Possession of CDS Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in Burlington County is a serious offense prosecuted in the Superior Court. A conviction can lead to incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those facing CDS possession charges.
New Jersey Law on Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances
In New Jersey, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. This statute makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly or purposely possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. The severity of the charge and its penalties depend heavily on the type and quantity of the drug involved. For example, possession of heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine is treated differently than possession of marijuana. The law also distinguishes between simple possession and possession with intent to distribute, with the latter carrying significantly harsher penalties.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, refer to the official New Jersey Statutes Title 2C (Criminal Justice). Court procedures and local rules for Burlington County cases are available on the Burlington Vicinage website.
Handling a CDS Possession Case in Burlington County Court
CDS possession cases in Burlington County are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court, located in Mount Holly. The process is formal and can be demanding. Prosecutors in this vicinage actively pursue drug charges, and early case assessment is critical. An experienced possession of CDS lawyer Burlington County can evaluate the evidence, such as the legality of the search and seizure, and challenge the state’s case.
- Arraignment and Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Negotiation and PTI: Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction, dismissal, or entry into a diversion program like PTI.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench or jury trial where the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines and any mitigating factors presented by your defense.
Potential Penalties for CDS Possession in New Jersey
In Burlington County, possession of CDS carries a wide range of penalties, from probation and fines for a small amount of marijuana to years in prison for possession of harder drugs like heroin or cocaine.
| Offense (Substance/Quantity) | Degree/Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana (under 50g) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible 6-24 month suspension | Drug education, community service |
| Heroin/Cocaine (any amount) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $35,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Mandatory DEDR penalty, probation |
| Possession w/ Intent to Distribute | 2nd/1st Degree Crime | 5-20 years | Up to $500,000 | Mandatory suspension | Parole ineligibility, extended probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burlington County CDS Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive defense across state lines. We understand the high stakes of a drug conviction and work to protect your future, your freedom, and your record. Our team is familiar with the local procedures and personnel in Burlington County Superior Court.
Our Approach to CDS Possession Defense
We analyze every detail of your case. Was the traffic stop valid? Did police have probable cause for a search? Was the chain of custody for the evidence maintained? We challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn, seeking to have evidence suppressed or charges reduced. For eligible clients, we advocate strongly for admission into diversionary programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which can lead to a dismissal upon successful completion.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County CDS Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Burlington County courts. We are accessible via NJ Turnpike, I-295, and Route 130. If you are searching for a possession of cds lawyer near me Burlington County, we are here to help. We serve communities including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
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) 509-1116
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Possession of CDS in Burlington County
Is possession of CDS a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey classifies crimes by degree, not as felonies/misdemeanors. Possession of most hard drugs like heroin or cocaine is a third-degree crime, which is equivalent to a felony in other states and carries 3-5 years in prison.
Can I get PTI for a CDS charge in Burlington County?
It depends. Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) is available for some first-time, non-violent offenders. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and the prosecutor can object. A skilled possession of CDS lawyer Burlington County can build a strong application highlighting your background and rehabilitation prospects to improve your chances of acceptance.
What is the “Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction” (DEDR) penalty?
This is a mandatory fine of between $500 and $3,000 that is added to any other fines for a CDS conviction. The money funds New Jersey’s drug enforcement and education programs. It is a required part of sentencing and cannot be waived by the judge.
Will I lose my driver’s license for a drug possession conviction?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-16, a conviction for most CDS offenses triggers an automatic suspension of your driver’s license for 6 to 24 months, regardless of whether a vehicle was involved. The court has no discretion to avoid this penalty upon conviction.
How can an affordable possession of cds lawyer Burlington County help me?
An experienced lawyer provides value by seeking to avoid the far greater long-term costs of a conviction—lost job opportunities, higher insurance rates, and professional licensing issues. They work to get charges reduced or dismissed, potentially saving you from incarceration and preserving your future. Many firms, including ours, offer flexible consultation options.
Related Legal Services in Burlington County
If you are facing other charges, we can help. Explore our pages for a Burlington County DUI lawyer or a Burlington County federal criminal lawyer. For a broader view of our drug defense practice, visit our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current guidance on your possession of CDS case in Burlington County, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Your case in Burlington 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 Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Possession of Cds Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Possession of Cds Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Possession of Cds Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.