Officers from the Westampton Police Department recently arrested a man on charges for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a weapon, after he was allegedly found with drugs and a weapon during a routine motor vehicle stop.
According to authorities from the Westampton Township PD, 20-year-old Virginia resident Cameron G. Coles was stopped by officers in the parking lot of the Wawa on Springside Road in Westampton at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14th. The stop arose when officers noticed that Coles had parked his vehicle in a handicapped parking spot without the necessary tag or license plate indicating that he was disabled.
When police approached the vehicle, they allegedly saw an airsoft handgun located inside the glove box. A subsequent search of the car revealed a small marijuana grinder containing suspected marijuana residue, as well as 2 digital scales. As a result of the investigation, Coles was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
This case illustrates multiple issues that are specific to New Jersey law. First and foremost, the officers did not need to obtain a warrant to search the vehicle because the airsoft gun was supposedly in “plain view.” The plain view doctrine in New Jersey is among the exceptions to the warrant requirement. Essentially, it says that police do not need a warrant to search a person’s property if the police are lawfully in the location where the evidence is observed and it is immediately apparent to police that the item in plain view is contraband or evidence of a crime.
The second component of this case is the airsoft gun itself, which gave rise to charges for unlawful possession of a weapon. Notably, New Jersey does not apply state-to-state reciprocity to gun ownership, meaning a person who obtains a lawful permit to purchase or possess a weapon in another state cannot possess the same weapon in New Jersey without first obtaining a permit in this State through proper channels. Often, out-of-state residents face gun and weapons charges in New Jersey because they simply do not know that they cannot bring their weapon across State lines without a New Jersey permit.
The third component of this case is the possession of marijuana charge that arose because the grinder contained suspected marijuana residue. In New Jersey, you can be charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of heroin, etc., if any amount of drug residue is discovered in an item considered drug paraphernalia. In other words, you need not possess a substantive amount of a drug to face drug charges.
All of these issues can be thoroughly investigated by an experienced criminal defense attorney and may provide opportunities for challenging the State’s case, arguing that certain evidence be deemed inadmissible in court, and/or providing grounds for a dismissal of the charges altogether. Burlington County criminal defense lawyer William Fay often utilizes strategies like these to beat criminal and DWI charges in courts throughout Burlington County and South Jersey. To discuss your case with Mr. Fay today, contact his offices at 609-832-3202 for a cost-free consultation.
For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Virginia man charged with possession of airsoft gun, drug paraphernalia
Officers from the Westampton Police Department recently arrested a man on charges for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a weapon, after he was allegedly found with drugs and a weapon during a routine motor vehicle stop. According to authorities from the Westampton Township PD, 20-year-old Virginia […]
"William handled a matter for me and exceeded my expectations. He was excellent in all areas of the law and achieved an outstanding result. Best of all,he demonstrates honesty and integrity. I would highly recommend William and already have."
"I was so scared and nervous about my legal situation but Mr. Fay did an outstanding job with my case!!! I was so relieved with the outcome and he worked so hard for me! He was so calm and understanding and I’m so grateful for him. Thank you so very much for helping me! I am so grateful appreciative."
"William defended me in my marijuana + paraphernalia case, he had all charges dropped and expunged! Despite the fact I was long past conditional discharges/probation, etc. He has a sharp wit and a bright future ahead of him as an attorney. Thanks again Will!"
"Mr. Fay is a fantastic lawyer. He helped me during a very stressful time in my life. He was knowledgeable about my case and what my options were. He answered all my questions and was very reassuring. He was there waiting for me at the entrance on my court date and made me feel at ease. He worked with the prosecutor to reduce my charges. I got the best outcome I could have hoped for. I highly recommend Mr. Fay if you need a lawyer."
"I was arrested and summoned to court for possession of marijuana, even though I didn't have any on me. It was my first time getting in trouble and I was terrified and nervous. Mr. Fay came into court prepared and was extremely assuring. He made it very clear that he was going to fight for my case until the very end. He was extremely knowledgable about my case and the ways to resolve it. I would recommend Mr. Fay to anyone who has gotten into trouble."
"Mr. Fay is extremely caring and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the entire process in a very clear manner and was a tremendous help during a stressful time. He was always available to take a phone call and really showed that he cared about me and my case. I highly recommend Mr. Fay as an attorney." "
"Great lawyer. Created a best possible outcome for my case."
"He did a fantastic job on my case, making my penalty much less than I thought it could possibly be. He clearly understands what he is doing and can explain everything in a way that anyone can understand. Any questions I had were answered very clearly and he listened to all small details of my case."
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Explains What Happens when You’re Caught with CDS in Another Container in Camden County, New Jersey Most know that having cocaine, heroin, or other illegal drug in your possession is illegal. You could go to jail after a law enforcement officer arrests you for carrying street […]
Camden County Fentanyl Defense Lawyer Handling Charges for Possession and Distribution of Fentanyl throughout Southern New Jersey Fentanyl abuse is a national epidemic. The drug originated as a painkiller intended to be more powerful and shorter-lasting than morphine. Today, it is a popular painkiller for surgery, far more potent than […]
The intention to distribute or transport illegal drugs (controlled dangerous substances) on a grand scale, either nationwide or internationally, is drug trafficking. While possessing certain drugs in New Jersey is unlawful, possessing large quantities of illicit drugs may be evidence of an intent to sell illegal drugs. In other words, […]
If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal or DUI offense in New Jersey, finding the answers you need to make informed decisions is critical. Complete our contact form to request your free consultation or contact 609-832-3202
We are available 24/7 Nights and Weekends to Provide Free Consultations | Hablamos Español
