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 

Your first consultation Is free!

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