According to Detective Captain Lawrence Martin of the Wayne Police Department, a Paterson man was pulled over in Wayne on Route 23 in front of the Hooters Restaurant. Upon approaching the vehicle, Officers Jonathon Donado and Pawel Jadczak allegedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Police searched the vehicle and allegedly found a zip-lock bag containing cocaine, eight bags of marijuana weighing more than 1.7 ounces, a digital scale, and a metal grinder. Joshua Santiago, 23, was arrested and charged with various drug offenses and traffic offenses and was later released. Click here to read more at www.dailyvoice.com.
Cocaine is a Schedule II narcotic, and Possession of Cocaine is a crime of the third degree. The penalties even for a third degree crime can be very serious. If you are found guilty of a crime of the Third Degree you face a term of incarceration between 3 and 5 years in New Jersey State Prison, and a fine of up to $35,000.00 may be imposed.
In New Jersey, penalties for Possession of marijuana can also be harsh. Possession of more than 50 grams or more of marijuana than five grams of hashish is a crime of the Fourth Degree. NOTE: a fine of up to $25,000 may be imposed for a conviction under this subsectionwhich provides: Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana or five grams or less of hashish is a disorderly person’s offense. 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.
If you find yourself in the situation that you are charged with Possession of Cocaine or Possession of Marijuana, you should contact an attorney immediately. Criminal Defense Lawyer, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced in representing countless clients on various drug offenses throughout New Jersey in towns like Wayne, Clifton, and Paterson. She is committed to ensuring you get 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.
