Most Common Drug Charges in Charlotte

We have been losing the war on drugs from the day since it was declared by President Nixon in 1971 and illicit drug use continues to be on the rise across the country. The North Carolina Medical Journal reported in 2009 that more than 8.5 percent of North Carolinians over the age of 12 were involved in some form of substance abuse. Like many other parts of the country, opioid use is increasing, and North Carolina currently ranks high on the list of states with the most drug problems.

The typical response to rising drug abuse is to increase enforcement of the laws that ban illegal substances. As a result, more and more people are arrested and charged with drug crimes. North Carolina is no different. Unfortunately, drug prosecutions are focused on treating all defendants as drug dealers, rather than understanding that in some instances the defendant is an addict and getting that person the help they really need.

If you are facing drug charges in Charlotte, you should with an experienced drug lawyer from Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys right away. To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.

Common Charlotte Drug Charges

While any drug-related offense can be committed within Charlotte, NC limits, some of the most common offenses our criminal defense attorneys see include:

Possession of Drugs

You can be charged with drug possession when the police find drugs on your person or within your control. This can include “actual possession” (the drugs were in your pocket or your purse), or “constructive possession” (the drugs were found in your house or car). Possession of marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and prescription drugs without proper documentation are some common charges in Charlotte, NC.

People who face charges for possession of a small amount of drugs might think that they don’t need an attorney, and that they can handle the situation on their own. Don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate the NC criminal justice system on your own. Call our Charlotte drug lawyers for help.

Selling or Distributing Drugs

You can be charged with the sale or distribution of drugs when the police believe that you planned to sell or distribute illegal substances that were found in your possession. Keep in mind that charging someone with “intent to sell” is a very common overcharging tactic that law enforcement uses to encourage defendants to cooperate with their investigation or accept a plea agreement. The prosecution’s case may depend largely on circumstantial evidence. Regardless, these are serious Charlotte drug charges, and we recommend that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure your case is handled from the start.
Drug Trafficking

Another common drug charge in North Carolina is drug trafficking. Although this crime sounds like you would be selling or transporting drugs, it actually just addresses the weight of drugs that you have on you. Thus, you may be in possession of drugs at a certain weight and automatically qualify for a drug trafficking charge. Fillers and mixers are also counted into the weight of the drugs.

Driving While Intoxicated

You may think that DWI (driving while impaired) charges only apply to cases involving alcohol, but this is unfortunately not the case. Police can charge you with DWI if they suspect that you are driving under the influence of any illicit substances. Again, you should consider consulting a criminal defense attorney if you’re accused of committing this offense. You may have been subjected to an illegal stop, or other problems may exist within the prosecution’s case.

Consider the Consequences

Law enforcement has a single objective: to get a conviction. Even if it’s only a minor charge, a drug conviction could carry jail time, probation, fines, and other legal consequences. Even worse, criminal convictions are a matter of public record. The stigma of being convicted for a drug-related offense can damage your personal life. You could lose your job, struggle to find financial aid for school, and more.

Contact Our Charlotte Drug Lawyers for Help

At Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand how stressful it can be to face accusations of a drug crime. We represent people charged with drug offenses in Charlotte, and we are prepared to help you with your case. No matter the specific charges you are facing, we are ready to fight the prosecution’s case and for you to receive a fair, optimal outcome.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation of your case, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.