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If you are facing a possession of a controlled substance charge in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, or the surrounding areas, your future could be at risk. Our Charlotte drug possession lawyers have experience defending against PWISD charges of all levels of controlled substances, and will use their decades of experience to fight for you. Schedule a free initial consultation with a drug possession lawyer near you by calling (980) 237-4579.
Drug possession charges in Mecklenburg County can result in harsh penalties for those convicted. Even if you are arrested with a small amount and are only charged with simple possession of a controlled substance, you may be looking at jail time, fines, and a possible felony conviction on your criminal record. If you are arrested after being in possession of a controlled substance in Mecklenburg County, you will need an experienced drug possession lawyer to help avoid a conviction on your criminal record.
At Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our PWIMSD defense attorneys are experienced in possession of a controlled substance charges in Mecklenburg County, and will help you through the entire North Carolina legal process as we work to successfully end your case. Don’t just take our word for it, read some of the 150+ 5-star reviews clients have given us on Google.
To discuss your case with an experienced drug possession lawyer, contact Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys at (980) 237-4579 to schedule a free initial consultation.
North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) § 90-95 makes the possession of numerous controlled substances illegal. While some drugs can never legally be in your possession, certain prescription medications are closely monitored by law enforcement due to their high rates of abuse and resale on the street. Do not take drug possession charges in Charlotte lightly. A skilled drug lawyer can build a strong defense on your behalf that protects both your rights and your freedoms.
Being arrested and convicted for drug possession in Mecklenburg County can have a huge impact on your life. Even a simple drug possession charge can leave you with a permanent record. Living with a conviction can make it difficult to obtain employment, seek student loans, or obtain housing.
As drug possession attorneys with years of experience with drug possession charges, Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys understands that the prosecution must prove every element of your crime in order to convict you for drug possession. Defenses that can be used in a Charlotte drug possession case include:
Our goal will be to obtain you the best possible outcome in your case, whether that is having the case dismissed, an acquittal, a plea bargain, the Mecklenburg County STEP Program, or the minimal penalty upon conviction. If you are facing charges for a criminal offense related to possession of a controlled substance, contact a Charlotte drug possession lawyer from Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys for help today. (980) 237-4579.
Drug possession charges in Mecklenburg County can result in serious consequences, even if you are only found guilty of a first-offense misdemeanor simple possession charge. If found guilty of the offense, you face the possibility of time in jail, revocation of your professional license, as well as a permanent criminal record that can make your life difficult going forward.
Sentencing, particularly for felony drug crimes, can be complicated. For every offense, there is a minimum and maximum penalty range. For felonies, the court also calculates points based on your criminal record. These points place into a category I through VI. Then, using North Carolina’s sentencing chart, the judge reviews the intersection between the level of the criminal charge and your criminal history category. For each intersection of these two factors there is a presumptive penalty, as well as a potential mitigated or aggravated sentence range.
The level of the misdemeanor or felony dictates the maximum term of imprisonment you may face. That being said, various factors can increase the maximum available sentence, including your criminal history. If you have one or more drug convictions on your record, you need to speak with a drug possession attorney in Mecklenburg County about the potential consequences of another conviction.
You can also be charged with felony possession of a controlled substance if the police find a significant amount of drugs on your person or property, depending on the type of drug, other items found near the drug, or how the drug is packaged. Having a large quantity of a controlled substance may allow police and the court to infer that you intend to sell or manufacture drugs, and this can land you in prison for many months, or even years. Furthermore, North Carolina has identified certain drugs as being more dangerous due to its strength and addictive qualities, and the possession of these substances can result in harsh consequences if convicted.
Potential penalties for first-time drug possession offenders in Mecklenburg County can include:
Every drug possession charge in Charlotte can be enhanced to a serious crime based on the quantity or type of the controlled substance you allegedly had on your person or in your home. For example, possessing small amounts of marijuana of less than a half an ounce is a misdemeanor, but possession of marijuana of more than an ounce and a half is charged as a felony charge. A drug possession lawyer can explain the difference between misdemeanor and felony-level possession charges, and the potential consequences you face if convicted. (980) 237-4579.
