Possession Lawyer Somerset County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A drug possession charge in Somerset County is a serious matter prosecuted in the Superior Court under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. Convictions can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. As a possession lawyer Somerset County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges involving controlled substances and paraphernalia. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
New Jersey Drug Possession Laws
In New Jersey, drug possession is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. The law prohibits the knowing or intentional possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) without a valid prescription. The severity of the charge depends on the type and amount of the substance, ranging from a disorderly persons offense for small amounts of marijuana to indictable crimes (felonies) for other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or prescription medications.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling criminal cases, including drug offenses.
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, visit the Somerset Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for Possession Charges
Possession cases in Somerset County begin with an arrest and complaint. For indictable offenses, the case proceeds to the Superior Court, Law Division. The process involves an initial appearance, a pre-indictment conference, grand jury presentation, pre-trial conferences, and potentially a trial. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office handles these cases aggressively.
- Initial Arrest & Complaint: You will be charged via complaint. Do not discuss the case with anyone before speaking with an attorney.
- First Appearance: You will appear before a judge for advice of rights, where bail conditions are set.
- Pre-Indictment Conference: Your attorney may meet with the prosecutor to discuss possible case resolution before it goes to a grand jury.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: For felony-level possession, the prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your attorney will engage in discovery and motion practice, potentially filing to suppress evidence.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession in NJ
In Somerset County, drug possession penalties vary widely based on the substance and amount, from probation and fines for a disorderly persons offense to years in state prison for an indictable crime.
| Offense (N.J.S.A.) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of Marijuana (under 50g) – 2C:35-10(a)(4) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible 6-24 month suspension | Drug education, community service |
| Possession of CDS (e.g., heroin, cocaine) – 2C:35-10(a)(1) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $35,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Mandatory DEDR (Drug Court) eligibility review |
| Possession of Paraphernalia – 2C:36-2 | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible suspension | Forfeiture of property |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With a combined 120+ years of attorney experience and over 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring substantial resources to your defense. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of a criminal case. We are committed to providing an affordable possession lawyer Somerset County residents can trust for diligent representation.
Our Approach to Possession Cases
We examine every detail of your case. Was the search and seizure legal? Was the substance properly identified and handled by law enforcement? Can the state prove you knowingly possessed the drugs? We challenge the evidence at every turn. In many cases, we seek diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or Conditional Discharge for first-time offenders, which can lead to dismissal of charges upon successful completion.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Somerset County Possession Lawyers
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 Somerset County courts, accessible via I-287, Route 22, and Route 206. As a possession lawyer near me Somerset County, we represent clients in Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m arrested for possession in Somerset County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not answer questions or consent to any searches without an attorney present. Contact a possession lawyer Somerset County as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Can I get a possession charge dismissed in New Jersey?
It depends. For first-time offenders, programs like Conditional Discharge or Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) can lead to dismissal after completing probation and other conditions. A lawyer can also fight to have evidence suppressed, which may force the prosecution to drop the case.
How much does a possession lawyer cost in Somerset County?
Legal fees vary based on the charge severity and the issues in dispute. Many firms, including ours, offer flexible payment plans. We strive to be an affordable possession lawyer Somerset County residents can rely on for transparent pricing and dedicated defense.
Will I go to jail for a first-time possession charge?
Not necessarily. For a first-time disorderly persons possession charge, jail is often avoidable with a good lawyer. For indictable crimes, diversion programs or negotiated pleas may result in probation. An attorney’s goal is to keep you out of jail.
What is the difference between possession and possession with intent to distribute?
Possession is for personal use. Intent to distribute involves factors like large quantity, packaging materials, scales, or large amounts of cash. The latter is a far more serious felony charge with severe mandatory penalties.
Related Pages: For other legal needs in the area, see our Somerset County business lawyer or Somerset County federal criminal lawyer. For help in nearby counties, our Bergen County civil litigation lawyer is available. Learn more about our firm on our New Jersey location page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Somerset 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 Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, 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 Somerset 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: Somerset County NJ lawyers directory · Possession Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Possession Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Possession Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.