Drug Possession Attorney New Brunswick
Facing Drug Charges in New Brunswick? Get Clear Guidance & Real Solutions
If you are facing drug possession charges in New Brunswick, you are staring at consequences that can follow you for years. A conviction can affect employment, student aid, professional licenses, immigration status, and even housing. The Law Office of Howard S. Teitelbaum brings over 40 years of success to your corner, providing steady guidance and strategic advocacy designed to protect your record and your future.
From cases in New Brunswick Municipal Court to matters in Middlesex County Superior Court, our team understands how local prosecutors approach drug possession and related charges. We build defenses that fit the facts, challenge the state’s evidence at every turn, and pursue outcomes that reduce penalties or avoid a conviction whenever possible.
Call the Law Office of Howard S. Teitelbaum at (732) 338-0785 for a free case review. Hablamos español.
New Brunswick Drug Possession Defense Focused On Results
Drug possession cases move quickly, and early decisions matter. Our approach starts with a rapid assessment of why you were stopped, how the search was conducted, and whether the alleged substance can be proven to be a controlled dangerous substance under New Jersey law. We examine Fourth Amendment issues, probable cause, and the reliability of lab testing. When leverage exists, we use it to negotiate dismissals, amendments to lesser offenses, or entry into diversion programs. When trial is the right path, we prepare to win.
We tailor our strategy to your goals. For some clients, preserving a clean record is paramount; for others, avoiding jail or immigration complications is the priority. Our firm will explain the likely paths forward based on your history, the substance type and quantity, and the court your case is in, then execute the plan with precision.
What Is Considered Drug Possession In New Jersey
Possession can be actual or constructive. Actual possession typically means the substance was found on your person. Constructive possession means prosecutors claim you had knowledge of the substance and control over the area where it was found, such as a vehicle or shared residence. Establishing knowledge and control is often where cases are won or lost. We challenge assumptions, attack gaps in proof, and push back against overreach.
How We Defend Drug Possession Charges
Every case is different, but the building blocks of a strong defense are consistent. We use a proven framework to stress test the state’s case and target suppression or dismissal where justified.
Stop, Detention, And Search
Was there a lawful basis for the initial stop? Were you detained longer than necessary for the reason given? Did officers have probable cause or valid consent to search? If not, we move to exclude the evidence. Unconstitutional stops and searches can result in the suppression of the controlled substance, which often ends the case.
Constructive Possession And Shared Spaces
In shared cars or homes, prosecutors must prove more than proximity. We dissect who had access, who had control, and whether there is any evidence that you knew the substance was present. Weak links in constructive possession can create reasonable doubt or open the door to favorable negotiations.
Lab Testing And Chain Of Custody
The government must prove the substance is illegal and that testing methods were accurate and reliable. We scrutinize lab documentation, analyst qualifications, and chain-of-custody records. Breaks in the chain or unreliable test methods can undermine the state’s proof.
Statements And Miranda Issues
If you were questioned in custody without proper warnings, we challenge the admissibility of statements. Even casual comments can be used against you; suppressing them can shift the leverage back to the defense.
Diversion Programs And Conditional Discharge In Middlesex County
For eligible first-time offenders in New Brunswick Municipal Court, conditional discharge may allow you to avoid a conviction by completing supervised conditions such as drug testing, treatment, community service, or fines. If you successfully finish the program, the underlying charge can be dismissed, and you may later be eligible to expunge the record. In Superior Court matters, additional diversion options may be available depending on the facts, your background, and current county practices.
Our firm will determine your eligibility, explain the pros and cons, and present a compelling package to the court. Diversion is not automatic, and missteps can cost you your clean slate. With decades of local experience, we help clients earn admission, stay compliant, and finish successfully.
When Diversion Is Not The Best Fit
Diversion is not always the right move. If your stop or search was unconstitutional, or if the state’s proofs are weak, we may recommend litigating motions or setting the case for trial. Taking a program when the case should be dismissed can burden you with months of supervision you did not need. We advise you candidly so you can choose the best path.
