North Carolina Drug Crime Lawyer

If you are arrested or being investigated for a drug crime, it is essential to know that every element of the crime(s) must be proven to be convicted of a drug crime charge. With the help of a North Carolina drug crime defense lawyer, you will be able to thoroughly examine your case for strengths and weaknesses, challenge the evidence against you, and fight to get charges diminished or dismissed.

If the case moves forward, you may be able to dispute a few critical points in your case, including: 

• The intent to sell and deliver 
• Possession of the drugs
• The authenticity of the drugs and the amount
• The reliability of the witnesses
• The chain of custody for the drugs 

Working with seasoned North Carolina drug crime attorneys means our collaborative team of skilled lawyers will discuss your case and develop defense strategies from every angle to fight for the opportunity to have your charges diminished or dropped. We will fight aggressively for an outcome most favorable to you and discuss whether it is in your best interest to take a plea bargain or go to trial.

Drug penalties in North Carolina range in severity depending on the type and amount of drugs involved at the time of the arrest. The drug crime lawyers at King Law have successfully fought a variety of drug-type crimes, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and others. 

It is illegal in North Carolina to possess, manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with the intent to sell and deliver, a controlled substance. A controlled substance is a legal term for various illegal drugs which are categorized in a system of schedules according to their addictive qualities and potential for abuse and danger for the user. Drug classifications are organized as follows: 

• Schedule Classification 1: Heroin, LSD, ecstasy, GHB, methaqualone, peyote, opiates
• Schedule Classification 2: Cocaine, raw opium, opium extracts, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, methamphetamine, Ritalin
• Schedule Classification 3: Ketamine, anabolic steroids, some barbiturates 
• Schedule Classification 4: Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol, Darvon, clonazepam, barbital
• Schedule Classification 5: Over-the-counter cough medicine mixed with codeine and similar products 
• Schedule Classification 6: Marijuana, hashish, hashish oil 

North Carolina law provides the following penalties and punishments for possession, distribution, manufacturing of controlled substances, depending on the amount and type: 

Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana

Penalties can range depending on the amount of marijuana. The penalty of a class 3 misdemeanor is up to 20 days in jail, whereas a class 1 misdemeanor is 120 days. 

Misdemeanor for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

This can be anything used to grow, make, test, sell, or transport illegal drugs. It can also include bowls, pipes, bongs, hookahs, scales, syringes, baggies, pill bottles, and grow lights. It is a class 1 misdemeanor with a penalty of 120 days imprisonment.

Misdemeanor of Possession of Schedule 5 Drugs

Possession of Schedule 5 drugs is a class 2 misdemeanor punishable for up to 60 days in jail. 

Misdemeanor Possession of Schedule 2-4 Drugs

Possession of Schedule 2-4 drugs is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable for up to 120 days in jail.  

Felony Possession of Marijuana

Possession of an amount of 1.5 ounces of marijuana or more is a Class 1 felony and can be punishable for up to 24 months in prison. 

Possession of a Schedule 1 Drug

Possession of a Schedule 1 drug is a class 1 felony and is punishable up to 24 months in prison.

Sale of Schedule 1 or 2 Drugs

Sale of Schedule 1 or 2 drugs is a class G felony, and the penalty is up to 47 months in prison. 

Sale of Schedule 3-6 Drugs

Sale of Schedule 3-6 drugs is a class H felony, and it is punishable for up to 39 months in prison. 

Possession with the Intent to Sell Schedule 3-6 Drugs

Possession with the intent to sell Schedule 3-6 drugs is a class I felony, and it is punishable by up to 24 months in prison. 

Possession with the Intent to Sell and Deliver or Sale of Counterfeit Drugs

Possession with the intent to sell and deliver or sale of counterfeit drugs is a Class I felony with a penalty of 24 months in prison. 

Manufacturing of Methamphetamine

Manufacturing of methamphetamine is a class C felony that is punishable up to 231 months in prison. 

After you have been arrested for drug crimes, like an immediate precursor chemical, in North Carolina, it is important to contact an experienced drug crime attorney to avoid negative consequences that may have a lasting impact on your future. Facing drug charges with a North Carolina drug crime lawyer can give you a better chance at diminishing your sentencing or getting them dropped.