A drug paraphernalia allegation in Highlands can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time in the New Jersey court system. These cases often move quickly through municipal court, yet the effects can linger on background checks, employment screening, and professional opportunities. The Law Office of Edward Appel helps people navigate these charges with care, focusing on protecting your record and minimizing penalties while you continue your life and work. From the initial police encounter to your first court date, we explain your options in clear language and aim to position your case for the best possible outcome under New Jersey law.
New Jersey paraphernalia cases commonly arise from vehicle stops near the Bayshore, pedestrian encounters, or searches following minor traffic infractions in and around Highlands. Prosecutors must generally prove the item was intended for use with a controlled substance and tie it to you through actual or constructive possession. That leaves room for thoughtful defense strategies, including challenging the stop, questioning possession, or seeking a diversion such as conditional discharge where appropriate. If you are facing a court date in Monmouth County, timely guidance matters. Call 856-856-2373 to talk with the Law Office of Edward Appel and start building a plan tailored to your circumstances.
Acting quickly after a paraphernalia charge can expand your options and reduce risk. Early intervention allows your defense to preserve video, locate witnesses, and evaluate whether the stop or search complied with New Jersey and constitutional requirements. It also positions you to pursue alternatives like conditional discharge, negotiate for an ordinance downgrade, or challenge key elements such as intent to use. With municipal calendars moving fast, a clear strategy helps avoid missed deadlines, unexpected surcharges, or avoidable license and employment consequences. In Highlands and greater Monmouth County, we focus on practical steps that protect your future while working to resolve the case efficiently and with the least disruption possible.
The Law Office of Edward Appel is a New Jersey practice focused on Criminal Defense, DUI, and related matters, serving clients throughout Monmouth County, including Highlands. We pair straightforward advice with detailed case workups designed to uncover procedural issues, possession defenses, and opportunities for diversion. Our firm values communication: you will understand the process, the likely timeline, and the tradeoffs of each option before any decision is made. Whether your case stems from a traffic stop, a beach-area encounter, or a home search, we tailor defenses to the facts. Call 856-856-2373 to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your record and peace of mind.
In New Jersey, possession of drug paraphernalia is typically charged under N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2, a disorderly persons offense heard in municipal court. The State must show the object was intended for use with a controlled dangerous substance—through context, statements, or other circumstances—and that you possessed it, either directly or constructively. While cannabis laws have evolved, paraphernalia tied to other substances can still lead to fines, probation, community service, and up to six months of jail exposure. Beyond statutory penalties, a finding of guilt may affect employment screening and professional licensing. Effective defense often focuses on legality of the stop or search, possession, and disputed intent.
Many Highlands cases begin with a vehicle stop on local roads or along commuter routes. A defense review starts by assessing whether the stop, detention, and any search complied with constitutional standards. If the encounter or consent is infirm, evidence may be suppressed. Even where possession is uncontested, prosecutors still must establish intent to use the item with a controlled substance. Courts consider factors like residue, accompanying items, admissions, and location. When appropriate, diversion through conditional discharge can provide a path to dismissal after a compliance period. Each case turns on the facts, so early documentation and a tailored defense plan are essential.
New Jersey law defines drug paraphernalia broadly to include items used or intended to be used to ingest, prepare, package, or conceal controlled substances. Examples may include pipes, scales, baggies, or household objects repurposed for drug-related use. The key question is not merely what the item is, but how the State claims it was intended to be used. Courts assess contextual clues—residue, proximity to other items, observations by officers, or statements attributed to a person. In cannabis contexts, the analysis can differ due to evolving statutes. Understanding how intent is inferred allows the defense to challenge assumptions and argue alternative, lawful explanations for possession.
Most paraphernalia cases hinge on three themes: the legality of police contact, proof of possession, and proof of intent to use with a controlled substance. From first appearance through disposition, cases move quickly in municipal court. Early steps include discovery requests, a review of body-worn camera footage, and assessment of any search issues. Your defense may file a suppression motion, negotiate for a downgrade, or pursue a diversion like conditional discharge. If the State cannot establish a necessary element, dismissal may be possible. If negotiations make sense, a plea to a non-criminal ordinance may reduce collateral consequences and help protect employment and licensing interests.
