Camden County Possession of CDS Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A possession of CDS charge in Camden County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, with penalties ranging from fines to years in prison depending on the substance and amount. A conviction can derail your future. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a focused defense for these charges. Our firm has extensive experience in Camden County courts. Contact us for a 24/7 consultation.
New Jersey Law on Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Possession
In New Jersey, “Controlled Dangerous Substances” (CDS) are drugs whose possession, manufacture, or distribution is regulated by law. The primary statute governing simple possession is N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This law makes it a crime to knowingly or purposely possess a CDS without a valid prescription. The severity of the charge is not one-size-fits-all; it depends heavily on the schedule of the drug and the quantity involved. For example, possession of heroin (a Schedule I drug) is treated more harshly than possession of certain prescription medications without a valid prescription. Understanding the specific statute you are charged under is the first critical step in building your defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Camden County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, you can review N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures and forms, visit the Camden County Vicinage website.
The Camden County Court Process for a Possession of CDS Charge
Your case will likely begin in the Camden County Municipal Court where your arrest occurred, but most indictable possession charges are transferred to the Camden County Superior Court. Prosecutors in these courts often face pressure to secure convictions, making early and strategic intervention vital. An experienced possession of CDS lawyer near me Camden County knows that pre-indictment negotiations can sometimes lead to favorable pre-trial interventions or downgrades.
- First Appearance/Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Phase: Your attorney will file motions, review discovery, and engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): For eligible first-time offenders, your lawyer may apply for PTI, a program that can result in dismissal of charges upon completion.
- Trial or Disposition: If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench or jury trial in Superior Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines and mitigating factors presented by your defense.
Potential Penalties for Possession of CDS in New Jersey
In Camden County, possession of CDS carries a wide range of penalties, from disorderly persons offenses for small amounts of marijuana to indictable crimes with years of imprisonment for other substances.
| Offense (Example) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Marijuana (under 50g) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Drug education, community service |
| Possession of Heroin/Cocaine (any amount) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $35,000 | Suspension for 6-24 months | Mandatory DEDR penalty, probation |
| Possession with Intent to Distribute | 2nd or 1st Degree Crime | 5-20 years | Up to $500,000 | Mandatory suspension | Parole ineligibility, extended probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Camden County Drug Cases
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a long-term perspective to criminal defense in New Jersey. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands the tactics used by the state. We have handled numerous drug possession cases in Camden County, from municipal court hearings to Superior Court trials. Our approach is to scrutinize every detail of the state’s case, from the initial traffic stop or search warrant to the laboratory analysis of the alleged substance. We fight to protect your rights and your future.
Case Results for Drug Possession Charges
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing drug charges. In Camden County and across our service areas, we have secured dismissals, reductions to non-criminal offenses, and successful entries into diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). For instance, we have represented clients where the evidence was suppressed due to an unlawful search, skilled to the entire case being dismissed. In other cases, negotiation resulted in a possession charge being downgraded to a local ordinance violation, avoiding a criminal record.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Camden County Residents
Our firm is positioned to defend clients throughout Camden County. We serve individuals in Camden City, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Gloucester Township, and surrounding communities. Facing a possession charge can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. An affordable possession of cds lawyer Camden County from our team can provide the guidance you need.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
188 Fries Mill Rd UNIT I-8
Turnersville, NJ 08012
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Camden County CDS Possession)
What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and a crime for drug possession in NJ?
It depends on the drug and amount. Possession of under 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense (like a misdemeanor), handled in municipal court. Possession of most other CDS, like heroin or cocaine, is an indictable crime (like a felony), prosecuted in Superior Court with much more severe penalties.
Can I get a possession charge expunged from my record in New Jersey?
Yes, in many cases. New Jersey law allows for the expungement of many drug possession convictions after a waiting period (typically 5 years for indictable crimes, 3 years for disorderly persons offenses). Successful completion of PTI also leads to automatic dismissal and eligibility for expungement. An attorney can advise on your specific eligibility.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for a drug charge?
PTI is a diversion program for first-time offenders charged with certain indictable crimes. If accepted, you complete a period of supervision, community service, and often counseling. Upon successful completion, the criminal charges are dismissed. A possession of CDS lawyer Camden County can assess your eligibility and advocate for your admission into the program.
The police found drugs in my car, but they weren’t mine. Can I still be charged?
Yes. Under New Jersey’s “constructive possession” doctrine, you can be charged if the prosecution can prove you knew of the drugs’ presence and had the intention to control them. A strong defense often focuses on challenging the evidence of your knowledge and control, which the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Should I just plead guilty to a possession charge to get it over with?
No. Pleading guilty has immediate and long-term consequences, including a permanent criminal record, jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. You should always consult with an attorney first. There may be defenses or alternative resolutions like PTI that are not available after a guilty plea.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges related to your case, you may need information on Criminal Defense in New Jersey. For charges involving driving, see our page on New Jersey DUI/DWI Defense. To understand the full scope of our practice, visit our New Jersey Legal Services hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (609)-983-0003 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Your case in Camden County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Camden County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103, telephone (856) 379-2200, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Camden County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Camden County NJ lawyers directory · Possession of Cds Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Possession of Cds Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Possession of Cds Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.