Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer
Possession of Cocaine, Heroin, Ecstasy
As Schedule I and II drugs, according to the Controlled Substances Act, drugs like cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy can bring some of the most severe criminal penalties in North Carolina. Furthermore, because of the societal issues that these drugs can cause, state prosecutors and law enforcement are very severe when it comes to investigating and prosecuting alleged drug offenders.
Following an arrest, it is natural to feel frightened at the prospect of losing your freedom. Nonetheless, having an experienced and leading Raleigh drug possession attorney at your side is essential. At the Law Office of Dewey Brinkley, we will aggressively fight for your freedom, your rights, and your interests in North Carolina courts.
North Carolina Drug Classifications
Cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy are considered among the most dangerous drugs due to their high potential for abuse, lack of medical use, and lack of accepted use. Heroin and ecstasy, as well as other opiates, are classified as Schedule I drugs along with GHB, methaqualone, and peyote. Cocaine is a Schedule II drug along with raw opium, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, methamphetamine, and Ritalin.
Punishments for Possession of Cocaine, Heroin, and Ecstasy
If caught in possession of cocaine, heroin, or ecstasy, your potential punishment depends on the drug, the amount of the drug, and if there are any other punishable offenses (such as intent to distribute or trafficking). The potential punishments for drug possession include:
- Schedule I drugs — Possessing less than 4 grams of heroin and 100 grams of MDMA (or 100 units of ecstasy) can result in a Class I felony punishable by 3 to 8 months in a North Carolina prison.
- Schedule II drugs — Possessing less than 28 grams of cocaine can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by 6 to 12 months in jail.
These penalties represent the maximum sentences, and although maximum sentences can be rare, they do happen. This is especially true when the defendant has prior convictions. Additionally, possessing more than 4 grams of heroin, 100 grams of MDMA, and 28 grams of cocaine can result in a drug trafficking charge in North Carolina, even if you didn’t intend to distribute or transport the drugs.
Contact the Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley to Fight Your Drug Charges
Possession of controlled substances can result in lifelong consequences, especially if caught with heroin or ecstasy (a felony). As such, you should contact an esteemed and diligent criminal defense attorney immediately after the arrest.
At the Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley, we provide a no-stones-unturned criminal defense approach, meaning that we ensure absolute diligence when preparing your case and challenging the prosecution’s narrative. For a free consultation with Raleigh drug crimes attorney Dewey Brinkley, call our law office today at (919) 832-0307.