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State v AB, Somerset County Superior Court
In the 2016 case of State v. AB, heard in Somerset County Superior Court, the defendant faced serious legal trouble after a routine traffic stop turned into a high-stakes drug arrest. During the stop, law enforcement conducted a consent search of the vehicle’s trunk, which led to the discovery of 23 pounds of marijuana.
As a result, the defendant was indicted on a second-degree charge for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. This level of offense in New Jersey typically carries a possible sentence of five to ten years in state prison.
Initial Plea Offer and Exposure
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office initially extended a plea offer of six years in New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), with 30 months of parole ineligibility. This offer reflected the seriousness of the charge and the volume of marijuana involved. A conviction under these terms would have had long-lasting consequences, including a permanent criminal record, prison time, and restricted access to employment and housing.
Defense Strategy and Admission into Drug Court
Lazzaro Law developed a defense strategy to shift the focus from punishment to rehabilitation. The team identified the defendant as a strong candidate for New Jersey’s Drug Court Program, which offers treatment and monitoring instead of prison time for qualifying individuals. After negotiations and mitigating factors were presented, the court approved the defendant’s admission into the program.
Outcome and Long-Term Impact
The defendant avoided incarceration by entering Drug Court. This allowed him to address underlying substance issues in a structured and supervised setting. This outcome allowed the client to remain in the community, pursue rehabilitation, and work toward a clean slate.
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