Wilmington Drug Crime Lawyer

What Are Drug Schedules And Their Penalties in North Carolina?

Our Wilmington drug crime lawyer handles cases involving all types of illegal drugs, including: heroin, cocaine, meth, marijuana and more. We also handle prescription drug crimes, which may include forging prescriptions, doctor shopping, illegal possession of prescription drugs and more. There are six schedules of controlled substances that are punishable by a misdemeanor or felony charge:

• Schedule I: Highly addictive and are not accepted for medical use. Examples include opiates, fentanyl derivatives, hallucinogens, depressants and stimulants.
  • This is punishable by a Class 1 Felony and 4-5 months in prison for a first offense.
• Schedule II: High potential for abuse with restricted accepted medical use, and primarily consist of pain medications like opium, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
  • First offenses face a Class 1 Misdemeanor and 45 days in jail or a Class 1 Felony and 4-5 months in prison for a second offense.
• Schedule III: Currently accepted for medical use in the US with a moderate to low possibility of dependence. Examples include anabolic steroids and ketamine.
  • First offenses face a Class 1 Misdemeanor and 45 days in jail or a Class 1 Felony and 4-5 months in prison for a second offense.
• Schedule IV: Low potential for abuse and accepted medical use in the US. This includes stimulants, narcotics and depressants such as Valium and Xanax.
  • First offenses face a Class 1 Misdemeanor and 45 days in jail or a Class 1 Felony and 4-5 months in prison for a second offense.
• Schedule V: Low potential for abuse and accepted medical use in the US. Cough medicines incorporating codeine are an example.
  • First offenses face a Class 2 Misdemeanor and 30 days in jail or a Class 1 Misdemeanor and 45 days in jail for a second offense.
• Schedule VI: Low potential for abuse with no accepted medical use. This includes marijuana, hashish and hashish oil.
  • First offenses face a Class 3 Misdemeanor and 10 days in jail or a Class 2 Misdemeanor and 30 days in jail for a second offense.

Federal Drug Crimes

Certain drug offenses are prosecuted at the federal level. Federal charges may apply when a larger quantity of drugs is involved or when the defendant is accused of crossing state lines in the commission of the crime. Additionally, if a firearm was used in the commission of the crime, it will likely be classified as a federal offense.

Because not all lawyers handle federal cases, it is important to choose a lawyer who can handle your case at any level, like ours at The Wagoner Law Firm P.L.L.C.

5 Reasons To Hire A Drug Crime Lawyer

Bringing in the assistance of a drug crime lawyer can have a significant impact on the final outcome of your case. Unfortunately, avoiding jail time completely may not always be possible, however having experienced counsel on your side may result in a reduced sentence. Below, are the top 5 reasons why you should hire a drug crime defense attorney in Wilmington if you have been charged.

• Expert Knowledge - Upon hearing your situation during a free consultation, an experienced Wilmington drug crime lawyer will most likely know what your best options for defense will be.
• Expert Advice - Rather than facing uncertainty in the courtroom by yourself, a lawyer will provide guidance and advise you on how to communicate strategically and how to act appropriately in and out of the courtroom -- what you say and what you do, such as posting on social media can affect your case.
• Established Relations With The Prosecuting Attorney - Experienced attorneys cultivate amicable connections with other local attorneys, even prosecutors. These established relationships may be beneficial to your case, potentially leading to improved negotiations and a more favorable resolution.
• Save Money In The Long Run - An unfavorable court decision can be financially damaging to both individuals and their families. Unpaid time away from work can impact your finances substantially and in some cases, jail time may result in the loss of your job. By working with a skilled professional, you boost your chances of a successful outcome and the likelihood of protecting your financial security.
• Safeguard Your Future - Representing yourself in court can result in a negative outcome -- you could end up with harsher penalties and you put your future in jeopardy. Trusting your defense strategy to a drug crime attorney in Wilmington backed by years of experience makes all the difference. Acting quickly to obtain legal representation may even result in the dismissal of your case, keeping criminal charges off your record.

If you are facing drug crime charges in North Carolina, don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation with our experienced Wilmington drug crime attorney. We will fight vigorously to protect your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Trust The Wagoner Law Firm, P.L.L.C. to provide capable hands and unwavering support throughout every stage of your legal journey.

Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Drug Defense Attorney

When facing criminal charges, it is crucial to have a skilled and knowledgeable drug defense attorney on your side. At The Wagoner Law Firm, P.L.L.C., our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and providing you with a strong defense.

Here are some reasons why hiring a lawyer is essential:

1. Legal expertise: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of criminal law and can navigate the complexities of the legal system on your behalf.
2. Investigation and evidence gathering: We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong defense strategy.
3. Negotiation skills: We have extensive experience negotiating with prosecutors to secure the best possible outcome for our clients, whether it be a reduced sentence, alternative sentencing options, or even a dismissal of charges.
4. Protection of your rights: We will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the entire legal process, including the right to a fair trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal representation.
5. Peace of mind: Having a dedicated attorney by your side can provide you with peace of mind during this challenging time. We will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide you with the support you need.

Don't wait to start building your defense. Contact The Wagoner Law Firm, P.L.L.C. today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with an experienced attorney.

Possible Defense Options for Your Drug Case

Our drug crime attorney in Wilmington has more than a decade of experience working in the legal field and knows what to expect when someone is charged with a drug crime. We will explore all possible defenses in your case. Our team analyzes key examinations such as: Did a police officer illegally search your vehicle or house? Were your rights otherwise violated during the investigation or arrest? These questions may come into play when building your defense.

If you want to meet for a no-cost consultation where we can discuss your charges and defense options, please call (910) 400-8285.

Helpful Resources

• North Carolina Department of Justice
• North Carolina General Assembly
• U.S. Department of Justice