Fair Lawn Police have arrested a Paterson man with having 45 grams of marijuana during a motor vehicle stop on Tuesday. Officer Chris O Shaughnessy stopped a car on Broadway shortly before 12pm. The police found the drugs inside a Tupperware container that was inside a backpack. Larry Urtarte a 20 year old Paterson man was arrested with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and failure to turn over a controlled dangerous substance to law enforcement. The passenger in the vehicle Wally Morales a 22 year old man from Paterson was also arrested for warrants out of Passaic County and Madison Township. He was taken to the Bergen County Jail on $15,000 bail.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 which is intent to distribute marijuana. Possession with the intent to distribute marijuana involves the act of manufacturing, possessing, and distributing the drug for sale. The degree of the charges vary depending on the amount that is intended to be sold. In this situation it was a crime of the 3rd degree since the amount was more than one ounce but less than five pounds. A person found guilty of a crime of the 3rd is looking at 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. Though a fine of $25,000 may be paid instead.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(4) which is possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Possession of marijuana under 50 grams is considered a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail.
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