Lawyers for Drug Paraphernalia in Long Beach Island

Possessing illegal drugs or controlled dangerous substances is prohibited in New Jersey.  Aside from drug charges, many people may find themselves facing criminal charges for possession of drug paraphernalia. “Drug paraphernalia” can include virtually any item used in combination with drugs or other substances and many times drug paraphernalia and drug possession will charged simultaneously. Do not make the mistake of underestimating a drug paraphernalia charge, as this crime can leave a damaging stain on your life in the form of a criminal record. Instead of appearing in municipal court alone, call the criminal defense lawyers of Villani & Deluca, who have a history of defending clients across Monmouth and Ocean County for the past 20 years. Our lawyers can offer you advice and help you seek alternative options such as pre-trial Intervention and conditional discharges.

What is considered drug Paraphernalia in New Jersey?

N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2 provides that possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use is illegal in New Jersey and defines drug paraphernalia as anything used to:

You can also be arrested if you found with straws, spoons, glass pipes, needles, pipe, or other household items that can be used for the ingestion of drugs.

When do you need a lawyer for a drug paraphernalia charge?

Whenever you are facing a charge for possession of drug paraphernalia, seeking legal representation is always recommended.  In New Jersey, possession of drug paraphernalia is a disorderly persons offenses which usually carries a $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. For this crime, the penalties that come with a conviction also include hours of community service, assessments to Drug Enforcement, laboratory analysis, and possible driver's license suspension. It should not be forgotten that this offense can often be charged in conjunction with other drug offenses, making this situation much more serious. For example while vacationing in Ship Bottom, a young person might be in possession of a pipe commonly used to smoke marijuana. During a run-in with law enforcement for something unrelated, if this pipe is revealed and has any residue or actual marijuana in it, the young person could be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and also drug possession. By making the mistake of taking this matter lightly and pleading guilty, not only will the young adult have to face penalties for the possession of paraphernalia, but he will now have a criminal record. What this means is that future employers may see this on his record for years to come. For individuals who are still students, a criminal record may affect their ability to receive financial aid.

Call the Criminal Defense Lawyers of Villani & Deluca Today

Across Long Beach Island in Surf City, Beach Haven, Barnegat Light, Ship Bottom, Harvey Cedars or Holgate, our criminal defense lawyers can assist you in your drug paraphernalia case. In order to be convicted of this crime, the State must not only prove possession but also intent.  However, intent can be inferred quite easily by law enforcement in cases where the drug paraphernalia contained residue or was being used during the stop. Even in the worst drug paraphernalia cases, there are still options and alternatives one of our attorneys may help you pursue. In New Jersey, there are diversionary programs for first-time drug offenders without any prior criminal charges. These programs consist of pre-trial intervention for more serious offenses, and conditional discharges which are geared towards minor drug offenses. If eligible for one of these programs, the defendant will typically have to meet certain conditions or obligations such as random drug testing, and he or she must remain free of any other drug offenses during their time in the program.

Call us today at 732-782-9833 to discuss your drug paraphernalia charge in Long Beach Island. Our firm is conveniently located in nearby Point Pleasant Beach and the first consultation is FREE.