Public Park & Housing Charges

Distribution of Marijuana Within a Public Park or Housing Project Zone
A marijuana distribution charge becomes more serious when it involves distribution in proximity to a Public Park. The same complications exist when a Public Housing Project is involved. You should know, however, that our lawyers are shrewd advocates who are experienced in defending individuals charged with selling marijuana. They are highly successful in avoiding negative outcomes for distributing in a Public Housing, as well as a Public Park zone. An attorney at our firm, the Law Offices of Marshall, Bonus, Proetta & Oliver, can be reached anytime at 1-877-450-8301.

NJ Law Governing Distributing Marijuana in Public Housing Facilities, Parks & Buildings
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1 enhances the penalties for distributing marijuana within five hundred (500) feet of a public housing facility, a public park, or a public building. This law automatically makes a distribution offense a crime of the second degree with the exception of those cases involving less than one (1) ounce of marijuana. Where distributing less than one (1) ounce of marijuana is involved, the charge is a third degree crime.

In order to establish a case under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1, the prosecution must produce a map establishing that the distribution occurred within 500 feet of property either owned or lease by a Public Housing Authority, or within 500 feet of a public park designated as a drug free area by the local governing body. A defendant may be convicted under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1 even if his presence within a prohibited zone is unintended.

The aforesaid is merely a brief summary of the law in New Jersey concerning Public Park and the Public Housing offenses. The law is actually much more complex and so too the potential defenses which our lawyers have at their disposal. Our law office has extensive experience in handling these marijuana cases and an attorney from our office would be happy to discuss your case. We can be reached for a free initial consultation 24/7, so do not hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity to speak to one of our attorneys.