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    New Jersey Conditional Discharge Program 

    Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer Helps Eligible Clients Gain Access to the Conditional Discharge Program in Camden County, Burlington County and Throughout NJ

    The conditional discharge program in New Jersey is designed to help first-time offenders charged with relatively minor drug-related offenses avoid a formal criminal record.  Instead of formal prosecution and trial, if you are eligible for the conditional discharge program you will enter a probationary period where you must satisfy certain conditions in order to complete the program.  Once you successfully complete the conditions attached to the conditional discharge program over a period of time that can last between one and three years, the charges against you will be dismissed so that you can move forward with your life without the fear of disclosing a criminal background every time you apply for a job, housing or even a loan.

    Wondering If You’re Eligible For A Conditional Discharge Program? We Can Help, Tell Us What Happened.

    If you think that this sounds appealing, you aren’t alone.  Our skilled drug charge lawyer can help you evaluate whether you are eligible for conditional discharge and whether it is the best option in your case.  We will also advocate on your behalf through the process of applying to the judge and prosecution, as admittance is not automatic even if you are eligible.  If you would like to explore the conditional discharge option, have questions about the program or need help in negotiating a more serious drug charge down to a lesser offense to gain eligibility, call or contact our office today for a free consultation to see how we can help with your conditional discharge case today.

    Get Advice From An Experienced Diversionary Program Lawyer. All You Have To Do Is Call 856-861-4236 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.

    The Basics of Eligibility for New Jersey’s Conditional Discharge Program

    The conditional discharge program in New Jersey allows certain defendants to avoid formal prosecution for minor drug charges if the charge is a disorderly persons offense.  If the initial charge was an indictable offense, conditional discharge may remain a possibility if we are able to negotiate a reduced charge so that the case is handled at the municipal court level.  Otherwise, in order to qualify, you must satisfy the following additional criteria:

    More serious drug charges, such as those involving large quantities or those that involve distribution or manufacture of drugs, will usually not qualify for the program.  The most common drug charges that render first-time offenders eligible for conditional discharge include:

    Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer Helps Clients Participating in Conditional Discharge Keep Their Driver’s Licenses in Camden County, NJ

    While participation in conditional discharge has substantial benefits, participants also must accept certain burdens imposed as a condition for participating in the program.  Specifically, over the probationary period, successful completion of the conditional discharge program may require:

    The potential for losing your driver’s license as a condition of participation in conditional discharge is often a deterrent for clients who would otherwise be eligible.  Despite this, the law provides that the judge has discretion to suspend your license, but may make an exception if compelling circumstances warrant that exception.

    At Gelman Law, LLC, we get to know our clients so that we can more fully understand how loss of your license will impact your life.  In some cases, we may be able to make a compelling argument that an exception is warranted because you need your license for employment purposes, for example.  While it is not always possible to retain your license, we will make every available argument to strongly advocate for your need to retain driving privileges during your probationary period.

    Call Today to Schedule a Confidential Consultation to Explore the Option of Applying for Conditional Discharge in Your Burlington County Case

    In many minor drug crime cases, the potential for jail time and monetary penalties, while serious, are relatively minor when compared to the lasting prospect of having to disclose your conviction to employers, landlords and even banks long after you have completed your punishment.  However, not every drug charge has to result in a lasting formal criminal record. Call or contact our experienced Cherry Hill criminal defense lawyer so that we can begin advocating for your right to participate in the conditional discharge program today.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Conditional Discharge Program

    FAQ:  Do I have to plead guilty to the charges in order to be admitted to the conditional discharge program?  

    Yes, as a prerequisite to admission, you must admit guilt via a plea.  If you have already been found guilty, we can advocate for conditional discharge at this stage.  Despite this, no conviction will appear on your criminal record and you can even have the arrest expunged after completing the program.  Actual innocence is, of course, always a factor that must be considered when determining whether conditional discharge is the right option for you—if we are able to make a strong case for your acquittal, conditional discharge may not be necessary.

    FAQ: Can the conditional dismissal itself be expunged?  

    Yes.  Six months after successful completion of the program, we can apply to have the conditional discharge itself expunged so that it won’t show up on a background check.  Despite this, the criminal justice system itself will still have a record of your participation in the program, so that expungement of participation does not mean that you will become eligible to participate a second time in the future.

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      "Mr. Gelman was great. He was very attentive and knowledgeable about my matter. Mr. Gelman was available when needed to discuss things. Definitely recommend him to any and everyone!"

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      "My experience with David Gelman was the most professional experience I've had with an attorney. He and his staff were courteous and patient with my legal matters. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of an attorney."

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    *Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

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    Charges

    Dismissed

    Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapons

    Dismissed /

    Downgraded

    DWI

    Charges

    Dismissed

    Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance

    Dismissed /

    Reduced

    Sexual Assault

    Charges

    Dismissed

    Credit Card Fraud

    Dismissed /

    Downgraded

    Terroristic Threats

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    *Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.