Whenever you are caught with drugs or suspected to be involved in such a crime, you may have to face several questions by the police. New Jersey is very serious about its drug laws any violation is strictly dealt with. Whether you have committed the offense or you have been framed, it is essential to know your constitutional rights and seek help from experienced Criminal Lawyers Hackensack NJ to protect your interest.
Unfortunately, many people who are caught in such situations don’t know what to speak and how to behave because they are shocked. In this article, we have listed the frequently asked questions often asked to your lawyer.
Should I Get Out The Car When The Officer Asks
Yes, when the police officer asks you to come out of the car, listen to the request and deal with them respectfully. If the officer makes you sit down to check if you have arms, comply because they are permitted to do so for their own safety.
They just want to ensure that you do not have any weapon that can put your in danger. If they try to ask you something, you have the right to remain silent as anything you say during this time can be used against you.
Should I Permit to let them search the car?
When asked to search the vehicle, you have the constitutional right to say ‘No’ to a search unless they have a warrant that allows them to do so. Many people fear that refusing a search may make them appear as guilty and hence they provide their consent. If you are held by the police, you have the right to call your attorney and seek legal guidance.
Does the Officer Need my Permission to Search the Vehicle?
In some cases, the officer can search your car without your permission, especially if they suspect that a vehicle contains illegal items due to the smell of marijuana in a traffic stop. This is otherwise known as an ‘automobile exception’ under they have all reasons to justify a search without a warrant. Another such case is when the officer finds that a driver has watery-eyes, dilated pupils, or slurred speech.
What If Drugs are Found in the Vehicle Search?
If the officer discovers any drugs during a car search then the penalty will depend upon the amount of substance that has been retrieved. According to the New Jersey drugs law, these substances are classified depending upon their physical dependence, potential for abuse, and use in medical treatment.
The possession of drugs is usually considered as a third degree offense and it is punishable with 3 to 5 years in prison and a penalty of up to $35,000. A Hackensack attorney can help you with the case to ensure that you get the minimum penalty for the act.
What is the First Things To Do When Drugs are Found in your Car?
When caught with drugs in your car, you must first consult an experienced lawyer who has been in the industry for a long time. If you have been caught possessing an illegal item prohibited by the New Jersey law, this does not imply conviction.
There are different types of diversionary programs and defense tactics that well-experienced Criminal Lawyers Hackensack NJ can use to get your charges dismissed. The first thing you need to do when held in such a case with charges of criminal offense against you, call a Hackensack criminal lawyer and seek help.
Before hiring a lawyer, make sure he/she has been in the area of law for more than a few years and has handled similar cases before to deal with your case better.