Drug Offenses
Drug Crimes
Being charged with a drug-related crime is a serious issue in North Carolina. Drug related punishments vary a lot within North Carolina. If a person is found guilty, they may get a punishment as small as a court cost and a fine all the way up to a more serious drug trafficking punishment, which may be punished up to 282 months and a mandatory fine of $500,000.00. The Law Offices of Anna Smith Felts, PLLC has represented thousands of people in need of an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney that will be able to help you understand the charges, consequences and help to prepare your best defense.
Drug Crime Schedule and Penalty
The penalties for drug crimes vary based on the Schedule category it falls under and the prior record of the defendant. North Carolina categorizes each drug into six areas, or what they call, “schedules”. The drug schedule ranges from Schedule I-VI, with Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, being the most serious and Schedule VI being some of the least serious, such as marijuana.
Here is a sample list of the drug schedule. The complete statute and schedule can be found here.
Schedules and Penalties
Heroine, Ecstasy, GHB, Methaqualone, Peyote, Opiates (and others)
Cocaine, Raw Opium, Opium Extracts-Fluid and Powder, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ritalin (and others)
Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids, Some Barbituates (and others)
Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol, Darvon, Clonazepam, Barbital (and others)
Marijuana, Hashish, Hashish Oil
Drug Trafficking
In North Carolina, drug trafficking is the most serious drug crime one can face. Along with trafficking a person can be charged with conspiracy to commit trafficking and attempted trafficking. Both are punishable the same as the target offense.
Trafficking penalties do not follow the regular sentencing grid but has its own. If a person is found guilty, they MUST serve the below mandatory sentences, unless the defendant provides “substantial assistance” to the State. This is what most people consider to “snitching”. If at sentencing the Judge believes the defendant to have completed substantial assistance, then he/she may deviate from the mandatory sentences and fines.
Drug Trafficking Penalties (not all inclusive)
Possession Amount | Offense Class | Jail Time | Fine |
10-49 lbs. | Class H Felony | 25-39 months | $5,000 |
50-1,999 lbs. | Class G Felony | 35-51 months | $25,000 |
2,000-9,999 lbs. | Class F Felony | 70-93 months | $50,000 |
10,000 lbs. or more | Class D Felony | 175-222 months | $200,000 |
Possession Amount | Offense Class | Jail Time | Fine |
4-13 grams | Class F Felony | 70-93 months | $50,000 |
14-27 grams | Class E Felony | 90-120 months | $100,000 |
28 grams or more | Class C Felony | 225-282 months | $500,000 |
Possession Amount | Offense Class | Jail Time | Fine |
28-199 grams | Class G Felony | 35-51 months | $50,000 |
200-399 grams | Class F Felony | 70-93 months | $100,000 |
400 grams or more | Class D Felony | 175-222 months | $250,000 |
Possession Amount | Offense Class | Jail Time | Fine |
28-199 grams | Class F Felony | 70-93 months | $50,000 |
200-399 grams | Class E Felony | 90-120 months | $100,000 |
400 grams or more | Class C Felony | 225-282 months | $250,000 |
If you are charged with a drug offense, please contact the Law Offices of Anna Smith Felts, PLLC to help you by calling 919.834.3790.
Let our experience be your guide