Taylorsville Drug Crime Lawyer

Taylorsville Drug Crime Attorney

Even the least severe drug crimes can leave you with a criminal record. Without the assistance of a Taylorsville drug crime lawyer, you may feel the full extent of the penalties available for these crimes.

Whether you committed the offense you have been charged with or not, you have the right to legal counsel in court. Do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Common Drug Crimes Across Iredell County

While many people assume possession is the primary cause of drug crimes in North Carolina, there are many kinds of offenses you can be charged with. these include:

• Drug manufacturing
• Drug trafficking
• Possession
• Possession with intent to sell
• Marijuana misdemeanors
• Felony drug charges

No matter what charge is made against you, you can equip yourself with a criminal defense lawyer.

Drug Schedule Classifications in North Carolina

In North Carolina, drugs are categorized into degrees of severity, known as “schedules.” These schedules range from Schedule I to Schedule VI, encompassing a broad variety from over-the-counter cough and cold medicine to drugs with a greater capacity for abuse, like heroin and ecstasy. The breakdown of schedules is:

• Schedule I – This schedule typically includes the most dangerous drugs with the highest capacity for abuse. Heroin, LSD, and ecstasy are all Schedule I drugs.
• Schedule II – These drugs may have some limited medical uses, but they are still highly capable of being abused. Methamphetamines and oxycodone are both Schedule II drugs.
• Schedule III – Examples of these can include certain steroids.
• Schedule IV – This can include common prescription drugs like Ativan and Xanax.
• Schedule V – This category of drugs warrants the lowest penalties and can include cough medicines with small amounts of codeine in them.
• Schedule VI – This schedule is reserved for Marijuana and THC, although the rules and criminal procedures for these charges can differ from other schedules.

Even the least dangerous drug can incur penalties that damage your future. If you have been charged with a drug crime before, this may enhance your sentence.

Penalties for Drug Crimes

Penalties for drug crimes can typically be estimated by looking at what schedule the drug fell into, how severe the offense was, and whether you are a repeat offender. Some drug crimes are considered felonies, which always warrant some period of imprisonment, while others may be lesser misdemeanors, with minimal jail time and a smaller fine.

Other penalties for drug crimes may not be included in a sentence, but they can be an indirect consequence of having drug charges on your criminal record. These include:

• Employment issues. A drug conviction can be a deterrent for many employers in the decision to hire you.
• Housing issues. Housing prospects may become more difficult with a criminal record.
• Loss of licenses. Some professional licenses, like those belonging to doctors and lawyers, may be revoked following a drug charge, impacting your ability to keep your job and find new employment.
• Immigration issues. When non-U.S. citizens have been charged with a drug offense, it can be detrimental to their ability to remain within the U.S. or gain citizenship status.

How We Defend Against Drug Charges

You are not required to hire legal counsel to defend your criminal charge in Taylorsville, North Carolina. However, building a strong defense for drug crimes can be challenging without the experience of a Taylorsville drug crime lawyer. We can look at the details of your drug charge and determine what kind of defense would benefit you.

We can begin defending you after your arrest by seeing if an unlawful search and seizure occurred at the time of the arrest. If police misconduct occurred during your arrest, your charge may not be valid. Likewise, if you admitted to false drug charges under duress or coercion by law enforcement, this could also invalidate your charge.

If you were found to be in possession of illegal drugs, you could argue that you did not know you had them. If the drug came from a legal prescription or you did not have enough of the drug to warrant a charge, the illegality of your possession can be challenged.

FAQs

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

A: The cost of criminal lawyers in North Carolina varies from law firm to law firm. Factors that can influence their fees are the complexity of the case, the type of charge, and whether multiple court dates are involved. Generally, a case that requires more research will warrant higher fees. Criminal lawyers can discuss more accurate estimates with you during a consultation.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in NC?

A: The minimum sentence for drug trafficking in NC depends on several factors. First, you must establish what schedule the drug belongs to. Second, the amount of drugs that were being trafficked can affect the sentence (lower quantities warrant lesser sentences.) Third, your sentence can vary, depending on who the drugs were being sold to. Drug crimes involving minors often warrant higher penalties.

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

A: It is also challenging to estimate how long a jail sentence for drug possession in North Carolina might be without looking at the details surrounding your case. Not all drug cases are felonies; felonies generally incur the highest jail sentences. Marijuana charges specifically can be considered misdemeanors under the correct circumstances, warranting a sentence of either jail time, fines, or both.

Q: What Is a Felony Drug Charge in NC?

A: A felony drug charge in North Carolina will warrant harsher penalties. This charge is generally reserved for drug crimes involving the most dangerous drug types, habitual offenders, or other enhancing factors. Some crimes are considered felonies as a default, including drug trafficking, possession with intent to sell, and the manufacturing of controlled substances.

Strong Criminal Defense for Taylorsville Drug Crimes

If you have been accused of drug crimes in Taylorsville, don’t wait to hire legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Taylorsville drug crime lawyer from The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC.