Union County NJ Marijuana Lawyer

Union County, New Jersey man will lose his school board seat base 40 year old drug conviction

Anthony N. Palumbo — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:39:12 +0000

Rasheed Abdul-Haqq is being forced off the Plainfield Board of Education under a new state la, that prohibits people convicted of certain crimes from serving on school boards. Abdul-Haqq, who turned his life around after being convicted for heroin possession in 1968, believes that the law goes too far and penalizes people whose past criminal convictions have little to do with their present lives. Although Abdul-Haqq could continue to serve on the school board if his conviction was expunged, he doesn’t quality for expungement under New Jersey law because he has more than two disorderly persons offenses on his record, including convictions for damage to property, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct in Union County. Those offenses, however, like his drug crime, all occurred at least 30 years ago.

Abdul-Haqq’s situation has drawn attention to the unintended consequences of the law, which disqualifies school board members regardless of how old their convictions are. He has contacted the American Civil Liberties Union regarding his case, and the state school boards association has already called for the Legislature to adjust the law to prevent unintended consequences.

The school board disqualification law, like Megan’s Law, imposes long-term consequences on convicted offenders. It covers a much of offenses, however, including:

• any first or second degree crime

• sex offenses

• child endangerment; child abuse, abandonment or neglect; and luring or enticing a child into a motor vehicle, structure

or isolated area

• resisting arrest, eluding an officer, and escape

• drug offenses (including possession of paraphernalia)

any crime involving the use of force or the threat of force, such as robbery, aggravated assault, stalking, kidnapping,

arson, false imprisonment, manslaughter, and murder

• weapons offenses

• burglary and third degree theft offenses

• criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and causing or risking widespread injury or damage

• terroristic threats

• usury

• threats and other improper influence

• perjury and false swearing

• hate crimes

• any fourth degree crime involving a child victim, and

• conspiracy to commit or an attempt to convict any of the above.

If you’ve been charged with any of these crimes in New Jersey, I urge you to contact a skilled New Jersey defense attorney immediately. The best way to avoid consequences like permanent disqualification from serving on local school boards is to defeat the original charge, and the earlier you contact a defense lawyer, the easier it will be to prevent incriminating evidence from building up against you.

If you need assistance in defending yourself against criminal charges, contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer through the email form on my website, or call me at 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation. As an accomplished member of the legal community, a former prosecutor and a current criminal defense attorney, I can give you an honest assessment of the penalties you face and the best possible avenues of relief. Together, we can discuss the legal issues you face and the long-term consequences, and if you decide to retain my services, I will do everything in my power to protect your freedom and reputation.

Teenagers in Montclair arrested on marijuana charges

Anthony N. Palumbo — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:58:58 +0000

Two 16 year old boys were recently arrested in Montclair after getting caught rolling a blunt, according to a report from NorthJersey.com. The boys were charged with possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and were later turned over to their guardians.

Simple possession is often coupled with charges for the possession of marijuana paraphernalia, as in this case. Paraphernalia can include items such as rolling papers, pipes, scales, and plastic baggies. The possession of drug paraphernalia is another disorderly persons offense and can be punished by up to 6 months imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a marijuana crime in Essex County or anywhere else in New Jersey, contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney, through the email form on my website or by calling 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation. As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney with more than 35 years of experience, I know how to fight drug charges and I can give you an honest assessment of the penalties you face and the best possible avenues of relief. My experiences on every side of the law have made me successful in representing clients throughout New Jersey, and even if you decide not to retain my services, the consultation is entirely confidential, so you can get answers to all of your questions about New Jersey marijuana crimes.

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Court upholds sentence for defendant busted with marijuana and crack in Ocean County

Anthony N. Palumbo — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:48:24 +0000

The New Jersey Appellate Division held recently in State v. Waters that a defendant was not denied effective assistance of counsel regarding his guilty plea and conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school in Lakewood Township. As a result, the court affirmed his sentence to 7 years imprisonment with a 39 month period of parole ineligibility.

