Q: Im being charged with 55 grams of marijuana in my car in new jersey. this is my first offense, what will be punishment?

A: Jail 2C: 43- 8 jail 6 month maximum

probation 1-2 year

community service 180 days maximum

mandatory costs, VCCB and other penalties

Disorderly- fines: 2C: 43- 3 $1,000 Fine maximum

There are many other penalties that the court must impose in criminal cases. There are dozens of other penalties a court can impose, depending on the type of matter.

Drug offenses: in addition to above penalties, mandatory minimum $500 DEDR penalty, mandatory lab fee and other court costs over $200, mandatory 6 month- 2 year loss of license, Probation, drug testing and other penalties. If attorney's Conditional Discharge motion is granted for first time offender. penalty can be reduced

3rd degree 3- 5 years $15,000 1 year- 5 year

4th degree 0- 18 months $10,000 1 year- 5 year

There are many other penalties that the court must impose in criminal case. There are dozens of other penalties a court can impose, depending on the type of matter. Read www.njlaws.com/jail_for_crimes_and_disorderly_conduct.html

If you or a family member are charged with a criminal offense, you should retain an experienced criminal attorney to argue to reduce the penalties!

CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE TO DISMISS MUNICIPAL COURT DRUG CHARGES for first time offenders

By Kenneth Vercammen, Certifed Municicpal Court Attorney

The defense of a person charged with possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia is not impossible. Attorneys should not merely suggest that their client plead guilty to save a few dollars. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending a client accused of involvement with controlled dangerous substances (CDS). More info at http://www.njlaws.com/conditional_discharge_first_time_drug_offenders.html.

The Municipal Courts of New Jersey have jurisdiction to hear the following drug-related offenses:

NJSA 2C:5-10(a)(4), possession of 50g or less of marijuana or 5g or less of hashish;

NJSA 2C:35-10(b), using or being under the influence of CDS;

NJSA 2C:35-10(c), failure to deliver CDS to police;

NJSA 2C:36-2, possession of drug paraphernalia

Violation of these statutes constitute disorderly person offenses. If convicted, the court may impose a $500.00 Drug Enforcement Reduction penalty and a $50.00 lab fee for each CDS charge. The court has discretion to fine a defendant up to $1,000 and/or incarceration for up to six months. The $50.00 VCCB penalty also must be imposed.

Moreover, the court must suspend the defendants drivers license for a time period between six months and two years. In addition, probation for up to two years, drug counseling, periodic urine testing, alcohol and/or psychiatric counseling and community service may be imposed.

If you elect to initially plead not guilty, your attorney will send a discovery letter/letter of representation to both the Municipal Prosecutor and the Municipal Court Clerk. If you have a drug problem, it is recommended that you attend a substance abuse treatment programs to seek help for any addiction. Proof of attendance of such a program is of benefit at sentencing or in obtaining an application for conditional discharge.

A: Unless the charge is downgraded you face up to 18 months in jail and $10,000.00 in fines, and probation. Get yourself a good lawyer and you have a chance of beating or getting this charge downgraded. Good Luck