Camden CDS Possession Lawyer | Controlled Dangerous Substance NJ

Camden CDS Possession Lawyer Advocates For Clients Charged With Drug Possession In Camden County and Across Jersey 

In New Jersey, certain drugs and their compounds are categorized as “controlled dangerous substances” (CDS) under the law. With this classification, it is illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, or distribute the drug — and the compound — except as provided under New Jersey law. New Jersey imposes strict penalties for drug possession and if you are facing a drug charge in the Garden State, you should not take these charges lightly. A Camden CDS possession lawyer from Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC can help. Our attorneys have 18 years of combined criminal defense experience and in-depth knowledge of New Jersey’s laws regarding Controlled Dangerous Substance NJ.

Our skilled Camden NJ Criminal Attorneys protect the rights of those individuals who are charged with drug possession in New Jersey, aggressively defending the charges on their behalf. Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC offers a free initial consultation so you can make the most informed decision regarding your case.

New Jersey’s Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) Classifications and Schedules 

Drugs are classified as controlled dangerous substances (CDS) when they are susceptible to abuse. New Jersey classifies CDS into five different “schedules” — a way of categorizing the drugs into different levels under federal and state statutes based on their potential for abuse. 

Controlled Dangerous Substance in NJ are classified according to the following schedules:

Schedule I

New Jersey classifies the most dangerous drugs as Schedule I. These drugs do not have a legitimate, approved medicinal use in the United States and they have a high potential for abuse and addiction. In New Jersey, Schedule I drugs include:

• Marijuana
• Heroin
• Synthetic Marijuana
• Acid
• LSD
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Psilocybin Mushrooms

Schedule II

In New Jersey, substances that are classified as Schedule II have a high potential for abuse and are also currently accepted for medicinal use in the United States with severe restrictions. When Schedule II substances are abused it may lead to psychic or physical dependence. In New Jersey, Schedule II drugs include:

• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Fentanyl
• Amphetamine, including Dexedrine & Adderall
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Methadone
• Meperidine (Demerol)

Schedule III

In New Jersey, substances that are classified as Schedule III have a potential for abuse that is less than the substances classified under Schedule I and II. Schedule III substances are accepted for medicinal use but could cause high psychic dependence or low/moderate physical dependence. In New Jersey, Schedule III drugs include:

• Tylenol With Codeine
• Anabolic Steroids
• Testosterone
• Ketamine
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Schedule IV

In New Jersey, substances that are classified as schedule IV have a low potential for abuse compared to the substances listed in Schedules I, II, and III. Substances in Schedule IV are accepted for medicinal use and may cause limited physical or psychic dependence. In New Jersey, Schedule IV drugs include:

• Xanax (Alprazolam)
• Ambien (Zolpidem)
• Valium (Diazepam)
• Darvocet (propoxyphene and acetaminophen)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Schedule V

In New Jersey, substances that are classified as Schedule V have a low potential for abuse compared to the substances listed in the other Schedules. These substances may be sold over-the-counter for medical purposes and may have limited psychic dependence or physical dependence. In New Jersey, Schedule V drugs include:

• Codeine (less than 200 milligrams)
• Opium (less than 100 milligrams)
• Dihydrocodeine (less than 100 milligrams)
• Ethylmorphine (less than 100 milligrams)
• Diphenoxylate (less than 2.5 milligrams) 

Penalties For Drug Possession In New Jersey

New Jersey has stiff penalties for drug possession and they include the following:

Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs

• Possession of any amount is considered a third-degree crime and the penalty includes prison time of 3 to 5 years and a fine of up to $35,000

Marijuana

• New Jersey allows medical use of marijuana and qualifying patients and/or their caregivers may possess up to 2 oz. of marijuana per month
• Possession of less than 50g of marijuana or less than 5g of hashish is considered a disorderly persons offense and the penalty includes jail time of up to 6 months and a fine of up to $1,000
• Possession of more than 50g of marijuana or more than 5 g of hashish is considered a fourth-degree crime and the penalty includes jail time of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $15,000

Drug Paraphernalia

• Possession of any drug paraphernalia is considered a disorderly persons offense and the penalty includes jail time of up to 6 months and a fine of up to $1,000

Unauthorized Prescription Drugs

• Possession of any amount is considered a third-degree crime and the penalty includes prison time of 3 to 5 years and a fine of up to $35,000

Dedicated Camden CDS Possession Lawyer Skillfully Defends Clients Facing Charges Involving a Controlled Dangerous Substance in NJ

If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession or distribution in New Jersey, it is critical to have a full understanding of New Jersey’s laws regarding controlled dangerous substances. The South Jersey CDS possession attorneys at Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC skillfully prepare a strategic defense of the charges against you with a track record of successful outcomes. Aydelotte & Scardella Law LLC offers a free confidential consultation with a member of our team so you can gain a better understanding of your rights under the law and how we can help you fight the charges brought against you. Schedule your free consultation with our office today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Controlled Dangerous Substance Offenses In New Jersey