The possession of illegal drugs or unlawful possession of prescription drugs is a serious matter in the state of New Jersey. Under New Jersey law, these substances are referred to generally as Controlled Dangerous Substances, often shortened to “CDS” by law enforcement and other people who work in the criminal justice system. People who are caught violating laws related to the possession of CDS are subject to significant legal penalties, including the following:
- Probation
- Mandatory drug testing and supervision
- Community service
- Significant fines
- Jail time
It is important to keep in mind that the consequences of a drug possession case can go far beyond those imposed by the court. For example, if you are convicted of CDS possession, you will have a permanent record that is accessible to the general public. As a result, anyone who is curious about your past could potentially find out embarrassing details about your life. Additionally, many employers and landlords are hesitant to hire or rent to a person with a criminal record, so a drug possession conviction could make it much harder to get a job or rent an apartment. If these issues were not enough, a drug conviction could make you ineligible for federal student financial aid, potentially jeopardizing your ability to get an education.
Defenses to CDS Possession May Be Available
If you have been arrested for CDS possession in New Jersey, do not make the mistake of thinking that you do not have any options. In many cases, a conviction may be completely avoidable with the assistance of an experienced lawyer. An attorney may be able to identify constitutional violations that occurred when the police investigated your case, which could potentially result in your case being dropped. Even if there are no legal defenses available, the representation of an attorney may result in a conditional plea agreement that keeps a conviction from being entered on your record if you comply with terms set by the court for a certain period of time.
Call 856-795-9688 today for a free consultation.
If you have been accused of possession of a CDS in New Jersey, you could be subject to extremely serious legal consequences. New Jersey criminal defense lawyer Robert DePersia, II has been practicing law for over 25 years and is committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for each client he takes. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 856-795-9688 or send us an email through our online contact form.