The Impact of a Marijuana Drug Charge On Your New Jersey Driving Privileges
In the state of New Jersey, many drug charges carry a possibility of a mandatory suspension of your driving privileges – this includes a marijuana drug charge. In other words, if you are convicted of a marijuana drug charge, you could potentially lose your driver’s license for six or more months. A loss of driving privileges could easily wreak havoc on anyone’s life, especially if you depend on your car for carrying on your daily living needs, such as grocery shopping, going to work, or taking your children to school.
Logic Behind New Jersey’s Mandatory License Suspension for a Drug Charge
New Jersey law N.J.S.A. 2C:35-16 makes it mandatory that anyone who is convicted of a drug charge shall not only face the penalties relating to the drug charge, but also lose his driving privileges for at least six months but no more than two years.
The logic behind this law is simple. If you are convicted of using drugs and you also hold a driver’s license, the state of New Jersey believes that there is a good change that you may, at some point, operate your vehicle while under the influence of a controlled and illegal substance and cause serious or fatal injuries to others or yourself. As such, the state has enacted this law to protect its citizens by seizing your driver’s license for a set period of time if you are convicted of drug charges.
Preventing the Loss of Your Driver’s License
There are certain ways to prevent the loss of your driver’s license after a drug charge conviction. One way to prevent the loss of your driving privileges is for your attorney to prove that such a loss will cause extreme hardship to you and your family. An “extreme hardship” excuse includes proving any or most of the following:
- Inability to go to work
- Inability to obtain medical treatment for yourself or a loved one
- No alternative way to transport yourself or your family
Proving “extreme hardship” is very difficult to argue. It is rarely granted, unless you hire an experienced and talented New Jersey marijuana defense attorney to prove the above conditions. This makes it extremely important for you to immediately consult with attorney.
Call Us
If you or someone you know has been arrested for a drug charge, including a marijuana drug charge, it is imperative that you immediately seek the legal assistance of an attorney who specializes in these types of cases in order to prevent the penalties of the charge.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey marijuana defense attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo, please call Beninato & Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404. One call can make a big difference.