You will find North Carolina’s controlled substances schedule within the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act, which is in the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) §90-86 to §90-113.8. A small portion of these statutes outlines the schedule, which consists of six levels (Schedule I through Schedule VI).
NCGS §90-89 – This schedule includes drugs with a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in the U.S., or a lack of accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision. These drugs are typically considered the most serious. If you are charged with possession of a controlled substance within Schedule I, those drug possession charges can result in a class I felony punishable by up to one year in prison. However, enhanced factors can result in an increased sentence for each count of a Schedule I violation.
Schedule I includes heroin, Ecstasy, GHB, Peyote, Mescaline, Methaqualone, and opiates, including Fentanyl derivatives. It includes many other hallucinogenic drugs, stimulants, and depressants. It also includes synthetic cannabinoids, better known as herbal or liquid incense. Popular brands of synthetic cannabinoids include Spice and K2. Depending on the circumstances, a drug possession charge for a schedule I controlled substance may also appear as “PWISD SCH I” or “PWIMSD SCH I” in North Carolina.
NCGS §90-90 – Schedule II includes drugs that have a high potential for abuse; have a currently accepted medical use in the U.S. or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions; and the abuse of the substance may lead to severe psychic or physical dependence. If you are charged with a first-time possession of a Schedule II controlled substance in Mecklenburg County, you face a class 1 misdemeanor charge, which is punishable by up to 120 days in jail and a fine. For subsequent commissions of this offense, you will be charged with a class I felony, which is punishable by up to one year in prison.
Schedule II includes opium, opium poppy, and many opiates, including codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, fentanyl, and methadone. It includes cocaine and any of its derivatives. This level encompasses many stimulants, such as amphetamines, methamphetamine, and Ritalin; many depressants, such as Amobarbital and Pentobarbital; and certain hallucinogenic compounds. Depending on the circumstances, a drug possession charge for a schedule II controlled substance may also appear as “PWISD SCH II” or “PWIMSD SCH II” in North Carolina.
NCGS §90-91 – Schedule III includes drugs with a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I and II; currently accepted medical use in the U.S., and abuse can cause moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Being charged with possession of a schedule III controlled substance in Charlotte, NC can result in a class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense and a class I felony for subsequent offenses.
Schedule III includes Ketamine, anabolic steroids, like testosterone, and certain barbiturates, like Pentobarbital. It also includes certain types and amounts of narcotics, such as codeine and morphine. Additionally, prescription forms of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, better known as GHB, falls under this level. Depending on the circumstances, a drug possession charge for a schedule III controlled substance may also appear as “PWISD SCH III” or “PWIMSD SCH III” in North Carolina.
NCGS §90-92 – This level includes drugs with a low potential for abuse compared to the substances listed in Schedule III; currently accepted medical uses in the U.S.; and limited physical or psychological dependence. Being charged with possession of a schedule IV controlled substance is considered a class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense, or a class I felony for subsequent offenses.
Schedule IV includes many depressants, such as Barbital, Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), Methylphenobarbital, Phenobarbital. It includes stimulants, including those prescribed for weight loss and some narcotic drugs. Depending on the circumstances, a criminal charge for possessing this level of a controlled substance may also appear as “PWISD SCH IV” or “PWIMSD SCH IV” in North Carolina.
NCGS §90-93 – Schedule V includes drugs with low potential for abuse relative to drugs in Schedule IV; currently accepted medical uses in the U.S.; and limited risk of physical or psychological dependence. These are the least serious drugs under the law, and they include prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Being charged with possession of a schedule V controlled substance in North Carolina can result in a class 2 misdemeanor charges, which are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine. For a second offense, you’d face class 1 misdemeanor charges.
