Even though voters in New Jersey decided to make marijuana legal for recreational use, it does not mean there are limitless rights. As with any type of substance, such as cigarettes and alcohol, the government still puts restrictions on the use of marijuana. The state...
Drug Charges
Can an officer search your car if he or she smells marijuana?
When a New Jersey law enforcement official stops your vehicle and asks to conduct a search of it, that officer must have one of several things if you are unwilling to consent to a search. A warrant gives a law enforcement official a legal right to search your car. So,...
How drug court works in Essex County
When authorities in New Jersey charge you with a drug offense, you may face serious penalties, should that charge wind up leading to a conviction. However, if you and the details of your drug offense meet certain eligibility requirements, you may be able to reduce the...
How should you navigate your drug charge during an interview?
Job applicants with felony drug charges may not know how to navigate their job searches. Getting an interview is one thing, but succeeding during that interview presents a different hurdle. Denver Public Library gives tips on responding to drug charges during...
Recreational marijuana growing pains see calls for reform
New Jersey residents voted to legalize marijuana on November 3rd, 2020. Since then, New Jersey policymakers have had to tackle the task of creating the new legislation around marijuana legalization. This includes the seed-to-sale oversight to adequately monitor the...
Drug-induced homicide and Good Samaritan laws
It seems impossible for many people to think that they or a loved one could face murder or manslaughter charges for a third party’s fatal overdose. Yet, due to drug-induced homicide laws, that is precisely what is happening. In 1986, the federal government passed the...
Are field sobriety tests reliable for marijuana intoxication?
Now that cannabis consumption is legal for most adults in the Garden State, you may enjoy smoking pot or eating edibles without worrying about facing penalties. If you drive when you are high, though, officers may arrest you and charge you with driving under the...
Can a drug violation make a student ineligible for financial aid?
Many college students experiment with alcohol and drugs once they leave for college in New Jersey and get their first taste of freedom. However, experimenting with drugs has the potential to lead to serious, potentially life-altering penalties. In addition to criminal...
Do mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes work?
Some drug offenses in New Jersey carry a mandatory minimum sentence. What this means is when the judge sentences you, he or she has no leeway and must hand down the sentence stated in the law. There are mandatory minimum sentences for various types of drug crimes,...
Do you qualify for New Jersey drug court?
If you face charges for driving under the influence or other substance-related crimes in New Jersey, you might qualify for the state drug court program. This diversion program includes substance use treatment and other recovery-focused services. Review the details...
