Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer in Mercer County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
Possession of a controlled substance in Mercer County 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 a strong defense for these charges in the Mercer Vicinage Superior Court. An experienced possession of a controlled substance lawyer Mercer County can challenge evidence and seek alternatives to incarceration.
New Jersey Law on Drug Possession
In New Jersey, the crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. The law makes it illegal to knowingly obtain, possess, or use a CDS without a valid prescription. The severity of the charge and its penalties depend heavily on the type and amount of the substance, as drugs are classified into five “schedules” by the state.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how prosecutors in Mercer County approach these cases. The specific schedule of the drug alleged is a key factor in your defense strategy.
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 local court procedures and forms, visit the Mercer Vicinage Superior Court website.
Handling a Possession Charge in Mercer County Court
In the Mercer Vicinage, possession cases are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. Prosecutors often seek standard penalties, but case specifics like the location of the arrest or your prior record can affect their approach. An affordable possession of a controlled substance lawyer Mercer County can identify weaknesses in the state’s case, such as the legality of the search that found the drugs.
If you are charged, here is the general process:
- You will be issued a complaint and summons or may be arrested.
- Your first appearance is an arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review discovery—the evidence against you.
- Pre-trial motions, such as to suppress illegally obtained evidence, are filed.
- Your case may proceed to a plea negotiation or a trial.
- If convicted, you will face sentencing based on the degree of the crime.
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession in NJ
In Mercer County, possession of a controlled substance carries penalties from disorderly persons offenses to indictable crimes with state prison time, depending on the drug type and amount.
| Offense (by Schedule/Type) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Marijuana (under 50g) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months jail | Up to $1,000 | Possible 6-24 month suspension | Drug education, community service |
| Possession of Schedule I-IV (e.g., cocaine, heroin, LSD) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years state prison | Up to $35,000 | Mandatory 6-24 month suspension | Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction (DEDR) penalty |
| Possession of Schedule V | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months prison | Up to $15,000 | Possible suspension | DEDR penalty |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Mercer County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on building a defense specific to the facts of your case in Mercer County. We look at police reports, lab analysis, and the circumstances of the stop to protect your rights.
Case Results and Client Focus
While we do not have publicly listed results for this specific charge in Mercer County, our firm-wide approach across New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and DC has secured favorable outcomes in thousands of criminal matters. We work to have charges reduced or dismissed where possible. A possession of a controlled substance lawyer near me Mercer County should be accessible and responsive, which is why we offer 24/7 phone support.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Service for Mercer County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Mercer County courts. We represent individuals from Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, Lawrence, West Windsor, East Windsor, Hopewell, Robbinsville, and Hightstown. For a possession of a controlled substance lawyer near me Mercer County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is possession of a controlled substance a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Possession of most controlled substances like cocaine or heroin is an indictable crime (New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony), typically a 3rd degree crime. Only possession of a small amount of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense (similar to a misdemeanor).
Can I get a conditional discharge for a first-time possession charge?
It depends. New Jersey’s conditional discharge program is generally available for first-time offenders charged with certain disorderly persons drug offenses. Eligibility depends on the specific substance, your criminal history, and the prosecutor’s agreement. An attorney can advise if you qualify.
What is the DEDR penalty?
The Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction (DEDR) penalty is a mandatory fine between $500 and $3,000 for most drug convictions, including possession. This is also to any other fines imposed by the court and goes toward drug abuse education programs.
Will I go to jail for simple possession?
Not always. For a first-time 3rd degree possession charge, the court may sentence you to probation, especially through programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). However, jail time is a possibility under the law, making strong legal representation critical.
Can the police search my car if they smell marijuana?
No. Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey, the odor of marijuana alone is no longer considered probable cause for a warrantless search of a vehicle. This is a significant change that a skilled attorney can use to challenge evidence.
For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby counties like Burlington County and Middlesex County. If you are facing other charges in Mercer County, consider our Mercer County DUI Lawyer or Mercer County Assault Lawyer services.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Mercer 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 Mercer County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage (7th Vicinage), 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, telephone (609) 571-4200, 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 Mercer 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: Mercer County NJ lawyers directory · Bergen County NJ Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer · Hudson County NJ Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer · Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer Monmouth County.