Xanax Possession Attorneys in Bloomfield NJ
It is illegal under N.J.S. 2C:35-10.5 of the New Jersey Criminal Code to possess a “prescription legend drug” unless it is lawfully prescribed by a physician. A prescription legend drug is any substance that is required by state or federal law to be dispensed in accordance with a prescription issued by a licensed physician. What this means is that if you are in possession of a prescription drug other than through a validly issued prescription, it is illegal. The extent of the penalties you will face for illegally possessing prescription drugs hinges on the number of pills or dosage units involved. In the vast majority of possession cases, namely, any time more than four (4) units are involved, it is a felony criminal offense. Contacting a skilled defense lawyer is definitely something you should undertake as soon as possible if you have been arrested or charged with illegally possessing prescription pain medication or another pharmaceutical. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall in Newark, we offer free initial consultations and most of our attorneys are highly experienced former prosecutors. Give us a call now at 973-710-1520 for immediate assistance.
Montclair NJ Percocet Possession Defense Lawyers
Penalties If You Are Convicted of Illegally Possessing Pharmaceutical Drugs
As previously stated, the penalties you face if you are convicted of possession without a valid prescription depends on the amount of the prescription legend drugs you possessed. In accordance with N.J.S. 2C:35-10.5, if you possess four (4) or less pills or doses of a medication that were not lawfully prescribed, it is a disorderly persons offense. While this grade of offense is the equivalent of a misdemeanor, a conviction will result in a record that cannot be expunged for a minimum of five (5) years, fines, and a term of imprisonment for up to six (6) months in the county jail. For any quantity greater than four (4) units, it is a fourth degree crime to possess prescription legend drugs without a valid prescription. All fourth degree crimes or higher (e.g. 3rd, 2nd or 1st degree) are heard in Newark although an initial arraignment may be heard in the municipal court where the arrest took place. A fourth degree crime is a felony that carries a state prison term of up to eighteen (18) months and a fine that can reach $10,000. When an individual is convicted of either of the aforesaid grades of prescription drug possession under N.J.S. 2C:35-10.5, they must also pay a Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction (“DEDR”) penalty and are subject to a mandatory drivers license suspension of six (6) to twenty-four (24) months.
South Orange NJ Possession of Prescription Drugs Lawyers
As previously stated, most possession cases are handled at the Superior Court, Newark NJ, because they involve indictable offenses. This is always the situation when the charge involves distribution of prescription drugs. Our office is located just down the road from the court in Gateway Center and a Newark Prescription Drug Defense Attorney is available any time of day or night to address your needs. Let one of our former prosecutors, perhaps one that formerly served in Essex County, assist you in a free consultation by calling 973-710-1520.
The Law Offices of Marshall, Bonus, Proetta & Oliver One Gateway Center, Suite 2600, Newark NJ, represents individuals arrested in Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Livingston, Montclair, Millburn, Nutley, Verona, and Roseland, for illegal possession of prescription legend drugs.