Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer in Union County, NJ
Unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Union County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, with penalties ranging from a disorderly persons offense to a felony. If you are facing these charges, you need an experienced unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer Union County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
What Is Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the crime of unlawful possession of a controlled substance is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10. It is illegal to knowingly or purposely possess a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) without a valid prescription. The severity of the charge and potential penalties depend heavily on the type and amount of the substance involved. The state classifies drugs into five schedules, with Schedule I substances considered the most dangerous and having no accepted medical use.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 (New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures and locations, visit the Union Vicinage of the New Jersey Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for Drug Possession Charges in Union County
Drug possession cases in Union County typically begin in the Superior Court, Law Division – Criminal Part. The process is governed by strict rules and timelines. Prosecutors in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office handle a high volume of cases, and early intervention by a lawyer can be critical. An affordable unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer Union County can handle this system to seek a favorable outcome.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery: Your lawyer will request all evidence from the prosecutor, including police reports and lab analyses.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor, potentially seeking a diversion program like PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention) or a plea to a lesser charge.
- Motion Practice: If evidence was obtained illegally, your lawyer may file a motion to suppress it, which could lead to dismissal.
- Trial or Resolution: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines and mitigating factors presented by your defense.
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession in NJ
In Union 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 a crimey of the third degree, plus fines and driver’s license suspension.
| Offense (Based on Substance & Amount) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana under 50g | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Drug education, community service |
| Hashish under 5g | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Drug education, community service |
| Possession of other CDS (e.g., cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs) | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $35,000 | 6-24 month suspension | Mandatory DEDR (Drug Court) fee, probation |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that a drug charge can disrupt your life, affecting employment, education, and family. We focus on building a strong defense strategy from the start, examining the details of the stop, search, and arrest to protect your rights.
Case Results and Client Focus
While specific results in Union County are not enumerated here, our firm-wide approach has secured favorable outcomes in thousands of cases across our service areas. We work to have charges dismissed, reduced, or diverted to programs that avoid a permanent criminal record. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Union County Drug Possession Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Looking for an unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer near me Union County? Call us anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am arrested for drug possession in Union County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case or consent to any searches. Contact an unlawful possession of a controlled substance lawyer Union County as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Can I get a drug possession charge dismissed in NJ?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if your lawyer successfully argues that evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure, or if there are problems with the chain of custody of the alleged substance. Diversion programs like Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for first-time offenders can also lead to dismissal upon completion.
Will I go to jail for a first-time possession charge?
Not necessarily. For a first-time disorderly persons offense, jail is often avoidable with an experienced lawyer who can negotiate for probation, community service, or a diversion program. For third-degree crimes, a skilled attorney will argue for non-custodial sentences or PTI.
How long does a drug possession case take in Union County?
The timeline varies. A simple case resolved by plea may take a few months. A case that goes through motion hearings and trial can take a year or more. An early and aggressive defense can sometimes lead to a quicker, more favorable resolution.
What is the difference between a disorderly persons offense and a crime in NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is handled in Municipal Court with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months. A crime (indictable offense) is handled in Superior Court and carries state prison time. The classification depends entirely on the type and amount of drug alleged.
Related Legal Services in Union County
If you are facing other charges, our firm can help. We also handle DUI/DWI defense, federal crimes, and serious traffic violations. For a broader view of our New Jersey practice, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Bergen County and Middlesex County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer Bergen · Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyer Hudson · Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Lawyer Monmouth County.