NJ Ambien Possession Lawyer

Getting charged with illegal possession of Ambien or other prescription drugs in New Jersey can lead to serious criminal penalties. But with the help of an experienced drug crimes attorney, you may be able to get the charges reduced or even dismissed. In this article, we’ll cover key topics like:

• Ambien possession charges and penalties
• Defenses against prescription drug charges
• Finding the right lawyer for your case

Let’s take a closer look at how an NJ Ambien possession lawyer can help fight the charges and protect your rights.

Ambien Possession Charges in New Jersey

Ambien is a commonly prescribed sleep medication containing the active ingredient zolpidem. While safe when used as directed, Ambien has become one of the most abused prescription drugs due to its sedative and hypnotic effects. In New Jersey, illegal possession of Ambien is charged under criminal statute 2C:35-10.5. This law makes it a crime to possess:

• Any prescription drug that is not your own
• Your own prescription drug, but in an amount exceeding the prescribed dosage

Penalties for illegally possessing Ambien depend on the amount involved:

• Less than 1 ounce is a disorderly persons offense
• 1 ounce to 5 ounces is a 4th degree crime
• More than 5 ounces is a 3rd degree crime

Disorderly persons charges can lead to up to 6 months in jail. 4th degree charges carry penalties of up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines. And 3rd degree charges can result in 3-5 years in state prison. These penalties apply even if you have a valid prescription but possess more Ambien than prescribed. The law prohibits exceeding your allotted dosage.

Fighting Ambien Possession Charges

Given the harsh penalties, it's critical to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting Ambien possession allegations in New Jersey. Possible defenses include:

• Lack of knowledge - Argue you didn't knowingly possess the drug
• No intent to possess - Claim you never intended to exercise control over the substance
• Prescription defense - Provide proof of a valid prescription and medical need
• Misidentification - Challenge whether the seized pills actually contained Ambien

An attorney may also negotiate with prosecutors to get the charges downgraded or dismissed. Often they can leverage weaknesses in the evidence or mitigating factors about your background to avoid a conviction. In addition, New Jersey has a “Good Samaritan” law that prevents prosecution for drug possession if you seek medical assistance in good faith for yourself or someone else experiencing a drug overdose.

Finding the Right Prescription Drug Lawyer in NJ

Don't leave your fate to chance with an overworked public defender. Hire an experienced prescription drug crimes attorney to defend your rights. When researching lawyers, some key credentials to look for include:

• 10+ years handling drug possession cases in New Jersey
• Past experience as a local prosecutor
• High success rate getting charges reduced or dismissed
• Strong relationships with judges and prosecutors

Also, choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with. Prescription drug charges involve sensitive medical issues, so it's important to have an attorney you trust. During a free case evaluation, a top lawyer will review the evidence against you, discuss possible defenses, and provide an honest assessment of your options. If they believe the case can be won at trial or a plea bargain negotiated, they'll fight aggressively on your behalf.

Take Action to Protect Your Future

Illegal possession of prescription drugs like Ambien can carry substantial penalties under New Jersey law. But an experienced criminal defense lawyer can often get the charges against you reduced or thrown out. Don't leave anything to chance. The consequences of a conviction can haunt you for years. Take action now by consulting with a tough prescription drug crimes attorney to start building your defense. With an aggressive lawyer on your side, you can overcome these charges and move on with your life. Don't wait - call today for a free case evaluation.

References

Justia. (2013). New Jersey Statutes 2C:35-10.5. Possession of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate; Penalties. Nolo. (n.d.). New Jersey Drug Possession Laws. Retrieved from Nolo.com. HG Legal Resources. (n.d.). Laws in New Jersey Regarding Possession of Prescription Drugs. Retrieved from HG.org. TAPinto. (2016). What You Need to Know About NJ's Good Samaritan Law. Retrieved from TAPinto.net.