This level includes drugs with small amounts of codeine, dihydrocodeine (cough syrup), ethylmorphine, diphenoxylate, and difenoxin, which are both antidiarrheals, and opium. It also includes anti-convulsant medications, including ezogabine, lacosamide, brivaracetam, and pregabalin. Depending on the circumstances, a drug possession charge for a schedule V controlled substance may also appear as “PWISD SCH V” or “PWIMSD SCH V” in North Carolina.
NCGS §90-93 – Schedule VI substances have no currently accepted medical uses in the U.S.; a relatively low potential for abuse in terms of the risk to public health and potential to cause psychic or physiological dependence liability based on the current medical knowledge, or there is a need for further studies to determine the drug’s effects. If you’re charged with possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, you face class 3 misdemeanor charges for a first offense (punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a fine), or class 2 misdemeanor charges for subsequent offenses.
Schedule VI contains marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This encompasses hashish and hashish oil. Depending on the circumstances, a drug possession charge for a schedule VI controlled substance may also appear as “PWISD SCH VI” or “PWIMSD SCH VI” in North Carolina.
An act of simple drug possession, such as having an illegal substance in your pocket, is illegal and can bring about serious criminal drug charges, including possible felony charges. However, what if a controlled substance is found somewhere in your home or car? As with almost every other crime, the issue of intent and knowledge play an important part in drug possession cases in Mecklenburg County. If the police have reason to believe that you intentionally have a controlled substance in your immediate surroundings (known as constructive possession) or on your person (known as actual possession), then you will face criminal charges.
North Carolina drug laws allow for intent to be inferred by your actions. For example, if you have a small amount of drugs in your pocket, then it can be assumed that you possess them for your own use. However, if you have a large amount of drugs stored in your home, then a police officer could assume that you intended to manufacture or distribute drugs to others.
In addition to making it a crime to possess controlled substances, NCGS § 90-95 prohibits the following:
If you have questions regarding the schedule of drug you were allegedly caught with, or its corresponding penalties, contact a drug possession lawyer in Charlotte, NC right away: (980) 237-4579. We assist clients with drug possession charges in:
To convict you of drug possession, the state of North Carolina must prove that you had intent to possess the drugs in question. If someone put drugs in your home or car without you knowing, the element of intent cannot be met.
Depending on the amount and type of drug you are accused of possessing, you can face a range of penalties. For a first-time simple drug possession offense, penalties include fines and jail time of between one and eight months.
If there is a high quantity of drugs or you possess a highly addictive drug such as heroin, you could face higher fines and multiple years in prison. Possessing 1.5 ounces of marijuana is a felony charge and a jail sentence of up to a year.
Yes, possibly. Diversionary programs allow some defendants to avoid trial for drug or alcohol cases by completing a drug education or rehabilitation program.
Contact a drug possession attorney to see if you are eligible for a diversionary program.
Yes, if you give them consent to do so or if the drugs are in plain view. However, you have the right to refuse a search if the police ask.
Talk to a drug possession lawyer before you consent to any search or if you believe you were arrested for an unlawful search.
Generally, no. If you live with someone else such as a roommate, they can consent to a search, but the consent only applies to their room and common areas such as the kitchen or living room. The police would not be allowed to search your personal bedroom.
If you rent your property, your landlord’s consent is typically not enough to let the police search your home; the police must have a warrant to execute a search.
Yes. If you are arrested and charged with drug possession, whether it is a felony drug possession charge or a simple possession charge, we recommend calling a drug possession lawyer near you as soon as possible.
Our drug possession lawyers know North Carolina drug possession laws and are ready to defend you against any drug charge. To schedule a free, initial case evaluation, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.
If you are being investigated for a drug crime by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), we recommend calling us at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys right away. We are highly experienced in defending against drug charges in Charlotte and surrounding areas and at the federal level. Our years of experience allow us to understand how North Carolina drug possession laws will be applied to the details of your case.
To schedule a free, initial case evaluation, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.
