Monday, August 27, 2018

39:4-49.1 Drug possession by motor vehicle operator 


 39:4-49.1 Drug possession by motor vehicle operator     No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any highway while knowingly having in his possession or in the motor vehicle any controlled dangerous substance as classified in Schedules I, II, III, IV and V of the "New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act," P.L. 1970, c. 226 (C. 24:21-1 et seq.) or  any prescription legend drug, unless the person has obtained the substance or  drug from, or on a valid written prescription of, a duly licensed physician, veterinarian, dentist or other medical practitioner licensed to write prescriptions intended for the treatment or prevention of disease in man or animals or unless the person possesses a controlled dangerous substance pursuant to a lawful order of a practitioner or lawfully possesses a Schedule V substance. 

   A person who violates this section shall be fined not less than $50.00 and shall forthwith forfeit his right to operate a motor vehicle for a period of two years from the date of his conviction.
   This means a mandatory two year license suspension with no ability to drive to work, school, etc. It is important to get this ticket dismissed. It is not subject to Conditional Discharge. The Judge has no discretion to not suspend your license for two years if you plead guilty or are found guilty.
  You need to have your attorney either win at trial or negotiate to have this charge dismissed.