Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — What Are Your Options?
Unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Bergen County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, with penalties ranging from fines to years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges filed at the Superior Court in Hackensack. An unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County can challenge evidence and seek alternatives to incarceration. Contact us for a case review.
New Jersey Law on Drug Possession
In New Jersey, unlawful possession of a controlled substance is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. The law prohibits knowingly obtaining, possessing, or using a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) without a valid prescription. The severity of the charge depends heavily on the type and amount of the substance, as classified by the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. A simple possession charge is typically a disorderly persons offense, but possession with intent to distribute or possession of certain substances elevates the crime to an indictable offense (felony). The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
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 Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for Drug Charges in Bergen County
Most unlawful possession charges in Bergen County begin with an arrest and are processed through the Superior Court, Law Division, in Hackensack. The court operates under specific local rules and case management schedules. Prosecutors in this vicinage often have standard plea offers, but outcomes can be influenced by the strength of the evidence and the defendant’s history. An unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County navigates these procedures to protect your rights.
- Your first appearance after arrest is typically an arraignment where charges are formally read.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to obtain all police reports, lab tests, and evidence.
- A pre-trial conference is held to discuss potential plea negotiations or case resolution.
- If no plea is reached, your attorney may file motions, such as to suppress evidence.
- The case may proceed to a trial or a final plea hearing before a judge.
Potential Penalties for Unlawful Possession in NJ
In Bergen County, unlawful possession of a controlled substance carries penalties from up to 6 months in jail for a disorderly persons offense to 5+ years in prison for indictable offenses, plus fines, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (Small Amount, Marijuana) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Drug education, community service, criminal record |
| Simple Possession (Other CDS) | 3rd or 4th Degree Crime | 3-5 years (3rd degree) Up to 18 months (4th degree) | Up to $35,000 (3rd) Up to $15,000 (4th) | 6-24 month suspension | Mandatory fines, parole supervision, forfeiture |
| Possession Near School Zone | Enhanced Penalties | Mandatory minimum, 1-3 years added | Enhanced fines | Mandatory suspension | Parole ineligibility, permanent record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in New Jersey Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has a combined attorney experience of over 120 years. We focus on building a strong defense strategy from the initial arrest. Our approach includes scrutinizing police reports, challenging the validity of searches, and exploring all options for diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which can lead to dismissal of charges.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has documented over 4,739 case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While results depend on specific facts, our team works to achieve dismissals, reductions, or alternative sentencing. For an unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer near me Bergen County, contact our local team.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Bergen County Residents
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities. If you need an affordable unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Contact: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
Address: 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 the case with anyone until you have legal counsel. Contact an unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer Bergen County as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Can I get a possession charge dismissed in New Jersey?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if evidence was obtained illegally or through an unlawful search. First-time offenders may also qualify for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which can lead to dismissal after completing program requirements. An attorney can evaluate your eligibility.
How long does a drug possession case take in Hackensack Superior Court?
A disorderly persons offense may resolve in a few months. An indictable offense (felony) can take a year or more, depending on motions, negotiations, and court scheduling. An experienced lawyer can work to move the case forward efficiently.
Will I go to jail for a first-time possession charge?
Not necessarily. For many first-time simple possession charges, the court may impose probation, fines, or diversion programs like PTI. However, jail is a possibility, especially for larger amounts or certain substances. An attorney can argue for alternatives.
What is the difference between possession and possession with intent to distribute?
Possession means having a drug for personal use. Intent to distribute involves factors like large quantity, packaging materials, scales, or large amounts of cash. The latter is a much more serious indictable offense with severe penalties.
Internal Links: For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense overview. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Essex County and with related matters such as Drug Possession Defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current 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 · Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer Hudson · Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Lawyer Monmouth County.