The case arose when a police officer approached defendant’s car because it was stopped in the middle of the road in an area known for gang activity. The detective observed that defendant and his front seat passenger had open beer containers and that there was a clear plastic bag in the pouch on the back the passenger seat. Upon searching the vehicle, the detective uncovered 25 baggies of marijuana and a bag of crack cocaine. Defendant was indicted on eight counts of drug charges, and although he moved to suppress the evidence, he eventually entered a negotiated guilty plea on two counts of possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school. In return, defendant agreed to withdraw his motion to suppress and the remaining counts were dismissed.

Defendant then filed a motion for post-conviction relief claiming that his attorney rendered ineffective assistance by failing to pursue his motion to suppress the evidence of drugs found during the vehicle search. The court denied this motion, however, explaining that defendant’s attorney acted appropriately in recommending the plea deal because defendant would have faced a much lengthier sentence if convicted and because he would have faced a considerable risk of his suppression motion being denied. A reasonable jury, the court noted, could have found that defendant knew of and was in constructive possession of the marijuana and cocaine, and the vehicle search was most likely permissible under the warrantless search rules in place at the time of the incident.

Getting the Defense You Deserve

Deciding whether to go to trial or accept a plea deal can be difficult if you’re facing drug charges such as possession of marijuana or possession with intent to distribute, especially if you might have defenses available to you at trial. One thing is certain though: you should never make the decision before consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney. I am Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney, and as a former prosecutor and a current criminal defense attorney with more than 35 years of experience, I can help you understand the charges and possible defenses in your case and give you the best advice for getting the lightest punishment possible. To receive a free and confidential consultation from a seasoned criminal defense attorney, contact me today through the email form on my website or call me at 1-866-664-8118.

More information about Marijuana Offenses on my website:

Two men charged with marijuana possession after narcotics investigation in Ocean County

Anthony N. Palumbo — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:18:15 +0000

Jackson Online reports that a narcotics investigation ended in late October with the arrest of two men for possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute, and possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone. One of the men received additional charges for the possession of other controlled dangerous substances, and the second man was later charged with burglary and theft when the police found stolen items in his apartment.

The penalties for marijuana possession vary based on the amount of marijuana concerned:

less than 50 grams is a disorderly persons offense and carries a penalty of up to 6 months in prison;
more than 50 grams but less than one ounce is a fourth degree crime and carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison;
more than one ounce but less than 5 pounds is a third degree crime and carries a penalty of 3 to 5 years in prison;
more than 5 pounds but less than 25 pounds, or between 10 and 49 plants, is a second degree crime and carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison; and
more than 25 pounds, or 50 or more plants, is a
first degree crime and carries a penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison.

The penalties are similarly increased based on the amount involved for marijuana possession with an intent to distribute. Sentences can range from 18 months for less than an ounce to between 10 and 20 years for 25 pounds or more.

Possession of marijuana with an intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone is a separate third degree crime that carries a mandatory prison sentence in most cases as well as a fine of up to $150,000. It’s no defense to such charges that the offender didn’t know he was within 1,000 feet of a school zone.

Drug possession and distribution charges are some of the most common criminal charges in New Jersey, but even if you were caught red-handed, a skilled criminal defense attorney can get your charges reduced or dismissed by challenging the admissibility of evidence, raising constitutional arguments, or working to create holes in the prosecution’s case. If you need assistance in defending yourself against marijuana charges in New Jersey, contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney, through the email form on my website or at 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation.

For more information on marijuana offenses, visit my website, where I have articles on:

Woman arrested for trying to smuggle marijuana to an inmate at the Monmouth County jail

Anthony N. Palumbo — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:11:49 +0000

An Asbury Park woman was charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession with an intent to distribute after trying to smuggle the drugs into the county prison, the Asbury Park Press reports. The woman allegedly attempted to transfer the marijuana to an inmate by hiding it in a cell phone that was wrapped in duct tape.

The possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense, and a conviction carries penalties of up to 6 months in prison and $1,000 in fines. Possession with the intent to distribute less than an ounce of marijuana is a fourth degree crime and is punishable by up to 18 months in prison.

