Drug Possession Defense Attorney in Chapel Hill, NC
Defending Against Drug Possession Charges in North Carolina
If you've been charged with drug possession in North Carolina, it's important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Drug possession charges can come with severe penalties, including jail time, probation, and heavy fines. Even a first-time possession offense can result in a Class I felony charge. If you've been accused of possessing a controlled substance, it's important to contact a Chapel Hill drug possession lawyer right away.
Classification of Controlled Substances in NC
North Carolina law defines a controlled substance as:
- A drug or chemical whose manufacture, production, composition, use, or possession is controlled by statute;
- A substance whose use or possession is listed as a Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act;
- An opium derivative;
- A dangerous drug;
- A narcotic;
- A hallucinogenic drug;
- A barbiturate;
- A depressant or stimulant; or
- Any other substance or chemical with a similar chemical structure or physiological effect.
Possession of these substances can come with serious penalties. A conviction for possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance can result in a felony charge and up to 10 years in prison. A conviction for possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance can result in a misdemeanor charge and up to 120 days in jail. If you are charged with possession of a controlled substance, it's important to contact a drug possession lawyer in Chapel Hill as soon as possible.
Consequences of Drug Possession Convictions in North Carolina
Possession of a controlled substance can be charged as a misdemeanor if the substance is not a Schedule I or II controlled substance and the person does not know that the substance is a controlled substance. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to 120 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. A second or subsequent misdemeanor possession charge can result in up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. If the substance is a Schedule I or II controlled substance, the person must know that the substance is a controlled substance, and the person must have a prior possession conviction, the charge can be increased to a felony.
If a person knowingly possesses a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver the controlled substance, the person can be charged with a Class H felony. A Class H felony can result in up to 15 months in jail, a $25,000 fine, or both. If the person has a prior conviction for a drug-related crime, the charge can be increased to a Class G felony, which can result in up to 31 months in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both.
Contact Our Chapel Hill Drug Possession Lawyer Today
If you've been charged with drug possession in North Carolina, it's important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Drug possession charges can come with severe penalties, including jail time, probation, and heavy fines. Even a first-time possession offense can result in a Class I felony charge.
If you've been accused of possessing a controlled substance, it's important to contact a Chapel Hill drug possession lawyer right away.
What Makes Us Different
Reach Out to Our Legal Team
-
Over 40 Years of Combined Legal Experience in Criminal Defense & Traffic Law
-
Committed to Providing Clients with the Highest Possible Standard of Legal Representation
-
Proudly Serving Clients Throughout Chapel Hill and Durham, NC and the Triangle
Client Testimonials
Hear From Past Clients We've Helped
-
"Successfully Dismissed"
This astounding team of attorneys worked very hard to get my case successfully dismissed. I felt confident that they would get the job done and they did.
- Darlene C. -
"Great Service!"
Reached out to the Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski for help and they were able to get to ticket dismissed. I definitely recommend using them.
- Kerry T. -
"Beyond Satisfied With the Results"
These guys are awesome. I had my attorneys handle a traffic citation which I knew I couldn’t beat on my own. I received their correspondence, and boy, I am beyond satisfied with the results. I was not kept in the dark since hiring them.
- Rodney S. -
"Professionals You Can Trust"
Attorneys Matt Suczynski, Mike Paduchowski, and Ray Griffis worked hard on my case to ensure that the best possible result was achieved: MY CASE WAS DISMISSED. The law office paralegals were professionals that kept me informed and obtained documents necess
- Esther B.
