If you find yourself facing a drug charge in North Carolina, it is time to call a drug lawyer in Wake County to help prepare your defense. The law concerning drugs in Wake County, NC can result in confusion. This is because not only is it possible to face federal and/or state charges, but also because the statutes that may cover your crime are quite diverse.
The Diverse Charges
It is possible for you to face any of a number of drug-related causes under the laws applicable in North Carolina under the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. As noted above, the Federal Government can also bring charges under their Controlled substances Act. Charges can fall under any of the following:
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession With the Intent to Sell (and Deliver)
- Manufacturing or Growing Illegal Substances
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Drug Classifications
Not only do laws address the purpose of your possessing drugs, they also look specifically at the kinds of drugs you may have. Under North Carolina law, drugs are classified according to addictive nature. They are then placed within one of six schedules. These schedules may result in the action of possession or trafficking which could impact whether or not your charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. In this system, the most serious drugs with the heaviest penalties fall into Schedule I. This category contains Heroin, LSD and Ecstasy. Marijuana, one of the more common substances found on persons, is classified as Schedule VI. Yet even possession of a small amount can result in potential jail time.
Why You Need a Drug Lawyer
If the charge is conspiracy to traffic a controlled dangerous substance or trafficking, you may face charges from the Wake County District Attorney for the State of North Carolina or from the United States Attorney for the Eastern District Attorney of the United States of America. A drug lawyer in Wake County can help sort out the potential jurisdiction of the crime. He or she can also help influence which level of courts decides to take your case.
Keeping the charges on the State level would beneficial in your case for two main reasons:
- State laws tend to be less punitive than federal laws; and
- State laws do not have a punitive approach involving something called “relevant conduct.” Considering other relevant criminal activity outside the scope of the charging document will often increase your sentencing level in Federal Court.
When it comes to drug charges in North Carolina, you may find the situation complicated. To help you understand the situation, it becomes essential to turn to a drug lawyer in Wake County. As a professional in this field, he or she can sort through the issues. This will simplify what can become a very complex problem.
If you find yourself facing drug-related charges, immediately contact a Drug Lawyer In Wake County. At Scharff Law Firm, PLLC, our team of experienced lawyers will without delay act on your behalf.