A skilled New Jersey marijuana defense lawyer can help in drug possession cases such as this one. If you need assistance in defending yourself against marijuana charges in Monmouth County or anywhere else in New Jersey, contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney, through the email form on my website or at 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation. I’ve been defending individuals against marijuana and other drug related charges in New Jersey for almost four decades. As an accomplished member of the legal community, a former prosecutor, and a current public defender and criminal defense attorney, I can give you an honest assessment of the penalties you face and the best possible avenues of relief.

For more information on marijuana offenses, visit my website, where I have articles on:

Marijuana growing operation found in Monmouth County apartment

Anthony N. Palumbo — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:14:46 +0000

Police discovered 25 marijuana plants and an elaborate growing system in an Ocean Township apartment, Asbury Park Press reported this month. The discovery was made when police officers responded to a 911 hang-up made from the premises, but no one answered their knocks at the door. Believing that someone inside might be in need of assistance, they asked the building manager to let them into the apartment, and once inside they found the marijuana plants in the bedroom. The apartment’s occupant arrived shortly thereafter and was charged with operating a controlled dangerous substance facility, manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance, possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.

A person found growing at least 10 plants or 5 or more pounds of marijuana can be charged with maintaining or operating a marijuana production facility, which is a first degree crime that carries penalties of 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000 or five times the street value of the seized marijuana, whichever is greater. A grower can be separately charged with manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance, which is a second degree crime when, as in this case, the amount at issue is between 5 and 25 pounds, or between 10 and 50 plants. A conviction for second degree marijuana manufacturing is punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison.

Charges for growing marijuana are often accompanied by less serious drug charges, as in this case, where the apartment occupant was also cited for possession of paraphernalia. The penalties for possession depend on the amount; less than 50 grams is a disorderly persons offense subject to up to 6 months in prison, while more than 50 grams is a fourth degree crime subject to up to 18 months imprisonment. Possession of marijuana paraphernalia is a disorderly persons offense and carries penalties of up to 6 months in prison.

A skilled defense lawyer can help in drug possession cases such as this one by challenging the collection of evidence, asserting your constitutional rights, or working to create holes in the prosecution’s case. If you need assistance in defending yourself against marijuana charges in Monmouth County or anywhere else in New Jersey, contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney at 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation. I’ve been defending individuals against marijuana and other drug related charges in New Jersey for almost four decades. As an accomplished member of the legal community, a former prosecutor, and a current public defender and criminal defense attorney, I can give you an honest assessment of the penalties you face and the best possible avenues of relief.

Monmouth County woman indicted on drug charges after allegedly selling marijuana and oxycodone to undercover detectives

Anthony N. Palumbo — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:54:54 +0000

A 19 year old woman from Aberdeen was indicted by a Monmouth County Grand Jury on two counts of drug possession with an intent to distribute, two counts of distribution, and one count of possession. According to the police, the woman attempted to sell marijuana and oxycodone to undercover detectives on two separate occasions and was later arrested with more than an ounce of oxycodone on her.

The woman’s marijuana charges consist of one count of possession with the intent to distribute and one count of distribution, both of which are fourth degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment. The charges for oxycodone, which include one count of distribution, one count of intent to distribute, and one count of possession, are all third degree criminal offenses carrying penalties of 3 to 5 years in prison.

Drug possession and distribution charges are some of the most common criminal charges in New Jersey. If you’ve been arrested for marijuana or other drug charges, the most important thing you can do is to consult with a skilled New Jersey criminal defense lawyer. Even if you were caught red-handed, a skilled attorney can get your charges reduced or dismissed by challenging the collection of evidence, asserting your constitutional rights, or working to create holes in the prosecution’s case.

If you need assistance in defending yourself against prescription drug charges or marijuana charges, contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, through the email form on my website or at 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation. I’ve been defending individuals against marijuana and other drug charges in New Jersey for almost four decades. As an accomplished member of the legal community, a former prosecutor, and a current public defender and criminal defense attorney, I can give you an honest assessment of the penalties you face and the best possible avenues of relief.

