Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Somerville, New Jersey
If you or a family member has been charged with a drug offense in Somerville or anywhere in Somerset, Morris, or Middlesex Counties, the stakes are high. Drug charges can threaten your freedom, your job, your professional license, and your future record. As a Somerville drug crime defense lawyer, Christopher G. Olsen focuses his criminal defense practice on cases like yours — from simple possession to more serious distribution and prescription-drug allegations.
From the first conversation, you’ll speak directly with Christopher, who will explain what the charges mean, what penalties you may face, and where there may be room to challenge the state’s case.
Facing New Jersey Drug Charges in Somerville or Nearby?
A drug arrest can feel like your life has been reduced to one moment — a traffic stop, a search, or a conversation that suddenly turned into an investigation. You might be worried about going to jail, losing your license, or how a conviction will appear on background checks.
New Jersey’s drug laws are complex, but you do not have to sort them out alone. Christopher carefully reviews how the police came into contact with you, how any search was conducted, and whether the state can actually prove the accusations it is making. He also looks at whether there are alternatives to a conviction, such as diversion or treatment-based programs where available and appropriate. The goal is always the same: to protect your record, your freedom, and your ability to move forward.
Common New Jersey Drug Cases We Handle
Simple Possession of CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substances)
Charges for having a small amount of a controlled substance are common, but they are still serious. Christopher looks closely at how police found the drugs, whether the search was legal, and whether the state can prove you actually possessed them under New Jersey law.
Possession With Intent and Distribution Charges
If police believe drugs were being sold or shared, the charges and potential penalties increase. Factors like packaging, quantity, and cash can all be used to claim “intent to distribute.” Christopher challenges those assumptions, examines lab reports and witness statements, and works to limit the long-term impact on your record.
Cases Involving Multiple Charges or Co-Defendants
Drug prosecutions often involve more than one person or combine drug allegations with other charges such as DUI / DWI or weapons offenses. Christopher helps you understand your role in the broader case, evaluates whether statements or evidence can be separated, and focuses on protecting your individual interests.
Prescription Drug and Doctor-Shopping Allegations
Not all drug cases involve street substances. Prescription-related accusations — such as obtaining medications fraudulently or possessing pills without a valid prescription — can affect your employment and professional licensing. Christopher understands how to address the legal issues while also considering treatment needs and collateral consequences.
CDS in a Motor Vehicle
A traffic stop that turns into a drug case may lead to separate charges for having a controlled substance in a vehicle. These cases often hinge on whether the officer had a legal basis for the stop, for extending the encounter, or for searching the car. Christopher examines every step, from the initial reason you were pulled over to the way any consent to search was obtained.
Drug Paraphernalia Charges
Items like pipes, scales, and baggies may seem minor, but paraphernalia charges can be used to support more serious allegations. Christopher evaluates whether the state can prove that the items were actually connected to drug activity and looks for opportunities to minimize or resolve these charges in a way that protects your record.
What To Expect From Your New Jersey Drug Crime Defense
Every drug case starts with the same basic question: did the police and the state follow the law? From there, Christopher builds a strategy around your goals and the specific facts of your situation.
You can expect:
- A detailed review of the stop and search
Christopher examines why officers approached you, what they knew at the time, and what legal basis they claim for any search. If your rights were violated, he may pursue motions to suppress evidence. - Careful scrutiny of the state’s evidence
Lab reports, field tests, packaging, and statements are all subject to human error and legal limits. Christopher reviews discovery for inconsistencies, missing information, and weaknesses in how the state is trying to prove its case. - Straightforward explanations of your options
You will hear clear explanations, not legal jargon. Christopher outlines the realistic outcomes — from diversion or negotiated resolutions to motion practice or trial — and helps you decide which approach best fits your priorities. - Attention to collateral consequences
Drug convictions can affect immigration status, professional licenses, student aid, and housing. When appropriate, Christopher coordinates strategies to account for these issues and connects you with additional resources if needed. - A defense strategy tailored to you
Some clients need to protect a professional license; others are more focused on avoiding jail or a damaging record. Christopher builds a plan around what matters most in your life, not just what is easiest for the court system.
Key Issues That Shape New Jersey Drug Cases
| Scenario | Why It Matters | How A Defense Lawyer Uses It |
|---|---|---|
| Search and seizure rules | Police must follow constitutional rules when they stop you, search you, or search your home or car. | If the stop or search violated your rights, your lawyer may be able to challenge the admissibility of the drugs or other evidence the state is relying on. |
| Possession vs. ownership | Drugs found in a shared car or home are not automatically tied to one person. | Your lawyer can argue that the state cannot prove you had control over or knowledge of the substance, especially in shared spaces or group situations. |
| Quantity and intent to distribute | The amount of a substance and how it is packaged may change the level of the charge. | By questioning how the state interprets quantity, packaging, and circumstances, your lawyer can sometimes challenge “intent to distribute” allegations. |
| Statements and cooperation | What you say during an investigation can be used against you, but it may also be misunderstood or taken out of context. | A lawyer evaluates whether statements were voluntary, whether your rights were respected, and how any statements affect the defense strategy. |
No two drug cases are identical, but certain questions come up again and again. Understanding these issues can help you see why speaking with a focused criminal defense lawyer as early as possible is so important.
Not sure which scenario is closest to your situation? A short conversation can clarify your risk and the options you still have.
Common Questions About New Jersey Drug Charges
What are the penalties for a first-time drug possession charge in New Jersey?
Penalties for a first drug possession charge can range from fines and probation to potential jail time, depending on the substance, the amount involved, and where the case is heard. There may also be collateral consequences, such as license issues or problems with employment and housing. Christopher reviews your specific charges and background so you understand the realistic range of outcomes in your case.
The drugs were in a car or shared apartment — can I still be charged?
Yes. New Jersey law allows the state to bring charges even when drugs are found in shared spaces like cars, apartments, or houses. However, the state still has to prove that you had knowledge of and control over the substance. A key part of the defense is often showing that the connection between you and the drugs is weaker than the prosecution claims.
What is the difference between possession and possession with intent to distribute?
Simple possession generally involves having a controlled substance for personal use, while possession with intent to distribute alleges that the drugs were meant to be sold or shared. The difference can dramatically affect potential penalties. The state often bases “intent” on factors like quantity, packaging, and money found. Christopher examines whether those factors truly support the more serious charge or can be challenged.
Will I automatically go to jail for a drug offense?
Not every drug case results in jail time. Options can include probation, treatment-based programs, or other alternatives, particularly for people with limited or no prior record. The availability of these options depends on the exact charges, the court, and your background. Christopher evaluates which alternatives might realistically apply to you and how to pursue them.
Can a drug charge ever be cleared from my record?
New Jersey law allows for certain records to be cleared or limited under specific circumstances, but the rules are detailed and depend on the type of offense and your overall record. While this page cannot provide case-specific legal advice, Christopher can explain, during a consultation, whether future options such as expungement or record relief might be available based on your situation.
Charged With a Drug Offense in Somerville or Central New Jersey?
A drug arrest is not the end of the story. The decisions you make now can shape what happens next — in court, on your record, and in your life. Working with a Somerville drug crime defense lawyer who understands local courts and focuses on criminal defense can make a meaningful difference in how your case is handled.
If you or someone you care about is facing drug charges in Somerset, Morris, or Middlesex Counties, contact Christopher today to discuss your situation, your concerns, and your options.