Legal terminology appears throughout your municipal case. Understanding common terms helps you make informed choices and anticipate next steps. Because New Jersey law evaluates the context around an object, small details can carry weight, from where an item was found to what officers recorded. The glossary below explains concepts you may hear during court or while reviewing discovery. If something is unclear, ask questions. At the Law Office of Edward Appel, we prioritize clear communication so you can weigh options such as diversion, motions, or negotiated outcomes with confidence and an accurate picture of risk and reward.
A disorderly persons offense alleging possession of items intended to be used with controlled substances, such as devices for ingesting, preparing, or packaging. The statute requires the State to show the item’s intended use, often through surrounding circumstances, residue, statements, or proximity to other objects. Not every household item qualifies; the context matters. Punishment may include fines, probation, community service, and possible jail up to six months, along with court costs and fees. The charge is handled in municipal court. Defenses typically address intent, possession, and constitutional challenges to the stop, search, or seizure that produced the item.
Constructive possession refers to circumstances where a person does not physically hold an item but allegedly has knowledge of it and the ability to control it. In paraphernalia cases, the State may rely on where the object was found—such as a shared vehicle or residence—and other facts to claim you exercised dominion or control. The defense often contests knowledge or access, particularly in group settings or areas with multiple occupants. Without reliable proof tying you to the item and demonstrating awareness, constructive possession may be difficult to establish, creating leverage for dismissal, diversion, or negotiated reductions in municipal court.
Intent to use is the State’s claim that the object was meant for drug-related activity, proven by context rather than labels. Courts consider factors like residue, paraphernalia kits, statements, and the presence of controlled substances or packaging materials. The same item can be lawful in one setting and unlawful in another, depending on surrounding facts. The defense may present innocent explanations, argue lack of residue, or challenge the reliability of statements. Because intent is often inferred, careful review of body-camera footage, lab results, and witness accounts can reveal reasonable doubt or support for diversionary outcomes.
Conditional discharge is a New Jersey municipal court diversion for certain first-time drug-related offenses. If accepted, you complete a period of supervision and conditions such as testing or counseling. Successful completion typically results in dismissal of the charge, allowing you to avoid a finding of guilt. Not everyone qualifies; eligibility depends on prior history and the nature of the present offense. A thorough review can determine whether this path suits your goals. Even when diversion is available, suppression motions or negotiated downgrades may still provide stronger outcomes depending on the evidence and your personal and professional circumstances.
Some Highlands paraphernalia cases can be resolved quickly, while others benefit from fuller investigation and motion practice. A limited approach targets fast resolution and lower costs where the risk profile is narrow. A comprehensive approach digs deeper into the stop, search, possession, and intent, often unlocking leverage for diversion, downgrades, or dismissal. The best path depends on your goals, employment concerns, immigration status, and the strength of the State’s evidence. We collaboratively assess those factors so you can choose a strategy that balances time, budget, and long-term record protection.
If discovery shows a valid stop, minimal evidence, no admissions, and a clean record, a limited approach focused on negotiation may make sense. In these situations, quick engagement with the prosecutor can sometimes achieve a municipal ordinance downgrade or entry into conditional discharge without extensive motion practice. This path is often appropriate when your primary goals are predictability and minimizing court appearances. We still assess for diversion eligibility and collateral impacts, but we concentrate on efficient resolution. When the State’s file lacks aggravating factors, streamlined advocacy can achieve a favorable outcome with less delay and expense.
Where you appear eligible for conditional discharge and can readily comply with conditions, pursuing diversion promptly may be the most direct route to dismissal. This strategy emphasizes timely paperwork, clear communication with the court, and preparing you for compliance requirements. By aligning your goals with the program’s expectations, we reduce the chances of setbacks and keep the case moving. While we always preserve defenses and review the legality of the encounter, when the evidence is otherwise strong, diversion can deliver a clean end result without unnecessary litigation, protecting your time, privacy, and long-term record.
If the officer’s basis for the stop is unclear, consent to search is disputed, or the scope of any search appears expanded without justification, a comprehensive defense is warranted. We obtain and analyze body-worn camera footage, CAD logs, and reports to test whether the State can justify the contact and seizure. If constitutional or statutory defects exist, suppression may result in dismissal. Even when a full dismissal is not achieved, strong motion practice can significantly improve negotiating leverage, promoting outcomes that better protect your employment, licensing, and immigration interests in Highlands and throughout Monmouth County.
