A routine traffic stop in Deal, New Jersey leads to a Long Branch being taken away in handcuffs after officers uncover a loaded handgun. Based on the information for reported by app.com, the Defendant, a twenty-six (26) year old male from Long Branch, was pulled over on Norwood Avenue, for an alleged motor vehicle violation. It is unclear what transpired next but a subsequent search of the Defendant’s vehicle was conducted. During the search of the Defendant’s vehicle, a loaded handgun along with several different controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and various drug paraphernalia were uncovered. At this point in time the Deal Police Department will not specify the specific types of drugs that were uncovered but the Defendant was placed under arrest and taken to the Monmouth County Jail.
Based on their findings, the Defendant was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of CDS, possession of a CDS with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, failure to maintain lane and unclear license plates. The Defendant was taken to the Monmouth County Jail, which is located in Freehold where he awaits a Detention Hearing. During the Detention Hearing, the Monmouth County prosecutor’s will most likely be seeking to detain the Defendant in the Monmouth County jail pending trial. Based on the new bail reforms, if the prosecution can show by clear and convincing evidence that in order to protect the public, assure the Defendant’s appearance in court and/or prevent them from obstructing the prosecution of their case, they must be detained, the Defendant will be held without bail. This has become more and more common of recent times, especially when it comes to unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose cases. Since those two crimes fall under the Graves Act, which in essence requires not only mandatory jail time and a mandatory parole ineligibility time as well, these are the types of cases that usually receive a Detention Hearing. For more information on Detention Hearings or if you need assistance with a criminal offense in Monmouth County, please do not hesitate to contact our Middletown Office at 732.858.6959. Our Monmouth County criminal defense attorneys are available immediately for a free initial consultation.
