Wadesboro Drug Crimes Lawyer

Wadesboro Drug Crimes Attorney

If you’re facing drug crime charges, you already know they could lead to some serious potential consequences. The charges could have long-lasting implications for your freedom and future if you are convicted. When you’ve been arrested and charged with a drug crime, you need a quality Wadesboro drug crimes lawyer on your side. They can provide you with the support and representation necessary for these types of cases.

Partner With a Top-Rated Wadesboro Drug Crimes Attorney

When your freedom is at stake, you don’t want just any attorney representing you. You want a good one. When you hire a drug crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick, you can benefit from our professional and seasoned legal services. Our firm has been successfully defending clients in Wadesboro against drug crimes since 1961. Let us use our experience to defend you, too.

North Carolina Drug Crimes Classification

Drug crimes in North Carolina are classified based on the Controlled Substances Act. It is illegal to possess, sell, distribute, or manufacture controlled substances in North Carolina. More dangerous drugs carry more severe penalties, and higher amounts of drugs also intensify charges and sentencing. The least severe type of drug crime is a possession charge. Below is a description of the various drug charges by classification in North Carolina:

Schedule I

Examples of Schedule I controlled substances include heroin, LSD, MDA, and other hallucinogens. Possession of a Schedule I substance can result in prison time of up to five years.

Schedule II

Examples of Schedule II controlled substances include opiates, such as fentanyl and oxycodone, as well as amphetamines and other prescription drugs. A possession charge for a Schedule II substance depends on the amount.

Typically, these charges are misdemeanors, resulting in a two-year prison sentence and a $2,000 fine. However, the amount of the drug can increase the severity of your penalties and charges. For example, possession of over one gram of cocaine carries a five-year maximum prison sentence and constitutes a felony.

Schedule III

Examples of Schedule III controlled substances include codeine-based cough syrup, anabolic steroids, and some barbiturates. Possession of less than 100 pills or capsules is a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to two years in prison. Possession of more than 100 units is a felony with a maximum sentence of five years.

Schedule IV

Examples of Schedule IV controlled substances include prescription narcotics, like Valium, and some barbiturates. The penalties are the same as for Schedule III.

Schedule V

Examples of Schedule V controlled substances include compounds that have trace amounts of codeine or opium. A possession charge of these controlled substances is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months’ incarceration.

Schedule VI

Examples of Schedule VI controlled substances include marijuana, hashish, and THC. The penalties depend on the amount involved:

• Less than 0.5 ounces of marijuana or 1/20 ounce of hashish is 30 days’ incarceration and a $100 fine.
• More than 0.5 ounces of marijuana or more than 1/20 ounce of hashish has a two-year max incarceration penalty.
• More than 1.5 ounces of marijuana, over 3/20 ounce of hashish, or any synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols (including those derived from marijuana resin) will carry a five-year maximum sentence.

Drug Paraphernalia

This is an additional class of charge. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor that can add up to 120 days of incarceration to a drug crime conviction. In 2024, possession of drug paraphernalia was in the top five misdemeanor convictions for the year in North Carolina.

Drug Trafficking

A trafficking charge for a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance maxes out at a 10-year prison sentence. Trafficking charges for Schedule III through VI carry a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

Drug Crime Court Cases

In Anson County, misdemeanor drug crimes are handled at the Anson County Courthouse, located at 114 N Greene Street in Wadesboro. Felony drug offenses that aren’t federal cases are handled by the Anson County Superior Court at the same location. Recovery courts offer alternatives to incarceration, with supervised judicial intervention programs offering intensive recovery options.

Not all convicted offenders are sentenced to the maximum penalty, but they can be. North Carolina courts prioritize alternatives to prison and jail time. Drug treatment programs and/or probation are common sentencing alternatives. In Wadesboro, offenders are more likely to get their charges reduced and sentences diverted to an alternative that avoids prison if they are represented by a Wadesboro drug crimes attorney.

Why Choose Us for Drug Crime Cases?

At the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick, we form a complete defense strategy for our clients. That way, their cases are strong enough to go further if negotiations are fruitless. Our attorneys are well-versed in drug crime laws. This, coupled with our aggressive approach, can be an extremely effective tactic for optimizing the outcome of a drug crime case. A good Wadesboro drug crimes lawyer is an ideal advocate for anyone facing drug charges in North Carolina.

FAQs

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

A: The cost of a criminal lawyer in North Carolina can vary from case to case. More complicated cases involving serious or multiple charges will cost more because they take more time for the lawyer. High-profile criminal cases can also cost more due to the added implications of external pressure. An experienced criminal defense attorney who has won many cases may charge more due to their reputation. Speak to an attorney about their fees before hiring them.

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

A: It depends on the offense whether first-time drug offenders go to jail in North Carolina. For small possession charges of less dangerous substances, the courts typically opt for alternatives to jail for first-time offenders. These include drug treatment or probation, for example. However, more serious drug charges, like trafficking, carry mandatory prison time, even for those individuals who have never been in trouble before.

Q: What Is the Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Drugs in NC?

A: The mandatory minimum sentence for drugs in North Carolina depends on the substance and amount in question. For example, a possession charge of less than 0.5 ounces of marijuana is a Class 3 misdemeanor and carries a minimum of $200 in fines, while less than 1.5 ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor that can result in up to three months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.

Q: How Many Grams Is a Felony in NC?

A: The grams for a felony drug charge in North Carolina depend on the substance in question. A felony for marijuana possession would require an individual to be in possession of any amount over 1.5 ounces, which is around 42 grams. However, any amount of Schedule I substances or certain Schedule II substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, is an automatic felony charge.

Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer Who Can Get Results

When you have pending drug crime charges, it’s not the time to procrastinate. Being proactive regarding your case is the most important thing you can do right now. This starts with hiring a Wadesboro drug crimes attorney who can take your case. The Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick can fight for you to achieve a favorable outcome. Contact our office to discuss your legal options.