Some clients face sensitive jobs, security concerns, or licensing issues that make any record a serious problem. When collateral consequences are significant, we recommend a comprehensive plan that explores every avenue: suppression motions, intent challenges, possession defenses, and potential expert evaluations such as substance-use assessments that may aid negotiations. We also assess immigration implications and long-term expungement options. The goal is to secure a resolution that not only ends the case but preserves your future. In these matters, a thorough strategy provides better protection than a quick plea, even if it requires more time and advocacy.
A thorough defense uncovers leverage that may not be obvious at first glance. By scrutinizing stop justifications, consent, search scope, and chain of custody, we often identify issues that erode the State’s proof on intent or possession. Those findings can support suppression, dismissal, or more favorable negotiations. Even when the evidence appears strong, a complete review can reveal paths to diversion or downgrades that better protect your record. In Highlands municipal matters, preparation also reduces surprises on court day, shortens hearings, and improves your confidence in each decision you make along the way.
Comprehensive representation also addresses the life side of your case. We plan around your work schedule, minimize court appearances where possible, and coordinate any assessments or counseling that can support mitigation. Proactive steps demonstrate responsibility without admitting wrongdoing, which may aid negotiations. We explain what potential outcomes mean for jobs, licenses, and immigration, so your legal strategy aligns with long-term goals. This holistic approach helps ensure that today’s solution does not create tomorrow’s problem, offering both legal protection and practical peace of mind throughout your Highlands paraphernalia case.
When the State knows your defense is prepared to litigate motions and challenge proof, negotiations often improve. Thorough discovery review and targeted investigation can expose weaknesses that make dismissal or an ordinance downgrade more attainable. Even if a complete dismissal is not realistic, methodical pressure can result in terms that reduce fines, eliminate jail exposure, or secure diversion. In Highlands municipal court, this leverage often translates into practical wins that protect your record and reputation. Preparation is the engine behind outcomes that a quick, limited approach may not surface or secure.
Background checks, professional screenings, and immigration reviews can magnify a minor court case into a major life issue. A comprehensive strategy evaluates those risks and pursues outcomes that safeguard your future, such as conditional discharge or dismissals that limit long-term exposure. We also plan for expungement eligibility and craft mitigation that strengthens negotiations without compromising defenses. By addressing the wider impact—work, licenses, travel, and education—we aim for resolutions that solve the legal case and protect the opportunities you value most, today and down the road.
Save texts, call logs, and any receipts that may show where you were and what you purchased. If the encounter was near businesses or residences, note cameras that might have captured the stop or search. Write down your recollection of events while details are fresh, including what the officer said, where items were found, and whether consent to search was requested. This information can become vital during discovery and motion practice, especially when intent or possession is disputed. The earlier you gather it, the better your defense can test the State’s version of events in Highlands municipal court.
Court scheduling often intersects with work and school. Gather proof of your responsibilities—class schedules, pay stubs, or supervisor letters—so we can request accommodations and present mitigation when helpful. Demonstrating stability and community ties may support negotiation for diversion or a downgrade. If professional licensing is involved, we will plan toward outcomes that protect credentials and minimize background-check exposure. Clear documentation helps align the legal strategy with your day-to-day life, reducing stress and improving the chance of a result that preserves your future opportunities in Highlands and beyond.
Even a municipal paraphernalia case can affect employment, licensing, and future opportunities. An attorney can evaluate whether the stop or search was lawful, test the State’s proof on possession and intent, and pursue alternatives like conditional discharge or an ordinance downgrade. We also manage scheduling, guide you through court appearances, and prepare you for each step. In short, the right plan can reduce risk, protect your record, and lower stress—benefits that matter whether this is your first encounter with the system or you have prior history.
For Highlands residents and visitors, local enforcement patterns and municipal procedures can shape outcomes. We tailor defense strategies to these realities while staying focused on your priorities: job security, privacy, and peace of mind. By analyzing body-worn camera footage, reports, and physical evidence, we identify weaknesses that support dismissal, diversion, or favorable negotiation. If litigation is warranted, we file targeted motions and present mitigation without compromising defenses. This balanced approach aims to resolve the case effectively while protecting the future you have worked to build.