Local Insight: New Brunswick And Middlesex County Courts
Familiarity with local procedures is critical. New Brunswick Municipal Court handles many drug possession matters arising from traffic stops or street-level arrests. More serious cases, including those involving distribution allegations or school zone enhancements, may proceed in Middlesex County Superior Court. We prepare you for what to expect at each step, from arraignment and pretrial conferences to motion practice and trial. Clear communication reduces stress and prevents costly mistakes.
What To Do Immediately After An Arrest
Write down everything you remember about the stop and search, including times, locations, and what officers said. Do not discuss your case with anyone but your attorney. Avoid social media posts. If you received a notice for court, put the date on your calendar and bring all paperwork to your consultation. Early action helps us preserve videos, 911 recordings, and body cam footage that can change the outcome.
Penalties, Collateral Consequences, And How We Mitigate Them
Potential penalties can include fines, probation, license suspension, and in some cases jail. There are also collateral consequences that often matter more: employment screening, school discipline, immigration issues, and housing. Our job is to reduce both the direct and indirect impact. We seek outcomes that keep your record clean, protect your driver’s license where possible, and maintain your eligibility for work or school.
Immigration, Students, And Professional Licenses
Noncitizen clients face unique risks. Certain pleas or findings can trigger immigration consequences. Students can face disciplinary hearings and loss of aid. Licensed professionals may need to report charges or convictions to their boards. We align your defense with these realities and coordinate with immigration or licensing counsel when appropriate.
Why Choose The Law Office of Howard S. Teitelbaum
You need a lawyer who will meet you where you are, explain the process in plain language, and fight for the result that matters to you. Our firm’s track record spans more than four decades in criminal defense, with focused experience in drug possession cases throughout New Brunswick and Middlesex County. Clients choose us for responsive communication, meticulous case preparation, and courtroom advocacy anchored in local practice.
Client-Centered Service
You will work directly with your attorney, receive regular updates, and get clear recommendations at every fork in the road. We offer flexible scheduling, virtual consultations when needed, and accessible support for Spanish-speaking clients. Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at my first court appearance in New Brunswick?
At an initial appearance, the court confirms your identity, reviews the charges, and addresses release conditions. You do not argue the case that day. We appear with you, preserve your rights, and begin the process of obtaining discovery so we can challenge the evidence.
Can I get my drug possession charge dismissed?
Yes, dismissal may be possible if we suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, reveal weaknesses in constructive possession, demonstrate problems with lab testing, or negotiate a resolution to a lesser offense that the court permits to be dismissed after certain conditions. The outcome depends on your case facts and history.
Am I eligible for conditional discharge?
Eligibility typically depends on whether you are a first-time offender, the specific charge, and the court handling the case. If admitted and you complete all terms, your charge can be dismissed. We evaluate eligibility quickly and handle all filings and court presentations.
Should I take a plea or fight the case?
It depends on the strength of the state’s evidence, the viability of suppression motions, and your personal goals. We outline your options with pros and cons, including potential collateral consequences, so you can make an informed decision.
Will a drug possession conviction affect my license or job?
A conviction can affect employment prospects and in some cases result in license-related penalties. We focus on outcomes that reduce these risks, including diversion and negotiated pleas that avoid damaging collateral consequences when possible.
Do I need to appear in court if I hire your firm?
In many municipal matters, we can appear on your behalf for certain proceedings, subject to court rules and the specifics of your case. We will advise you when your presence is required and prepare you for any appearance.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after an arrest?
Immediately. Early intervention helps us secure video, witness statements, and lab records, and it positions us to file suppression motions or pursue diversion before opportunities narrow.
The right strategy for your future in New Brunswick
The decisions you make in the first days after an arrest can shape your future. If you were charged in New Brunswick or anywhere in Middlesex County, get focused guidance from a drug possession attorney who understands the local courts and how to protect your record.
Request your free case evaluation now. Call the Law Office of Howard S. Teitelbaum (732) 338-0785 or send a message to start building your defense today. Se habla español.
