Goldsboro Drug Crime Attorney
Fighting for Your Justice Against Drug Charges
Drug crimes are some of the most serious criminal offenses to be accused of. Drug offenses are governed by both state and federal law, so it is important to work with a team of defense lawyers who have experience navigating complex legal situations. Strickland Agner Pittman handles a range of drug crime cases, including illegal possession and trafficking. Our firm is committed to justice for the wrongly accused, and we will fight aggressively for your defense. You can count on us to treat your case with respect and vigor.
Schedule an initial consultation with Strickland Agner Pittman to get started on your Goldsboro, NC case today.
What Constitutes a Drug Crime?
In North Carolina, it is strictly illegal to:
- possess a controlled substance;
- manufacture, sell, deliver, or possess a controlled substance with the intention to manufacture, sell, or deliver that drug;
- create, sell, deliver, or possess with the intention to sell or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance;
- possess a chemical with the intention to manufacture a controlled substance or meth; or
- possess or distribute a chemical while knowing or reasonably believing that it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance or meth.
North Carolina’s Drug Schedules
The penalties for a drug crime will depend on several factors, primarily the “schedule,” or the category, of the drug. Drugs are classified into the following schedules based on how addictive they are, with Schedule I drugs being the most severe:
- Schedule I (e.g., heroin, peyote, and ecstasy)
- Schedule II (e.g., cocaine, morphine)
- Schedule III (e.g., anabolic steroids, ketamine)
- Schedule IV (e.g., Valium, Xanax)
- Schedule V (e.g., over-the-counter cough medicines containing small amounts of codeine)
- Schedule VI (e.g., marijuana, hashish)
An individual who does not have a valid medical prescription for possessing or using a legal drug may also face criminal charges.
Contact Strickland Agner Pittman for an initial consultation to discuss your legal options immediately.
Penalties for Drug Possession in NC
Drug possession crimes are penalized based on the schedule of the drug and the amount in possession:
- Schedule I – a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or some amount in fines
- Schedule II – a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years in prison and $2,000 in fines or a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule III – a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine or a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule IV – a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine or a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule V – a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule VI – a misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to 2 years in prison and some amount in fines or a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine
Learn more about what constitutes a crime of drug possession on our Possession page.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in NC
Drug trafficking is the large-scale possession, transportation, or distribution of illegal controlled substances and is a felony that requires a mandatory minimum prison sentence. The specific penalties range depending on the drug schedule:
- Schedule I – a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule II – a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule III – a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule IV – a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine
- Schedule V – a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or some amount in fines
- Schedule VI – a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or some amount in fines
Our defense lawyers at Strickland Agner Pittman are readily prepared to represent you in the face of drug allegations. Whether you have been unfairly accused of constructive possession of a Schedule II substance or for distributing marijuana illegally, we can help you strategize an effective defense that protects your rights and your future.