Simple Possession Lawyer Camden County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Simple possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in Camden County is a disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, carrying up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense, challenging the legality of the stop, search, and evidence.
New Jersey Law on Drug Possession
In New Jersey, drug possession is governed by the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, specifically N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. The law prohibits the knowing or purposeful possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) unless it was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription. The severity of the charge depends on the type and amount of the substance. For many common drugs like marijuana (now regulated under separate cannabis laws), cocaine, heroin, or prescription pills without a prescription, simple possession is typically charged as a disorderly persons offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures and forms, visit the Camden Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Simple Possession Charge in Camden County
Your case for a disorderly persons offense like simple possession will begin in the Camden County Municipal Court where the arrest occurred. New Jersey’s bail reform means your release will be based on a Public Safety Assessment, not a cash payment. A key local strategy involves pursuing a conditional discharge for eligible first-time offenders, which can lead to dismissal after probation. In Camden Vicinage, prosecutors may offer PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention) for some indictable possession charges, which is handled in Superior Court.
- Receive a complaint-summons with your court date and municipal court location.
- Consult with a drug possession defense lawyer Camden County before your first appearance to discuss eligibility for diversion programs.
- Attend your first appearance (arraignment) to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Your attorney will file pre-trial motions, if applicable, and negotiate with the municipal prosecutor.
- Proceed to trial if no satisfactory plea or diversion agreement is reached.
- If convicted, file an appeal for a trial de novo in the Camden County Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Simple Possession in Camden County
In Camden County, a simple possession conviction as a disorderly persons offense can result in up to 6 months in the county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, a mandatory 6-month driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession of CDS (e.g., cocaine, heroin) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6-month suspension | Permanent criminal record, drug offender fines, possible probation. |
| Simple Possession of Marijuana (over 6 oz) | Indictable Crime (4th Degree) | Up to 18 months | Up to $25,000 | Discretionary suspension | Felony-level record, significant fines. |
| Possession of Drug Paraphernalia | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Camden County Drug Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the specific procedures of Camden County Municipal Court and the Superior Court, including the nuances of New Jersey’s conditional discharge and PTI programs. Our approach is direct and focused on achieving a favorable resolution, whether through dismissal, diversion, or a favorable plea.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide practice has documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results include dismissals, reductions, and successful completions of diversion programs like conditional discharge for drug possession charges. Every case is unique, and we tailor our defense to the specific facts and circumstances you face.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Simple Possession Lawyer Near Camden County
Our New Jersey location represents clients in Camden County courts. We serve communities across the county including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, and Collingswood. We are accessible via major routes like I-76, Route 70, and the PATCO Speedline.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is simple possession a felony in New Jersey?
No. Simple possession of most controlled substances is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor. However, possession of larger amounts (e.g., over 6 ounces of marijuana) can be charged as an indictable crime (felony).
Can I get a conditional discharge for a first-time simple possession charge?
It depends. Conditional discharge is available for most first-time offenders charged with simple possession of a CDS under N.J.S.A. 2C:36A-1. If you successfully complete a probationary period, the charges are dismissed. Eligibility can be affected by prior offenses and the specific facts of your case.
Will I go to jail for a first-time simple possession charge?
Not necessarily. For a first-time disorderly persons possession charge, incarceration is often avoidable, especially with a skilled personal use defense lawyer Camden County. Outcomes often involve conditional discharge, probation, or a fine. However, jail is a statutory possibility.
What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and an indictable crime in NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is tried in Municipal Court, carries a maximum of 6 months in jail, and is like a misdemeanor. An indictable crime is tried in Superior Court, carries potential state prison time, and is like a felony. Simple possession is typically a disorderly persons offense.
How does New Jersey’s bail reform affect a simple possession case?
New Jersey abolished cash bail. Your release after arrest is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) score that evaluates flight risk and danger. For a simple possession charge, you will likely be released on a complaint-summons with a future court date.
Useful Internal Links
For more information, visit our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Burlington County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Camden County DUI lawyer services.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the full picture beyond Camden County, our page on simple possession cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
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 · Simple Possession Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Simple Possession Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Simple Possession Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.