Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ
In Bergen County, possession of a controlled substance is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, with penalties ranging from probation to years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for these charges. If you need a possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County, contact us for a 24/7 consultation.
New Jersey Drug Possession Laws
New Jersey law categorizes controlled dangerous substances (CDS) into five schedules, with Schedule I drugs considered the most dangerous with no accepted medical use. The severity of a possession charge depends on the type, amount, and location of the substance. Simple possession is distinct from possession with intent to distribute, which carries far harsher penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and forms, visit the Bergen Vicinage website.
Defending a Possession Charge in Bergen County
Prosecutors in the Bergen County Superior Court handle a high volume of drug cases. An early, strategic defense is critical. The key local procedural fact is that many cases originate from traffic stops on major highways like I-80 or the NJ Turnpike, where law enforcement may allege evidence was in plain view. Challenging the legality of the stop and subsequent search is often a primary defense strategy.
- Initial Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea (not guilty is standard at this stage).
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your attorney and the prosecutor may discuss potential plea agreements or case resolutions.
- Motion Practice: Your lawyer may file motions to challenge evidence or seek dismissal of charges.
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): For eligible first-time offenders, your attorney can apply for this diversion program to avoid a conviction.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to trial before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines and mitigating factors.
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession
In Bergen County, possession of a controlled substance carries penalties based on the drug schedule and amount, including incarceration, fines, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Marijuana (under 50g) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Drug education, community service |
| Possession of Schedule I/II Narcotics (e.g., heroin, cocaine) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $35,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Mandatory minimum parole ineligibility possible |
| Possession of Schedule III/IV/V Drugs (e.g., steroids, prescription pills) | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $15,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Possible mandatory treatment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Background in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined attorney experience exceeding 120 years, our firm has handled thousands of criminal cases. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of both prosecution tactics and defense strategies. We are committed to providing “Advocacy Without Borders” for every client.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results in Bergen County are not publicly verifiable for this topic, our firm has a documented history of favorable outcomes in drug possession cases across our service areas. We work to have charges dismissed, reduced, or to secure alternatives to incarceration such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer Near Me Bergen County
If you are searching for a possession of a controlled substance lawyer near me Bergen County, our firm is accessible. Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. The area is served by major highways including I-80, the NJ Turnpike, Route 17, and Route 4.
24/7 Phone Consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 200-6648
Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m arrested for drug possession in Bergen County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Can I get a drug possession charge dismissed in New Jersey?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if your attorney successfully challenges the legality of the search or seizure, if there are issues with the evidence, or if you qualify for a diversion program like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). An experienced lawyer will evaluate all avenues for dismissal.
What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and a crime for drug possession?
A disorderly persons offense (like possession of under 50g of marijuana) is handled in Municipal Court with a maximum 6-month jail sentence. A crime (3rd or 4th degree) is indictable and handled in Superior Court, carrying potential state prison time and higher fines.
Will I lose my driver’s license for a drug possession conviction?
Yes. A conviction for possession of a controlled substance under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 carries a mandatory driver’s license suspension of at least 6 months and up to 24 months, regardless of whether a vehicle was involved.
Is an affordable possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County available?
Yes. Our firm offers flexible consultation options and discusses fee structures transparently. We believe in providing accessible legal defense. Contact us to discuss your situation and the options available for an affordable possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)?
PTI is a diversion program for eligible first-time offenders. If you complete the program’s requirements (like community service and counseling), the criminal charges against you are dismissed. A skilled attorney can advocate for your admission into PTI.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub page. You may also find our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in Bergen County and Bergen County DUI Defense useful.
Page last verified and updated: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Your case in Bergen 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 Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Hudson County NJ Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer · Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer Monmouth County.