Raleigh Drug Crime Lawyer
An Aggressive Defense against Harsh Penalties
North Carolina has some of the highest rates of substance abuse in the country. As a result, lawmakers have passed aggressive legislation regarding drug offenses in our state.
Some of the most common drug crimes in North Carolina include:
- Possession
- Trafficking
- Distribution
- Manufacturing
Minimum Sentencing Requirements
Under North Carolina law, a person convicted of certain drug crimes will be subject to specific mandatory penalties. In other words, the judge in many cases has limited discretion regarding sentencing; he or she must base the sentence on the guidelines set forth by law.
Sentencing Alternatives
In some cases, a convicted drug offender may be sentenced to drug court rather than having to serve time behind bars. Drug court is offered in 23 North Carolina counties as an opportunity for people to receive treatment for substance abuse issues rather than simply being punished.
While most people would rather attend drug court than jail, it is important to understand that this sentencing alternative requires complete compliance. If you miss one session or do not pay all of the necessary cost of the program, you may face further penalties.
To learn more about your rights and options after an arrest, contact our Raleigh drug crime attorney at (919) 805-3663 to schedule your free consultation.