Facing a drug possession charge comes with the implication of serious penalties and a criminal record that may follow you for life if convicted. If the accusations against you escalate to the level of a felony offense, the potential consequences become even more severe.
Understanding the severity of the charges against you can help inform your defense strategy. By knowing more about laws surrounding drug possession, you can proceed with confidence that you and your legal team will make every necessary preparation to defend your rights.
Drug possession with intent to distribute
Bearing the intent to distribute a controlled substance is a much more severe crime than simply possessing the drugs in question. North Carolina legal statutes explain that possession with intent to distribute, manufacture or sell controlled substances is at minimum a Class G felony. You may face possession with intent to distribute charges if an officer believes they are catching you in the act or if you possess an unusually large quantity of drugs.
Possession of dangerous drugs
Possession of relatively less dangerous drugs in small quantities often constitutes a misdemeanor offense. If you possess substances deemed particularly dangerous under North Carolina law, or if you possess a dangerous quantity of lesser drugs, then the charge may escalate to a felony offense.
Regardless of the severity of the charges against you, there are options for pursuing a lesser sentence. It is important to exercise your right to remain silent and withhold unnecessary consent to searches so you can combat wrongful seizures in court.