Brevard Drug Crime Lawyer

Brevard Drug Crime Attorney

There are a variety of drug charges and penalties for different situations involving drug possession and trafficking. It is important to learn more about your charges in order to determine what actions to take next. If you have been charged with a drug crime and need legal counsel, contact a Brevard drug crime lawyer.

An Experienced Approach

It is our goal at Edwards Law, PLLC, to provide compassionate and effective legal services to our clients. From drug charges to DUIs and other forms of criminal defense, we have successfully represented many clients around the Brevard area. Our attorneys have over a decade of legal experience and are familiar with the legal system in the region, giving you a unique advantage. For more information, contact Edwards Law, PLLC, today.

What Are Drug Crimes?

There are several different types of drug crimes, each with their own definitions and consequences, including:

• Possession: This is the mildest form of drug crime, but this does not mean that these types of convictions do not come with penalties. Most drug possession charges are felonies and come with lengthy prison sentences.
• Possession With Intent to Distribute: Owning drugs in an attempt to give them to someone else, even if they are not being sold, still counts as distribution. In some cases, charges have occurred if two people have met to exchange drugs, but no exchange actually happened.
• Drug Trafficking: The specific definition of drug trafficking depends on the court, but in many cases, charges with larger amounts of drugs involved can result in a drug trafficking charge as opposed to possession.
• Prescription Fraud: This type of charge encompasses several different actions, including impersonating a physician to prescribe drugs. Other instances include visiting multiple doctors to receive the same prescription, using incorrect information to receive a drug prescription, or using a drug found at your workplace that was not prescribed to you.
• Drug Manufacturing: These charges can be applied to people creating a substance. In North Carolina, manufacturing a drug includes synthesizing or growing a drug. It also includes other steps in the distribution process, including processing orders, compounding or adding additional ingredients, or repackaging them for sale.
• Drug Transportation: An individual with drug transportation charges is being charged with either transferring or intending to transfer drugs to another person for sale.
• Drug Selling/Dealing: Selling or dealing drugs in North Carolina is often treated similarly to delivering the drugs, even though they are technically different actions. They are both usually associated with felony charges and prison time.

Regardless of the charges you are facing, many of these charges result in similar consequences. They vary mostly based on the type of drug used and how much of the drug was found. Drugs are classified using a schedule system based on how medically applicable they are to the general population and how easily they can be abused. Schedule I drugs are considered to be the most dangerous, while Schedule VI is normally reserved for things like marijuana.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

When faced with criminal charges, it can be difficult to decide whether to talk to law enforcement, attempt to plead guilty to receive a lesser punishment, or attempt to fight the charges on your own. A criminal defense attorney can help make these decisions for you and represent you to make sure you have a higher chance of succeeding. They can craft a dedicated strategy for your case that might reduce or even eliminate your charges.

It can be tempting to talk to the police and tell them you are innocent, but this usually leads to more issues in the long run. Discussing your options with an attorney first can prevent you from saying something that can be used against you in a trial.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in NC?

A: The total cost for a criminal defense attorney in Brevard greatly varies based on how long the case takes to resolve and its complexity. If your case does not have to go to trial, it can cost significantly less. Depending on the attorney’s experience level, they can charge anywhere between $100 an hour and $500 an hour. For details on potential costs for your situation, contact a Brevard criminal defense attorney.

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for Drug Possession in NC?

A: The jail sentence for drug possession in Brevard depends on a variety of factors, including the drug that was found and the quantity of the drug found. If the drug is a Schedule I drug, it is usually associated with an up to 24-month jail sentence. This can also apply to Schedule II, III, and IV drugs if there is a large amount in a defendant’s possession. Many possession charges for Schedule V and VI drugs have lower sentences.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Drug Charges in NC?

A: In Brevard, the statute of limitations for a case depends on the level of severity. A felony charge has no statute of limitations in North Carolina, meaning that a person can be charged with that crime regardless of when it happened. Misdemeanors usually have a two-year statute of limitations if the crime was not committed with malicious intentions. For more information on your criminal charges, contact a defense attorney.

Q: What Is the First-Time Offense for Possession of a Controlled Substance in North Carolina?

A: Most drug possession charges are felonies unless the drug in question is Schedule V or VI. There is an exception for individuals who do not have any criminal convictions on their record. This is called conditional discharge. Conditional discharge can lead to probation and a drug education course. If the defendant completes this program, then the conviction will not appear on their criminal record.

Edwards Law, PLLC: Drug Charges Defense NC

Drug charges often come with jail sentences, lengthy probation, and fines. To avoid as many of these penalties as possible, consult a criminal defense attorney to create a targeted strategy against your charges. An attorney can help reduce the consequences of your charges. Schedule a consultation with Edwards Law, PLLC, for local representation with a proven track record.