These charges often arise from vehicle stops for minor traffic issues, pedestrian encounters near nightlife and recreational areas, or searches following a consent request. Items may be found in shared spaces like cars or apartments, creating constructive possession disputes. Sometimes an unrelated call—wellness checks or noise complaints—turns into a paraphernalia allegation. Each situation presents unique defenses: challenging the basis for the stop, disputing consent, questioning access to the item, or offering lawful explanations that undercut intent. Understanding how your case began helps us target the defenses most likely to improve your result.
Many Highlands cases start with a minor moving violation that evolves into a vehicle search. The legality of the stop, the length of the detention, and any consent to search all come under scrutiny. We examine body-cam footage, dispatch notes, and timing to test whether the encounter expanded beyond its original purpose. If the State cannot justify the search, evidence may be suppressed. Even if the search stands, constructive possession and intent to use remain separate hurdles for the prosecution. A careful review can expose weaknesses that support negotiations, diversion, or dismissal.
Paraphernalia discovered in a shared residence or common area often triggers constructive possession arguments. The State must show you knew about the item and had the ability to control it, not simply that it was nearby. We gather statements, floor plans, and witness accounts to demonstrate lack of knowledge or access, and we challenge assumptions drawn from proximity alone. When multiple occupants are involved, the facts can become murky. That ambiguity may create reasonable doubt, open the door to a downgrade, or make diversion more accessible in municipal court.
Pedestrian stops near local attractions or during late hours sometimes lead to paraphernalia allegations after a frisk or search. We analyze whether the initial contact was voluntary, whether reasonable suspicion existed for any pat-down, and whether further search steps were justified. If the encounter exceeded legal limits, suppression may follow. Even where the search stands, prosecutors still must prove intent and possession. We explore innocent uses for everyday items, evaluate residue claims, and highlight inconsistencies in reports. Thorough review can shift the leverage toward outcomes that protect your record and your future.
You deserve a defense that fits your life and goals. We begin with a detailed intake and discovery plan so we can quickly assess the legality of the stop, search, and seizure. We will explain the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s case in plain language and outline options ranging from motions to diversion to negotiated resolutions. With municipal matters moving fast, our process emphasizes early action, organized communication, and clear decision points that keep you informed and in control.
Protecting your future is as important as resolving the charge. We evaluate employment, licensing, immigration, and education concerns to guide strategy. Where appropriate, we coordinate assessments, counseling, or community-based steps that strengthen negotiations without conceding defenses. We also discuss expungement planning so you can understand the long-term path to clearing your record. The result is a defense that looks beyond the immediate court date and protects your opportunities in Highlands and across New Jersey.
Clients choose us for diligent case review, steady communication, and a practical mindset. We know municipal calendars, discovery timelines, and the importance of preparation on court day. Whether you need a quick, negotiated solution or a motion-driven strategy, we’re ready to move in the direction that fits your priorities. When you call 856-856-2373, you will speak with a New Jersey criminal defense firm that treats your case with the attention it deserves and works to secure an outcome you can live with.
We start fast: gather discovery, review body-cam video, and analyze the stop, consent, and search. You receive a straightforward action plan with key dates and decisions. We then evaluate defenses, determine diversion eligibility, and prepare mitigation that supports negotiation without admitting wrongdoing. If motions are warranted, we file them promptly and pursue the leverage they create. Throughout, we keep you informed, manage scheduling, and adapt strategy as new information arrives. The aim is consistent—protect your record, reduce stress, and resolve your Highlands case as efficiently as the facts allow.
Your case begins with a detailed intake covering the stop, search, location of items, and any statements. We request discovery immediately and preserve potential video from nearby businesses or residences. Within days, you receive a roadmap outlining defense themes—search issues, intent challenges, diversion prospects—and a timeline of court dates. This early plan ensures we hit deadlines, secure evidence, and align goals. We also discuss work, school, or licensing concerns so strategy protects your life outside the courtroom while building leverage inside municipal court.
We move quickly to obtain police reports, body-worn camera footage, CAD logs, and any lab analyses. Where appropriate, we contact nearby businesses or property owners to preserve surveillance. Early access to video helps verify the basis for the stop, the scope of the search, and the handling of items. If problems appear—uncertain consent, prolonged detention, or inconsistent reports—we flag them for suppression motions. This step sets the foundation for negotiation and litigation, often shaping whether a case trends toward dismissal, diversion, or a negotiated downgrade.
