Candler Drug Crime Lawyer

Candler Drug Crime Attorney

Being charged with a drug crime is a serious offense in North Carolina. Therefore, if you are caught in possession of, carrying, or selling a controlled substance, you should consult a Candler drug crime lawyer immediately. It is wiser to hire a lawyer to represent you rather than attempt to fight your charges yourself.

At Edwards Law, PLLC, we are a reputable firm with a history of defending individuals charged with drug crimes. As a former prosecutor, Doug Edwards understands North Carolina’s drug laws intimately and can navigate the legal system effortlessly. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, we can represent you.

North Carolina Drug Crime Laws

In North Carolina, it is illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, transport, or distribute a controlled substance. This includes marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription pills, among other controlled substances. The penalties and fines for drug crimes vary based on the amount of the drug in possession as well as the suspect’s number of previous offenses.

In some cases, a person is found guilty of trafficking, which means they sold, manufactured, possessed, transported, or distributed controlled substances of a specific amount, depending on the drug. An example of this is when a Candler man was charged with several drug trafficking charges after being investigated by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. At his traffic stop, exorbitant amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl were seized.

In Buncombe County, there were 625 drug arrests in 2023 according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The statistics were broken down by sales and possession, with most sales being for opium or cocaine.

North Carolina Drug Schedules

In Candler, North Carolina, drugs are classified as Class I-VI. This classification helps law enforcement determine the penalty a drug offender may receive. A general outline of the drug schedule is as follows:

• Schedule I: These are drugs with a high potential for abuse. They are unsafe and have no medical necessity.
• Schedule II: These have a high potential for abuse, but they also have an accepted medical use, with restrictions, as they may cause dependence.
• Schedule III: These have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II. There is an accepted medical use, but it may cause dependence, though not as severe.
• Schedule IV: These have a low potential for abuse and an accepted medical use. There is a limited chance of dependence.
• Schedule V: These are similar to Schedule IV drugs, and they may even include over-the-counter cough medicine.
• Schedule VI: These have a low potential for abuse but no accepted medical use; an example is marijuana.

Misdemeanor Drug Crimes

The penalty for drug crimes in North Carolina is largely dependent on the types of drug crime or substance the offender is caught possessing, selling, manufacturing, or distributing. Most misdemeanor drug crimes involve smaller amounts of drugs. For example, possession of more than half an ounce of marijuana is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, as is less than a gram of MDPV, which is the synthetic version of MDMA.

Additionally, Schedule V and VI drugs, with a low potential for abuse, may come with misdemeanor instead of felony charges.

Felony Drug Crimes

Felony drug crimes are the most serious. They may result in lengthy prison sentences and steep fines. In North Carolina, felonies are organized by class, which ranges from Class A through I, with Class A being the most severe and Class I being the least. Drug trafficking is the most serious drug crime in North Carolina, and penalties depend on the type and amount of the drug. For example, drug trafficking 400 grams or more of meth is a Class C Felony.

Common Penalties for Drug Crimes

If you are charged with a drug crime in North Carolina, the penalties may be swift and severe. The penalty for drugs can be fines, jail time, or a combination of both; it depends on whether the offense is a felony or misdemeanor. Class C felonies are the most serious drug crimes in North Carolina, which may result in spending up to 282 months in prison and paying over $250,000 in fines.

Misdemeanor penalties, however, are less severe and may include spending up to 45 days in prison. The fines can vary, based on the court’s discretion. In addition to paying fines and serving jail time, drug crimes appear on your criminal record. This could significantly impact your ability to secure a job or housing.

FAQs

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

A: The cost of a criminal defense lawyer in North Carolina varies based on several factors. The three main factors that are often considered are the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of your case, and the location of the firm. More experienced criminal defense lawyers, very complex cases, and firms in areas with a higher cost of living tend to be more expensive. However, hiring a lawyer may prove more affordable than facing harsh sentences or paying steep fines in the long term.

Q: What Evidence Is Needed for a Drug Conviction?

A: Drug charges tend to require clear and physical evidence to secure a conviction. Examples of evidence include:

• The physical presence of drugs, typically in large quantities
• Records of receipts of purchases and customers
• Large quantities of cash money without a clear reason for obtaining it
• Equipment used to store or mix drugs

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

A: It depends. If the drug crime is a felony, whether it is a first-time offense or not, the penalty is typically jail time. However, some misdemeanor charges may only result in paying fines or probation. The skill and experience of your lawyer may change the trajectory of your charges, as they could negotiate with the judge if it is your first offense.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for a Drug Charge?

A: The minimum sentence for a drug charge in North Carolina is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which involves Schedule VI substances with a suspended jail sentence of probation. The minimum felony drug charge is a Class H felony, which includes packaging or labeling meth. The sentence is typically 4 to 25 months in prison.

Contact Edwards Law, PLLC

Drug crime charges can be life-altering, leading to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. You do not want to face these charges alone, so hiring a lawyer at Edwards Law, PLLC, may be essential for ensuring your freedom. If you are currently facing drug charges, contact our office today for a case consultation.