Hickory Drug Crime Lawyer

Hickory Drug Crime Attorney

Facing drug crime charges can bring serious consequences. Penalties are determined based on numerous circumstances, including the type of drug crime and the type of drugs involved. If you have been charged with a drug crime, a Hickory drug crime lawyer can help you with your case.

A Hickory Drug Crime Lawyer You Can Trust

At Cody Law Firm, we understand the complexities associated with drug crimes. When faced with these types of crimes, a well-versed Hickory criminal defense attorney is extremely beneficial. We can inform you of your rights and your options to fight for the greatest possible outcome by evaluating your case and providing you with the representation you need.

Drug Crimes in North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are numerous drug crime offenses. Charges and penalties are based on a number of factors, including the type of crime, the drugs used, and whether or not the drugs were used for personal use or for distribution. The court will also take into account the criminal record of the defendant and whether or not certain aggravating factors were present.

Aggravating factors refer to details in the incident that can make a drug crime more serious. Some of these include using violence or using drugs near minors. These offenses can bring consequences, including jail or prison time, probation, fines, and drug treatment programs.

North Carolina Drug Possession

When someone knowingly possesses drugs in an unlawful manner, they have committed a drug crime. While the most common drug offenses involve narcotics, drug possession charges can also include drugs that would have otherwise been legal if the offender had been granted permission, such as the unlawful use or distribution of prescription drugs.

In North Carolina, drugs are categorized into Schedules (I-VI), which are categorized based on the drug’s risk of abuse and its accepted medical use. Schedule I has the highest risk of abuse and has no accepted medical use, so crimes in this Schedule tend to carry heftier penalties. The risk level for abuse decreases with each Schedule, and the amount of accepted medical use increases, leading to lighter penalties:

• Schedule I drugs include cocaine, LSD, and heroin.
• Schedule II drugs include morphine, fentanyl, and amphetamines.
• Schedule III drugs include ketamine and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV drugs include diazepam and barbital.
• Schedule V drugs include certain common drugs, such as cough medicines.
• Schedule VI drugs are specifically for marijuana and THC in North Carolina.

Typically, drug possession penalties are given based on the Schedule of the drug. However, other factors may be considered as well.

Common Drug Crimes

Drug crimes in Hickory, NC involve a range of offenses. Some examples of common drug crimes include:

• Drug trafficking. When a person sells or distributes illegal drugs, they can be charged with drug trafficking. A person can also be charged with drug trafficking if they were found with a large quantity of drugs, even if they didn’t sell or distribute them.
• Prescription drug fraud. This includes the unlawful use or sale of prescription drugs. For prescription drugs, only the person who is prescribed the drug is permitted to take them, and they can only take them in the manner in which they have been prescribed. Anything outside of this is considered a crime. Prescription drug fraud also includes pharmacists who intentionally sell or distribute prescription drugs unlawfully.
• Possession with intent to sell or distribute. When someone is charged with possession with intent to sell or distribute, it usually comes with harsher penalties than drug crimes that are for personal use. This is because these crimes usually affect more people. A person can be charged even if a sale never took place. For instance, if a person has only offered to distribute or sell, they have already committed a crime.
• Cultivating and manufacturing drugs. This includes producing or growing illegal drugs, such as growing hallucinogens or running a meth lab.
• Possessing drug paraphernalia. Possessing any object or things used to either grow, sell, produce, or distribute illegal drugs is against the law in North Carolina. This could include syringes, scales, baggies, and pipes.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Law on Drug Possession in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, drug possession is unlawful unless a person has a valid prescription given to them by a medical professional. Penalties for drug crimes range based on the severity of the crime and the type of drugs involved. Drugs are classified into different schedules in North Carolina based on the risk of abuse and its accepted medical use. Typically, if a drug has a higher potential for abuse, the penalty for possession is higher.

Q: What Amount of Drugs Is Considered Trafficking in North Carolina?

A: The amount of drugs considered trafficking in North Carolina varies depending on the type of drug. North Carolina law sets a different amount for each drug. Some of the drug limits that would be considered drug trafficking include 28 grams of cocaine, more than ten pounds of marijuana, 28 grams of methamphetamine, and four grams of heroin.

Q: What Is the Sentence for Drug Paraphernalia in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor. The penalties for drug paraphernalia possession include fines and potential jail time, depending on the circumstances of the crime. The court will also take into account the prior criminal history of the individual involved. Those convicted of possessing drug paraphernalia may face additional consequences, such as probation or community service.

Q: What Is Unlawful Paraphernalia?

A: Unlawful paraphernalia generally refers to items that are used in connection with illegal drug use or distribution. This can include pipes, syringes, scales, bongs, and other equipment regularly used for drug consumption, distribution, or production. Possessing these items is a crime and can result in a misdemeanor on a person’s criminal record, as well as other consequences such as jail time and fines.

Contact Cody Law Firm Today

If you have been charged with a drug crime, you don’t have to deal with it alone. At Cody Law Firm, we can help you navigate the intricacies of the legal process and provide you with the assistance you need. Contact us today for more information.