campo, are former prosecutors. We would be happy to discuss the defense of your distribution case. You are also encouraged to consult the information that follows to provide you with a better understanding of the law and penalties which could be applied in your Union County case.
The penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 for distributing marijuana vary depending on the quantity (i.e. weight) involved. Possession with intent to distribute, selling, or manufacturing marijuana, can be a First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree or Fourth Degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5. The grading and penalties for distributing or selling marijuana is based on the following weights:
- 25 or more pounds of marijuana or, 50 or more plants, is a First Degree crime exposing an individual to 10-20 years in jail and a fine of up to $300,000.00;
- 5 or more pounds but less than 25 pounds of marijuana, or at least 10 plants but less than 50 plants, is a Second Degree offense punishable by 5-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000;
- 1 ounce of marijuana but less than 5 pounds, is a crime of the Third Degree that carries up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000;
- Distribution of less than 1 ounce is a Fourth Degree offense that exposes an individual to up to 18 months in jail and a fine of $10,000.
Distributing in a School Zone or Public Park Zone
Enhanced penalties apply where the distribution is within 1,000 feet of a School Zone or within 500 feet of a Public Park or Housing Project. Public Park cases trigger an upward adjustment in grading by one level. Distributing or selling in a School Zone involves similar escalation in penalties and also result in mandatory periods of incarceration.
If you would like to learn more about the law or how our defense lawyers can assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-877-450-8301. A lawyer is available 24/7 to address your concerns and provide you with the advice you are seeking.
