According to news reports, a traffic stop in New Jersey near Schroon led to a man's arrest on multiple charges. The stop occurred on Route 9 on Sept. 12 during the afternoon.

The stop

Law enforcement officers reportedly stopped the 30-year-old Glenn Gardner man for failing to maintain a lane. Officers suspected that the man might be impaired by drugs. During a search of his vehicle, the officers say they found heroin, crack cocaine, prescription drugs, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and an open alcohol container. The man was arrested and placed in custody.

Charges

Police filed several charges against the man. He is facing one felony and multiple misdemeanor offenses. His charges include a felony count of third-degree possession of a controlled substance, and his misdemeanor charges include driving while impaired by drugs, fourth-degree marijuana possession, second-degree use of drug paraphernalia and six counts of criminal possession of drugs in the seventh degree. Following his arrest, he was arraigned in Schroon's Town Court and was subsequently released pending his next court date.

Defending against misdemeanors

When people are charged with crimes in New Jersey, they might face serious potential penalties. People who are convicted could be handed sentences for jail or prison time, stiff fines and other criminal penalties. Even misdemeanor offenses can result in sentences to jail. Those accused might benefit from retaining attorneys who practice in the area of misdemeanor crimes.

An experienced defense lawyer might analyze what happened to identify the defenses that could be raised. An attorney may be able to secure a plea agreement to a lesser charge or an alternative sentence that helps his or her client avoid jail time. In some cases, a lawyer might take their client's case to trial when doing so is in the client's best interests.