Governor Christie Reiterates Refusal to Legalize Marijuana

If it seems as though the cultural winds are shifting toward universal legalization of pot, New Jersey’s governor is choosing to ignore them. At an opening of a new addiction treatment facility in Manahawkin, the governor renewed his pledge to keep marijuana illegal in the Garden State, citing false and inflated tax revenue figures from legalization proponents. He also called marijuana a gateway drug.

In the meantime, 25 percent of New Jersey’s prison population is made up of non-violent drug offenders, many of whom are incarcerated for marijuana offenses. Even the state’s medically approved marijuana program has been facing institutional criticism.

Despite the increasingly lax attitude toward pot, recreational use is still a very real crime in New Jersey and should be taken seriously. Just because some people will look the other way when you smoke up, the police officer who finds weed on you or in your car is unlikely to feel the same way.  If you are facing marijuana charges in New Jersey, it’s in your best interest contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight for your rights and help you walk away with minimal disruption to your life.

• Currently possession charges can cost offenders anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000 as well as one and a half years in prison.
• Distribution charges can cost offenders up to $150,000 and up to five years in prison.

Regardless of what anyone may think about this herb and its chances of legalization, for the time being, many of the crimes associated with it are felonies and require effective and qualified legal representation. Don’t become another jailhouse statistic. These charges are more serious than you realize.

The experienced NJ criminal defense lawyers at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC have been providing sound legal advice for clients facing drug charges for many years. If you or your loved one is facing marijuana charges in the State of New Jersey, call our offices so we can start laying the groundwork for your legal defense.