Second Marijuana Possession Arrest in New Jersey

[jahras]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ.

Four years ago I was stopped for speeding and had my car searched. A marijuana pipe and a few grams of marijuana were found in my car. Ultimately the lawyer I retained suggested a conditional discharge which i accepted and completed successfully. I have had no run-in with the law since then except for a speeding ticket.

Yesterday I had gone with a friend to his brothers house. I had a small pipe and less than a gram of marijuana on me. We walked to the beach (a minute from his house) to take pictures and did not smoke marijuana there. On the way back after about 15 minutes we were on our way to his brothers house and i stopped at my car (parked about 20 ft. from the house in a back parking area) to put the pipe and marijuana away since we had not used it and did not plan on using it soon. i opened the back passenger seat to place it inside and as i did an unmarked car pulled up w/out lights or sirens and two officers came out. I did not see them and one came over and asked me to step away from the car. We had not been doing anything suspicious other than be in the area on our way back to his brothers house from the beach. I had the pipe in my hand at the time and could not hide it. I was honest and cooperative and my arrest followed.

I am curious as to what this arrests consequences may entail as well as possible outcomes/settlements. I am a good person with no other criminal history except from four years ago. Are any pre-conviction/trial options available such as a rehab program I could attend as i have no previous convictions if the court feels that option will better serve in the pursuit of justice? I understand it is only possession and not a felony or distribution (more serious charge). However, what should i expect. Mainly I am interested in any way to avoid a conviction. Thanks for your advice!

[LawResearcherMissy]

You're looking at a maximum penalty of $1000 and/or 6 months in the can.

Since it's your second offense, I doubt you have any sort of out, with respect to pre-trial deals.

It would be in your best interests to hire an attorney.