We prepare you for court by explaining what to expect, how to dress, and how the calendar works. You receive clear instructions for each appearance and prompt updates if dates shift. If you are a candidate for conditional discharge, we outline requirements so you can plan for testing or counseling without surprises. We also discuss mitigation materials that can help negotiations, like proof of employment, schooling, or community involvement. This preparation reduces stress, prevents missteps, and positions your case for the best possible early outcome.
With discovery in hand, we refine defenses and decide whether to file suppression or evidentiary motions. We challenge possession and intent where facts allow and assess the State’s ability to meet each element. At the same time, we pursue negotiation tracks—diversion, downgrades, or amended charges—presenting mitigation without undermining defenses. The combination of litigation pressure and practical solutions often moves cases toward more favorable outcomes. You remain involved at every step, choosing how to balance time, cost, and risk based on clear, timely advice.
We file motions tailored to your case, focusing on the issues most likely to change the outcome. That may include suppression based on an invalid stop or search, exclusion of statements, or challenges to intent evidence. Strong motions can lead to dismissal or, at minimum, create leverage that improves negotiation. Even where complete suppression is unlikely, narrowing the State’s proof can open doors to diversion or ordinance pleas that better protect your record and future opportunities in Highlands and beyond.
We negotiate from a position of preparation, using identified weaknesses to seek dismissals, downgrades, or diversion. If conditional discharge fits your goals, we prepare eligibility materials and a compliance plan that demonstrates reliability. When appropriate, we present letters from employers or educators and community involvement to support a better outcome. Throughout negotiations, we protect your defenses and avoid admissions that could hinder motions or trial. The objective is simple: secure a result that resolves the case while safeguarding your long-term interests.
As your case approaches resolution, we confirm that the terms protect your record and reflect your priorities. If you enter diversion, we prepare you to complete conditions smoothly and on time. If a plea to an ordinance is negotiated, we review collateral consequences so there are no surprises. When dismissal is achieved, we discuss expungement timelines and next steps. Our work aims to close the matter in a way that reduces long-term exposure on background checks and positions you to move forward confidently.
On court day, we confirm the record accurately reflects the agreement and ensure you understand obligations, payment details, and follow-up dates. If conditions apply—testing, counseling, or community service—we map out a completion plan and remain available to address issues promptly. We also verify that any dismissals or amendments are properly recorded. This careful closeout helps prevent administrative surprises and keeps your case on a smooth path to completion or expungement eligibility where applicable.
After resolution, we review expungement options and timelines, including steps following a dismissal or successful completion of conditional discharge. We discuss how to answer background-check questions, what to expect during employment screening, and how to avoid future pitfalls. If you need documentation for work or school, we help you obtain it. Our goal is to ensure the benefits of your outcome are fully realized, protecting both your record and your opportunities long after court concludes.
New Jersey law defines paraphernalia as items used or intended for use with controlled substances, including devices to ingest, prepare, package, or conceal. Common examples include pipes, scales, baggies, grinders, or everyday objects adapted for drug-related purposes. The definition is intentionally broad but depends heavily on context. The State must connect the item to drug activity, not simply show that you possessed an object that could be used for multiple purposes. Courts consider factors like residue, accompanying items, proximity to drugs, statements, and the location of the item. The same object may be lawful in one scenario and unlawful in another. Because context drives the analysis, defenses often focus on innocent uses, lack of residue, or gaps in proof. A detailed review of reports and body-camera footage helps assess whether the State can meet its burden in municipal court.
A paraphernalia conviction is a disorderly persons offense and can appear on criminal background checks. Even without jail, a record may affect employment, housing, or licensing. Diversion through conditional discharge can lead to dismissal if successfully completed, which generally improves your long-term outlook. Some negotiated resolutions, such as ordinance pleas, can also reduce collateral impacts compared to a criminal finding. If your case is dismissed or you complete diversion, you may be eligible to seek expungement after the applicable waiting period. Each situation is unique, so we assess future screening implications before choosing a strategy. Our goal is to pursue an outcome that resolves the case and protects your opportunities, especially if your employer or professional board runs periodic checks.
Police may stop a vehicle for a valid traffic violation, but any subsequent search must comply with constitutional standards. Officers often rely on consent, plain view, or other exceptions to the warrant requirement. Whether the search was lawful depends on specific facts: the basis for the stop, how long the detention lasted, and what occurred before the search began. Body-camera footage and dispatch records can be critical in evaluating legality. If the search exceeded lawful limits or consent is disputed, a suppression motion may be appropriate. Successful suppression can exclude evidence and sometimes lead to dismissal. Even if the search stands, challenges to possession and intent remain. We analyze the encounter step by step to determine whether suppression, diversion, or negotiation offers the best path to a favorable result in Highlands.
Paraphernalia under N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2 is a disorderly persons offense. Potential penalties include fines, court costs, probation, community service, and up to six months of jail exposure. Judges also consider circumstances such as prior history and whether counseling or testing is appropriate. Although incarceration is not typical for first-time municipal matters, the risks should be taken seriously because collateral consequences can extend beyond court. In many cases, negotiation or diversion can reduce penalties or result in dismissal upon successful completion. Outcomes vary with evidence strength, eligibility, and local practice. Our role is to identify defenses, press for alternatives, and guide you through each step so you can make decisions with a clear understanding of risk and reward in Monmouth County municipal court.
Many first-time defendants may qualify for conditional discharge in municipal court, but eligibility depends on your prior record and the nature of the present offense. If accepted, you complete a period of supervision and conditions such as testing or counseling. Successful completion typically results in a dismissal, helping to protect your record from a criminal finding. We evaluate eligibility early and, when appropriate, prepare materials to support enrollment. Diversion is one option; depending on the evidence, suppression motions or an ordinance downgrade may offer better protection. The best path considers your goals, risk tolerance, and the strength of the State’s case. We will explain tradeoffs clearly so you can choose confidently.
Prosecutors often rely on circumstantial evidence to prove intent: residue on an item, proximity to drugs, admissions, or paraphernalia kits found together. The State does not need a confession if the surrounding facts strongly suggest drug use or preparation. However, context matters. Innocent explanations and lack of residue or clear linkage to controlled substances can undermine the State’s theory. The defense tests each inference, reviewing video, lab reports, and witness accounts. We may highlight lawful uses for common objects, inconsistencies in the timeline, or gaps in chain of custody. By challenging how intent is inferred, we aim to create reasonable doubt or leverage for diversion, downgrades, or dismissal in Highlands municipal court.
In shared spaces, the State may claim constructive possession—arguing you knew about the item and had the ability to control it. Proximity alone is not enough. Courts look for additional indicators such as where the item was located, whether it was in your personal area, and whether other facts link it to you specifically. When multiple occupants are present, these inferences are often weak. We gather facts that show lack of knowledge or access, including seating positions, room assignments, and witness statements. If the State cannot tie the item to you reliably, its case on possession may falter. This can support dismissal, a downgrade, or improved terms for diversion.
Municipal judges sometimes allow counsel to appear on your behalf for non-critical dates, depending on the nature of the hearing and local rules. This can save time and help avoid work or school conflicts. We will advise you when personal appearance is required and when it is not, so you can plan ahead without risking a warrant or missed proceeding. When you must appear, we prepare you for what to expect and coordinate scheduling where possible. Our goal is to reduce the burden of court while protecting your interests and ensuring your case moves toward the best achievable outcome.
Most Highlands municipal paraphernalia cases run from several weeks to a few months, depending on discovery timelines, motion practice, and negotiations. Cases involving complex search issues or multiple defendants may take longer. Diversion applications can also extend the process, though the long-term benefits often justify the extra time. We work to keep your case on track by pressing for timely discovery, filing targeted motions, and preparing negotiation materials early. You will receive updates and a projected timeline so you can plan around work and family responsibilities while your case proceeds.
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible—ideally before your first appearance. Early action preserves evidence, clarifies your options, and helps avoid missteps, such as making statements that can be used against you. It also allows us to evaluate the stop, search, and prospects for diversion quickly. Prompt guidance can improve outcomes significantly, from suppression arguments to favorable negotiations. When we understand your priorities early—employment, licensing, immigration—we can tailor the strategy to protect what matters most. Call 856-856-2373 to speak with the Law Office of Edward Appel and start building your defense plan today.