Misdemeanor Drug Possession in New Jersey
In New Jersey, misdemeanor drug possession is charged to a person when he is found under the influence of marijuana or hashish, or has failed to surrender the controlled substance to a nearby police officer. Marijuana possession of less than 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia is also classified as a misdemeanor.
If caught with illegal drugs while driving, then your driver’s license can be suspended for 6 months to 2 years. You may also be sentenced to jail for up to six months and face a fine of up to $1,000.
Misdemeanor Drug Possession Charges in New Jersey
Misdemeanor drug charges in NJ include:
- 6 months to 1 year imprisonment (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-8)
- A fine of up to $1000 (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3(c))
- Loss of public housing (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1)
- If the accused stays in a rented home, then eviction is possible. (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1)
- If caught while driving with illegal drugs, then loss of driving privileges for no less than six months and up to two years is possible. (2C:35-16),
- If caught while driving and marijuana is found in the car, then mandatory loss of driving privileges for two years results. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-49.1)
- A term of community service (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-2b(5))
- An obligatory $75 Safe Neighborhoods Services assessment (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3.2)
- A compulsory $50 lab fee (2C:35-20)
- A compulsory $50 Victims of Crime Compensation Board penalty (2C:43-3.1a(2)(a))
- An obligatory $500 Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction penalty (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-15(e))
- A period of trial of up to five years (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-2b(2)
- Using or being under the influence of any drugs not for the purpose of treating a sickness or injury (as legally prescribed by a licensed physician) incurs a fine of up to $50. (N.J. Stat. Ann. §2C:35-10.)