North Carolina is notorious for prosecuting drug cases aggressively. We have some of the toughest drug laws in the country including laws governing drug trafficking. If you have been charged with drug trafficking in North Carolina, you need an experienced drug defense attorney as soon as possible. You are facing harsh penalties and mandatory sentences if you are convicted of drug trafficking.
The criminal defense attorneys of The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm have extensive experience representing individuals charged with drug trafficking in North Carolina. We can help you understand the charges against you, guide you through the process, and develop effective defense strategies to give you the best chance of avoiding a conviction. Because a conviction of drug trafficking carries mandatory sentences in North Carolina, judges have no discretion when sentencing; therefore, your best chance at avoiding jail time is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to begin building a strong defense to the drug charges.
How is Drug Trafficking Defined in North Carolina?
North Carolina drug trafficking laws are somewhat different from the laws in other states and federal drug laws. In North Carolina, drug trafficking offenses are defined by the weight of the drugs or the number of dosages of the drug. Furthermore, the fact that the drugs may be mixed with other substances is not taken into consideration. For example, if you are arrested with 4 grams of heroin, including filler, you will be charged with trafficking 4 to 13 grams of heroin even though the actual weight of pure heroin is under 4 grams. With mandatory sentencing, this could result in up to 70 months in prison.
In the last few years, the number of people charged with Trafficking in Opiates has soured due to the widespread availability and abuse of prescription painkillers. Many of these medications such as Oxycodone and Percocet use an opiate-based ingredient. If you are caught with even a very small number of these types of pills you run the risk of being charged with drug trafficking. Even though the pill contains just a small amount of opiate, the law allows the police to weigh the entire pill and charge you accordingly.
What Are The Mandatory Sentencing Requirements For Drug Trafficking In North Carolina?
The sentencing guidelines for drug trafficking vary depending on the type of drug and the weight of the drug in the suspect’s possession at the time of arrest. Below are examples of the current mandatory sentences for drug trafficking in North Carolina.
Trafficking Marijuana
- Possession of 10 to 49 pounds of marijuana is 25 to 30 months in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Possession of 50 to 1,999 pounds of marijuana is 35 to 42 months in prison and a $25,000 fine
- Possession of 2,000 to 9,999 pounds of marijuana is 70 to 84 months in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Possession of 10,000 pounds or more of marijuana is 175 to 219 months in prison and a $200,000 fine
Trafficking Heroin
- Possession of 4 to 13 grams of heroin is 70 to 74 months in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Possession of 14 to 27 grams of heroin is 90 to 117 months in prison and a $100,000 fine
- Possession of 28 or more grams of heroin is 225 to 279 months in prison and a $250,000 fine
Trafficking Meth
- Possession of 28 to 199 grams of meth is 70 to 84 months in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Possession of 200 to 399 grams of meth is 90 to 117 months in prison and a $100,000 fine
- Possession of 400 or more grams of meth is 225 to 279 months in prison and a $250,000 fine
Your future is at stake if you are facing drug trafficking charges. If you or a loved one has been charged with trafficking, it is very important to obtain quality legal representation quickly. Our experienced drug defense attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest to devise the best legal strategy to avoid prison time. But time is often of the essence. Even though it may take months or even years for a trafficking case to come to trial, it is critical to consult with an attorney early in the process to maximize the chance of avoiding the mandatory punishments listed above.
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville Drug Defense Attorney
“Attorneys Who Aggressively Protect Your Rights”
The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm is a full-service Jacksonville Criminal and Civil law firm that is committed to providing results-driven legal representation to businesses and individuals seeking an alternative to large-firm representation. We focus on getting you the results you want while offering you a cost-effective solution to your legal needs. We understand that we work for our clients; therefore; our attorneys communicate regularly with each client to ensure that the client knows what is going on with the case.
When you have legal problems, you need an experienced legal professional in your corner. No matter the case, you should have an attorney working for you who knows the law and who has the experience to get results. We represent clients throughout Duplin County, Onslow County and the surrounding communities. Call our office at (910) 405-8459 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.