Criminal Defense Lawyers

Camden County Marijuana Distribution Charges

Marijuana Distribution Charges in Camden County, New Jersey

Marijuana laws in New Jersey have been changing a lot over the past few years. In 2020, voters approved a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana. But even though weed is now legal for adults 21 and over, there are still strict rules around selling and distributing marijuana in the state. Get caught breaking them, and you could face criminal charges.

This article will break down how marijuana distribution is handled in Camden County specifically. We’ll look at common charges for selling weed, potential defenses, and what kind of penalties you might face if convicted.

Marijuana Distribution Laws in New Jersey

Let’s start with an overview of the laws around marijuana distribution in NJ. Ever since recreational marijuana was legalized, it’s been legal for adults 21+ to possess up to 6 ounces of weed. But only licensed cannabis businesses are allowed to actually sell it.

So if you sell marijuana without a license in New Jersey, you’re breaking the law. This is considered “unlicensed distribution” and it comes with stiff penalties.

The specific criminal charges for illegal weed distribution depend on the amount:

• Distributing 1 ounce or less is a 4th degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Distributing 1 ounce to 5 pounds jumps up to a 3rd degree crime with up to 5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
• Distributing 5-25 pounds is a 2nd degree crime with up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine.
• More than 25 pounds is the most serious 1st degree crime with 10-20 years in prison and a $200,000 fine.

So you can see, the potential penalties get pretty steep. The amount of weed involved plays a huge role in determining the criminal charges.

Common Marijuana Distribution Charges in Camden County

Within Camden County, the most common weed trafficking charges tend to be for smaller amounts in the 1 ounce to 5 pound range.

For example, in 2021 a Pennsauken man was charged with 3rd degree distribution for allegedly having 2 pounds of marijuana inside his home.

Another case saw a Cherry Hill man hit with a 3rd degree charge for reportedly selling an undercover detective 1 pound of marijuana.

Most distribution cases in Camden County seem to fall into that 3rd degree category based on the amount of marijuana recovered. But we also occasionally see 2nd and 1st degree charges for larger busts:

• In 2020, a man from Winslow Township was charged with 1st degree distribution after police found 30 pounds of marijuana in his car during a traffic stop.
• In 2022, a 2nd degree charge was brought against two men accused of having 10 pounds of weed and materials for packaging it inside their Pennsauken apartment.

So while smaller distribution charges are more common, Camden County police do pursue those high-level felony cases when substantial amounts of marijuana are found.

Potential Defenses to Marijuana Distribution Charges

Fighting marijuana distribution charges in Camden County starts with examining potential defenses that could get the case dismissed or reduced. Here are some options that a criminal defense lawyer might explore:

Illegal search and seizure – If the police recovered the marijuana through an unconstitutional search, that evidence could get thrown out. This would apply if officers searched your car or home without consent or probable cause.

Entrapment – Undercover cops sometimes cross the line into entrapment with aggressive sales tactics. If they induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, that’s entrapment.

Misidentification – Sometimes the police arrest the wrong person by mistake. Without solid proof you’re the actual suspect, the case falls apart.

Lack of intent – To prove marijuana distribution, prosecutors must show you knowingly and intentionally sold weed. If intent can’t be proven, the charges could get dismissed.

An experienced criminal defense attorney will dig into the details of your case to figure out if any viable defenses can be raised.

Penalties if Convicted of Marijuana Distribution

If you end up taking a distribution case in Camden County to trial and lose, or agree to a plea deal, here’s a quick rundown of potential penalties beyond jail time:

• Fines – As mentioned already, fines up to $200,000 are possible depending on the degree of the conviction. Most defendants can’t afford huge fines, but judges do impose them.
• Probation – Many distribution sentences involve probation lasting 1-5 years following release from jail. This comes with strict conditions like random drug testing.
• License suspension – A criminal drug conviction leads to an automatic 6 month to 2 year driver’s license suspension in New Jersey.
• Forfeiture – Police can seize money, vehicles, or other assets tied to the marijuana distribution offense through civil forfeiture.
• Drug counseling – Courts often require convicted distributors to attend drug abuse counseling or treatment programs.
• Loss of student aid – A drug conviction can make you ineligible for certain college financial aid programs.
• Deportation – Non-citizens charged with marijuana trafficking may face immigration consequences like deportation.

As you can see, a marijuana distribution conviction carries many long-lasting consequences beyond potential jail or prison time. These penalties provide strong incentive to fight the charges.

Finding the Right Marijuana Distribution Lawyer

To wrap things up, getting experienced legal help is crucial if you’re facing marijuana trafficking charges in Camden County. Look for a criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles NJ drug cases and knows how to negotiate with local prosecutors.

Don’t take chances representing yourself against serious distribution felonies. A conviction can derail your entire future. With an aggressive defense lawyer on your side, you stand a much better chance of beating the case or minimizing penalties.