For more information on marijuana and other drug offenses, visit my website, where I have articles on:

Marijuana dealer nabbed in Essex County, charged with various offenses

Anthony N. Palumbo — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:38:49 +0000

Two Maplewood police officers recently arrested a Newark man suspected to be dealing marijuana, but only after he attempted to flee on foot and then fought with the officers. He was charged with marijuana possession and failure to turn in a controlled dangerous substance after the officers found several bags of marijuana on him, and he was also charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and hindering apprehension.

The possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense and a conviction carries penalties of up to 6 months in prison and $1,000 in fines. The charge is upgraded to a fourth degree offense for amounts over 50 grams but less than an ounce, which increases the possible penalties to up to 18 months in prison and $25,000 in fines.

People charged with marijuana possession often face other criminal charges, as in this case, where the suspect was also arrested for assault and resisting arrest. It’s more common, however, for marijuana possession charges to be accompanied by other drug charges, such as possession of paraphernalia or, as also demonstrated in this case, failing to voluntarily deliver the substance to the nearest law enforcement officer. Like minor marijuana possession, refusing to turn in a controlled dangerous substance is a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.

If you’ve been charged with marijuana possession in Essex County, the most important thing you can do to avoid a conviction or minimize your penalties is to consult with an experienced New Jersey Marijuana Offenses Lawyer. Even if you were caught red-handed, a skilled drug crimes defense attorney can get your charges reduced or dismissed by challenging the collection of evidence, asserting your constitutional rights, or working to create holes in the prosecution’s case.

If you need assistance in defending yourself against marijuana possession or any other criminal charges, you can contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, a New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney, through the email form on my website or at 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation. I’ve been successfully representing clients charged with drug possession in New Jersey for over 35 years, and I can give you an honest assessment of the penalties you face and the best possible avenues of relief.

Manalapan High School students caught smoking pot, charged with minor marijuana offenses

Anthony N. Palumbo — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:51:41 +0000

Manalapan Patch reports that two high school students were arrested for smoking marijuana on school property in October. The students were caught by school security officers and then turned over to the local police, who charged them with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia for using a pipe.

As in this case, simple possession is often coupled with charges for possessing drug paraphernalia, which can include items such as rolling papers, pipes, and baggies. Possession of marijuana paraphernalia is also a disorderly persons offense, subject to up to 6 months imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines.

A skilled New Jersey marijuana defense lawyer can help in drug possession cases such as this one. Even if you were caught red-handed, an experienced attorney can get your charges reduced or dismissed by negotiating a plea deal, asserting your constitutional rights, or working to create holes in the prosecution’s case. If you need assistance in defending yourself or your child against marijuana charges in Monmouth County or anywhere else in New Jersey, contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney, through the email form on my website or at 1-866-664-8118 for a free and confidential consultation. As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney, I know how to fight drug charges and I can give you an honest assessment of the penalties you face and the best possible avenues of relief.

Teen charged with DUI and marijuana offenses after hitting police car at Holmdel checkpoint

Anthony N. Palumbo — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:04:43 +0000

After crashing into a police car at a DWI checkpoint in Holmdel, an 18 year old driver from Monmouth County was charged with several offenses, including driving while intoxicated, marijuana possession and possession of paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. He was also charged with a provisional license violation for driving after hours, reckless driving, and several other moving violations, according to a report from Holmdel Patch.

The possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense, and a conviction carries penalties of up to 6 months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. The offense includes possession of even trace amounts of marijuana, so a person can be convicted for having no more than a seed, stems, or even a pipe with small amounts of resin in it. As in this case, simple possession is often coupled with charges for possessing drug paraphernalia, which can include items such as rolling papers, pipes, or scales, and when the offense involves the operation of a motor vehicle, charges for driving under the influence and possession of drugs in a car are also common.

For more information on marijuana offenses, visit my website, where I have articles on:

Teen charged with DUI and marijuana offenses after hitting police car at Holmdel checkpoint