[mvpel]

I wonder how many people are in jail in New Jersy for simple possession of small amounts of controlled substances?

[thenderson]

In NJ, basically nobody gets sent to a state prison for small quantities of drugs. Here, nobody in one of the state institutions is there just for being a misunderstood individual. Most inmates have worked long and hard to be a criminal.

Simple possession cases (for first time offenders) are nearly all downgraded to disorderly person offenses. The penalty then is just a fine.

The next notch up -- possession with intent to distribute and repeat offenses -- very often gets parole. Drug possession (or use) in violation of parole can result in a prison stay.

It is true that as part of a plea bargain deal, other charges might be dropped and then the remaining possession charge will merit incarceration. In this way, technically, someone will be jailed for possession of a small quantity of drugs. The original arrest might have been for drug possession, criminal trespass, possession of burglar tools, weapon possession, possession of stolen property, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, assault, and a assault on a police officer. To keep the criminal justice system operating, a prosecutor might agree to drop all but the drug charge.