New Jersey Legislature Considering Marijuana Decriminalization

The New Jersey Legislature is poised to decriminalize marijuana posession, but Gov. Christie may veto the bill

2012-08-01

August 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) In recent years, marijuana has started to gain a reputation as a "soft drug" that is less dangerous to society than harder drugs like heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine. However, changes in public opinion do not necessarily translate into changes in the law. In New Jersey, possession of even small amounts of marijuana is still considered a serious drug crime.

Under current law, possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana is a disorderly person offense punishable by up to six months of incarceration and a maximum fine of $1,000. The sale of any amount of marijuana is a felony. Even a conviction for selling less than an ounce of marijuana can bring 1.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

This may change soon. In June 2012, the New Jersey General Assembly passed a law that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. If the bill becomes law, persons caught with 15 grams or less of marijuana -- a little more than half an ounce -- would only be required to pay a modest fine. The penalty would be $150 on a first offense, and would increase with each subsequent violation. After the third offense, an individual could be ordered to undergo a drug evaluation.

The bill has been sent to the Senate for further action. Governor Christie has indicated that he may veto the legislation, but the bill's authors are hopeful they can persuade him to sign it into law.

Marijuana Crimes Have Long-Term Consequences

Even if this bill does become law, it is important to take marijuana charges seriously. A New Jersey marijuana conviction can have a whole host of consequences beyond fines and incarceration.

For example, drug convictions can render students ineligible for many types of financial aid. In addition, drug convictions will show up on a background check and could prevent a person from getting a job or qualifying for a professional license.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can work to minimize the negative consequences of a marijuana conviction. In some cases, the attorney can even keep the crime off a person's record or help get the record expunged after conviction.

If you have been charged with a New Jersey marijuana crime, don't make the mistake of trying to handle the charges yourself. Talk to a criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future.

Article provided by Rudnick, Addonizio & Pappa
Visit us at www.rudnicklaw.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Pennsylvania Texting While Driving Ban Goes Into Effect

2012-08-01

A state law that prohibits texting while driving, which was passed by the legislature last fall, recently went into effect -- making Pennsylvania the 35th state to put a ban on this form of distracted driving. Under the new law, texting while driving is considered a primary offense -- meaning that drivers can be pulled over if caught texting, even if they're not committing any other moving violations at the time. Those who are caught breaking this law will face fines of around $135. According to PennDOT, the new law applies to texts that are sent from any Interactive ...

New Override System to Reduce Consequences of Unintended Acceleration

2012-08-01

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a brake throttle override (BTO) requirement for all vehicles to help drivers stop runaway cars and avoid serious accidents. The NHTSA's decision rides on the heels of the recent issue with unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles. It would require all vehicles that weigh 10,000 pounds or less with electronic throttle control to come equipped with a BTO system. Toyota started to install these systems in 2009 after its sticky accelerator pedal debacle. Other manufacturers, like Nissan, General Motors ...

Joint Credit Presents Challenges for Married Couples

2012-08-01

All that most New Jersey couples need to become legally joined in life is a marriage certificate and a ceremony. If they are lucky, they also receive a few bonuses, such as cake, music and a nice meal. Becoming legally joined in debt is even easier. All a married couple needs to do is sign on a dotted line. It is essential for married couples to educate themselves on the world of joint credit. They should learn who is responsible for payment and how joint debt affects credit scores. It is also important to learn how potential lenders view joint debt. There are many ...

Record Settlement in Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Suit for Semi Accident

2012-08-01

A horrific motor vehicle accident between a large commercial truck and a 2004 Toyota Matrix that resulted in a Pennsylvania wrongful death lawsuit was settled in June 2012. According to The Pennsylvania Record, the Gettysburg family and the defendants settled in Sneeringer v. GLC Transportation for $26.1 million, an amount that may be the biggest personal injury settlement in Pennsylvania history. The details of the truck accident reveal the reasons for the multi-million dollar settlement. In June 2011, Kathryn Sneeringer was driving her car on Interstate 80 in the early ...

Jerry Sandusky Sex Abuse Verdict: An End to the Scandal at Penn State?

2012-08-01

In contemporary America, allegations of child molestation involving a prominent defendant or high-profile institution can easily lead to a trial by media. After months of media frenzy, the Jerry Sandusky sex crimes trial finally played out in a Centre County courtroom in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Few if any TV talking heads who had dissected the case scandal last fall were surprised by the verdict. A jury found Sandusky guilty on 45 counts of sexual abuse involving ten young boys, all of whom he had befriended due to his work with a disadvantaged children's charity. ...

Ladder Falls: The Source of Too Many Construction Accidents and Deaths

2012-08-01

Many people may assume that tougher safety regulations and new safety technologies have made construction accidents an issue of the past. However, construction accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence, and more construction workers die from falls than from any other construction-related injury. In fact, falls account for one-third of work-related deaths suffered by construction workers. Construction falls may occur from roofs, scaffolding, ladders or other structures. Last year, there were more than 570 construction deaths and 180 of those construction deaths ...

Aurora Theater Shooting Prompts Increase in Gun Sales

2012-08-01

As the country continues to deal with the tragic movie theater shooting that left 12 dead and 58 injured, the debate surrounding gun control laws intensifies. Some believe this incident is merely more proof that gun control laws should tighten up and become stricter. Conversely - and also not surprising - is the fact that background checks for those wishing to buy guns have spiked more than 41 percent in Colorado since the morning of the shooting - thus creating a situation in which lawmakers must walk the tightrope between keeping guns off the street but at the same ...

Veterans' Hospitals Pioneering New Traumatic Brain Injury Treatments

2012-08-01

Despite the heavy fighting that has gone on in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade, casualty rates have not been as high as they were in previous wars. Much of this can be attributed to advances in medical technology that enable soldiers to survive injuries that previously would have been fatal. The flip side of this coin, however, brings its own complications. Veterans are now returning home with life-long injuries that doctors must figure out how to treat. Chief among them are traumatic brain injuries, which many veterans sustain after suffering a blow to the ...

Car Accidents: What to Do Right After a Crash

2012-08-01

Since nearly all of us will be in a car accident during our lives, it's important to decide ahead of time what should be done to minimize everyone's injuries while still fully obeying the law. Far too many people panic because they're frightened by what's just happened or because they're afraid that the car accident will be blamed upon them. Instead, everyone needs to remain as calm as possible, keeping safety first in their thoughts. The following list of tips can help all of us stay properly focused as we seek out the help that's often needed right after a collision ...

The Personal Injury Attorneys of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C. Warn Travelers of Discount Philly-NYC Bus Lines

2012-08-01

At Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C. - MyPhillyLawyer - our personal injury attorneys assist individuals and families who have been seriously injured while riding a tour bus or discount transit bus between Philadelphia and New York City. It has been a dangerous and deadly year for bus riders in the Northeast corridor, with multiple bus accidents making news already this year. A bus owned and operated by Super Luxury Tours out of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, crashed on a New Jersey Turnpike en route to Philadelphia from Chinatown. Two onboard were killed and another ...

Researchers from MARE ULisboa discover that the European catfish, an invasive species in Portugal, has a prolonged breeding season, enhancing its invasive potential

New Jersey Legislature Considering Marijuana Decriminalization

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: