Raleigh Drug Crime Lawyer

Raleigh Drug Crime Attorney

Drug crimes can be serious, particularly in North Carolina. The state takes drug crimes seriously and will not hesitate to make an example out of someone who is arrested and charged with serious drug crimes. If you find yourself charged with a drug crime of any kind, it is important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself. After being charged, you should reach out to a Raleigh drug crime lawyer and start building your defense.

At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, our experienced attorney is prepared to help you defend against drug crime charges. Whether you’re charged with possession, trafficking, or manufacturing, we can represent you.

Different Types of Drug Crimes in North Carolina

When you are arrested on drug charges, you could be accused of a number of different crimes. North Carolina treats drug-related crimes as grave offenses. The penalties can alter the trajectory of your life and hurt your reputation in your community, among other long-term consequences. It is important to understand the various levels of drug crimes in North Carolina:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance: Arguably the most common drug charge that occurs in North Carolina, possession of a controlled substance essentially means that you were found to have an illegal drug in your possession.Controlled substances can include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs for which you do not possess a valid prescription. The severity of the charge depends largely on the kind of drug you had in your possession and how much of it you had at the time of your arrest.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute: You can be charged with possession with intent to distribute if you are found to have a larger quantity of illegal drugs in your possession or if the officer who discovered the substances believes you intended to distribute them. This charge is significant and could land you in a tough legal position. An experienced drug crimes lawyer can help you identify your options.
• Drug Manufacturing: Drug manufacturing involves the development, cultivation, and production of controlled substances, usually on a mass scale. Many drugs are produced locally through a network of sorts, such as methamphetamine and marijuana. Drug manufacturing is a very serious charge and could land you significant prison time.
• Drug Trafficking: Drug trafficking is a particularly serious crime that involves the mass distribution of controlled substances. Drug traffickers are often targeted by federal agencies like the DEA and ATF. Depending on your past criminal history and the amount of drugs that you were trying to move, you could be looking at lengthy prison time, significant fines, and repossession of all your high-value assets.
• Drug Paraphernalia: North Carolina does not just go after people who commit drug crimes. If you are caught with drug paraphernalia like syringes, pipes, or other drug-related goods, you could be facing large fines or even imprisonment. It is illegal in North Carolina to have any items in your possession that are obviously connected or related to drug use, drug manufacturing, or drug trafficking.
• DUID: Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is another very serious crime in North Carolina. Much like driving while intoxicated (DWI), DUID impairs your judgment, messes with your brain chemistry, and puts those you encounter on the road in danger, including yourself. If you are arrested for DUID, you could be looking at a suspension of your driver’s license, fines, probation, or even jail time.

Different Categories of Controlled Substances

North Carolina separates the many different kinds of illegal drugs into six different distinct categories known as “schedules.” The higher the schedule, the higher the likelihood of abuse, public health risks, and consequences. Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse, while Schedule VI drugs have the lowest potential. It is important to understand each schedule and the drugs that fit into them, as well as the minimum consequences:

• Schedule I: Schedule I drugs have the most potential for abuse, and they are all hallucinogens or narcotics. The maximum penalty for possessing any of these drugs is five years in prison, while the maximum penalty for trafficking is 10 years in prison. These drugs include:
  • Heroin
  • LSD
  • Peyote
  • Psilocybin (Shrooms)
  • Mescaline
  • Quaaludes
  • PCP
  • MDA
• Schedule II: These drugs have a high potential for abuse and an accepted medical use with heavy restrictions. The maximum penalty for possessing any of these drugs is two years in prison and a fine of $2,000, while the maximum penalty for trafficking is 10 years in prison. These drugs include:
  • Cocaine
  • Morphine
  • Fentanyl
  • Amphetamines
  • Opium
  • Demerol
  • Codeine
  • Percocet
  • Nembutal
• Schedule III: These drugs still have a high potential for abuse, but not as much as Schedule I or Schedule II drugs. There is an accepted medical use, and abuse may lead to a limited physical dependency. The maximum penalty for possessing any of these drugs is two to five years in prison, depending on the quantity in your possession, while the maximum penalty for trafficking is five years in prison. These drugs include:
  • Barbiturates
  • Ketamine
  • Anabolic Steroids
• Schedule IV: These drugs have a reasonably low potential for abuse with an accepted medical use. It is still possible to become addicted to these drugs. The maximum penalty for possessing any of these drugs is two years in prison and a fine of $2,000, while the maximum penalty for trafficking is 10 years in prison. These drugs include:
  • Valium
  • Xanax
  • Darvon
  • Rohypnol
  • Clonazepam
  • Barbital
  • Other Barbiturates
• Schedule V: These drugs have a low potential for abuse and an accepted medical use. It is possible to become addicted to them, but the potential is low. The maximum penalty for possessing any of these drugs is six months in prison, while the maximum penalty for trafficking is five years in prison. These drugs include:
  • Over-the-counter cough medicines that have codeine
• Schedule VI: These drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and an accepted medical use. It is highly unlikely you can get addicted to them. The maximum penalty for possessing any of these drugs ranges from 30 days to five years in prison, depending on the quantity you have in your possession, while the maximum penalty for trafficking is five years in prison. These drugs include:
  • Marijuana
  • Hashish
  • Hashish Oil
  • THC
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol

FAQs

Q: Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in North Carolina?

A: Yes, first-time drug offenders can go to jail in North Carolina. If you have been charged with a serious drug offense in North Carolina, you may be looking at serious jail time. It all depends on the specific drug crime that you are charged with. If you are charged with possession, you may still go to jail, but there is a decent chance you could get a reduced sentence. If you are charged with trafficking, you are far more likely to spend time in jail.

Q: How Much Does a Drug Crime Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: There is no set amount for how much a drug crime lawyer costs in North Carolina. Every lawyer’s fee varies by the case. Every case has circumstances specific to the individual that the lawyer must consider when determining what their fee will cost you. These circumstances include the severity of your charges, the evidence against you, the lawyer’s caseload and availability, the amount of resources they will need to spend, and the chances of their success.

Q: What Amount of Drugs Is Considered Trafficking in North Carolina?

A: The amount of drugs that constitute drug trafficking in North Carolina depends entirely on the specific drug that is being trafficked. If you are caught with a large amount of marijuana, you may be facing different charges than if you are caught with a large amount of heroin. If you are caught with 10 pounds of marijuana, 28 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine, or four grams of heroin, it is considered trafficking under North Carolina state law.

Q: What Is the Law on Drug Possession in North Carolina?

A: The law on drug possession in North Carolina depends entirely on the drug in question and how much of it is found in your possession. The drug laws concerning marijuana and those concerning heroin or cocaine are different when it comes to penalties. Possession of a Schedule I narcotic is a felony charge that could land you a minimum of four months in jail and a maximum of five years. Possession of a Schedule VI drug could get you 10 days in jail.

Reach Out to an Experienced Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

Facing the consequences of drug charges can be stressful, intimidating, frightening, and embarrassing. The legal team of Steven T. Meier, PLLC, is prepared to help you build your case and create a strong defense.

We can help you weigh your options, gather the necessary evidence to back up your claim and uncover anything that can help reduce your charges. You may be in the midst of a difficult situation, but we are here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.