According to authorities, 35 year-old Crystal Iacouzzi, a Teacher’s Aid at The Learning Experience school on Papermill Road in Whippany was arrested last week and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of ecstasy and three counts of child endangerment. Authorities allege that students at the child care center got into her purse and found ecstasy and marijuana. The children did not consume any of the drugs and no one was hurt in the incident. Iacouzzi was fired from the child care center. Click here to read more at www.nj.com.
In New Jersey, Possession of Marijuana is still illegal. The crime is considered a crime of the Fourth Degree is punishable by a period of incarceration of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison. There are also mandatory financial penalties associated with a Fourth Degree drug conviction, including a $750 Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction (DEDR) penalty and a $50 laboratory fee.
Endangering the Welfare of a Child provides that: a. Any person having a legal duty for the care of a child or who has assumed responsibility for the care of a child who engages in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child, or who causes the child harm that would make the child an abused or neglected child is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any other person who engages in conduct or who causes harm (as described in the statute) to a child under the age of 16 is guilty of a crime of the third degree which is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
If you find yourself in the situation that you are charged with possession of marijuana or endangering the welfare of a child, you should contact an attorney immediately. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is an aggressive criminal defense attorney who will fight to ensure your rights are protected in court and that you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
