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If you are caught with drugs in an airport, such as Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, you may be facing severe criminal penalties. State and federal laws can be harsh on airport drug trafficking, even if you only have a small amount of an illegal substance on you. Because travel via airports involve interstate travel, you may even be looking at federal charges.
The Charlotte drug lawyers at Randall Law, Criminal Defense Attorneys can help. We know mistakes happen and shouldn’t derail your entire life. Call us today at (980) 237-4579 or use our online contact form to speak with an airport drug trafficking attorney.
Drug crimes in North Carolina can also apply to air travel. These laws are designed to prevent the trafficking of drugs on airplanes and to protect the safety of passengers and crew.
It is illegal to possess any controlled substance on an airplane in North Carolina. This includes drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and fentanyl. The penalties for flying with drugs can be severe, carrying time in prison and significant fines.
Depending on the type and quantity of drugs possessed, you may either face a felony or misdemeanor charge for just simple possession. In addition to the criminal penalties, you may also face significant monetary fines by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
It is also illegal to traffic illegal drugs on an airplane in North Carolina. In North Carolina, drug trafficking involves the manufacture, sale, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance. Unlike in most states, the quantity alone is what triggers the application of North Carolina drug trafficking statutes and penalties.
The drug trafficking laws in North Carolina do not consider what you intend to do with the drugs. You can be charged with multiple counts of trafficking for the same drugs, meaning you could face charges for trafficking by possession and transportation just by flying drugs through Charlotte-Douglas Airport.
It is also illegal to possess drug paraphernalia on an airplane in North Carolina. This includes items such as pipes, bongs, scales and syringes. Depending on how police believe the paraphernalia is to be, or has been, used, you could be facing a number of different misdemeanor charges. Again, because federal jurisdiction begins once you board the aircraft, a simple misdemeanor charge could technically result in federal criminal charges as a result of taking any drug or marijuana paraphernalia onto an airplane.
Law enforcement officers have the authority to search passengers and their belongings at airports in North Carolina. This includes conducting pat-downs, using airport scanner machines to scan luggage, and even running drug dogs around luggage as it is being removed from the aircraft and before placing bags onto the luggage carousel.
If law enforcement officers believe that a passenger is in possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, they may seize the items and arrest the passenger.
The consequences of getting caught with drugs at the Charlotte-Douglas Airport vary depending on several factors, including the type and quantity of drugs involved. The penalties can be severe.
Immediate consequences include being detained by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers or airport police. The drugs will be confiscated, and you may be questioned about the source of the drugs and your intended use.
The penalties for trafficking illegal drugs on an airplane are more severe than the penalties for possession. For each type of illegal drug there are at least three levels of trafficking under North Carolina statute, which again are based on quantity, level one being the least severe and level three, or higher, being the most severe. The criminal penalties for trafficking drugs across state lines via an airplane and through an airport are even more severe if you happen to be charged in federal court.
If you are arrested, you will be booked into jail and held pending a bond hearing. Bail is typically set at a high amount for drug offenses, so you may remain in jail until your trial date. Other legal consequences for a conviction include fines, incarceration, probation, drug treatment, and potential deportation if you are not a U.S. citizen.
If you are arrested at the airport, a drug trafficking lawyer can help you avoid the harshest penalties of a drug trafficking conviction. They may even be able to get your charges dismissed entirely with the right defense strategy.
Your attorney can investigate what happened and use their in-depth knowledge of North Carolina and federal drug laws to build support for your case. They will negotiate with the prosecution and work on getting you a fair plea agreement. If that is not possible, they can take your case to trial and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Being arrested at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport can be overwhelming and stressful. However, it is crucial to know your rights and take immediate steps to protect yourself. Follow these essential actions if you are arrested for drug possession or trafficking at the airport:
Resisting arrest can quickly escalate the situation and may result in additional criminal charges, including assault on an officer. Remaining calm helps you avoid unnecessary conflict and ensures that your actions cannot be used against you in court. Cooperate peacefully while protecting your legal rights.
You have the constitutional right to remain silent, and clearly stating this to officers can prevent self-incrimination. Do not answer questions or provide explanations without an attorney present, even if you feel pressured. This step is critical to building a strong defense later.
Record the names, badge numbers, and agencies of all officers involved in your arrest, if possible. This information can be essential for challenging any misconduct, improper procedure, or violations of your rights during the arrest. Keeping accurate details strengthens your case in court.
An experienced attorney can assess the circumstances of your arrest, advise you on your rights, and start developing a tailored defense strategy. Early legal guidance can help prevent mistakes that could harm your case. Acting quickly improves your chances of reducing charges or avoiding severe penalties.
Do not discuss the arrest, the drugs, or any details of your situation with law enforcement, friends, family, or other passengers. Even casual comments can be misinterpreted or used against you in court. All communications about your case should go through your attorney.
Taking these steps promptly can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and minimizing the consequences of drug charges at Charlotte-Douglas Airport.
Here are some potential defenses and strategies that you or your attorney may raise against drug trafficking charges:
Yes. Even small amounts of controlled substances can lead to serious criminal charges. Airport drug laws treat possession seriously because air travel involves interstate or federal jurisdiction, which can result in felony charges.
Absolutely. Since airports involve interstate travel, federal authorities can become involved. This can significantly increase potential penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.
Remain calm and do not resist arrest. Clearly state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney before answering any questions. Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Yes. Items like pipes, syringes, scales, or bongs can result in misdemeanor or even federal charges. The law treats paraphernalia seriously if it is linked to illegal drug use or trafficking.
Potentially. If law enforcement conducted an illegal search or violated your rights, evidence may be suppressed. A skilled attorney can review the circumstances of your search to determine if this defense is viable.
Penalties depend on the type and quantity of drugs. Charges can range from state felony convictions to federal trafficking charges, with prison sentences, fines, probation, and even deportation for non-citizens.
A qualified attorney can investigate the circumstances of your arrest, challenge improper procedures, and negotiate with prosecutors. They can work to reduce charges, achieve a fair plea, or even have your case dismissed.
Yes. Even a first-time offense can have life-altering consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Early legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Randall Law, Criminal Defense Attorneys have helped countless people facing serious drug charges like yours. We are ready to listen to your story and start an investigation today. We will poke holes in the prosecution’s case and get you the best outcome possible given the facts of your case.
Call us today at (980) 237-4579 or use our online contact form to schedule a case consultation.