When it comes to drug possession charges, North Carolina is one of the strictest. If you are charged with cocaine possession in North Carolina, you are facing serious potential consequences. Whether you admit to breaking the law or if you maintain your innocence, we may be able to help.
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, and this is part of the reason it is penalized so severely. For some people, an arrest marks an opportunity to get help and potentially receive drug treatment. For others, it is nothing more than a thorn in their side.
North Carolina Cocaine Possession – Laws & Penalties
Under North Carolina law, cocaine possession is classified as Class 1 misdemeanor offense. This is the most serious misdemeanor classification on the books. If convicted, you face from 6 months to 1 year in jail, along with fines and the potential to lose your driving privileges.
In addition, the personal consequences of a drug conviction can be damaging to your personal and professional reputation, not to mention your employment status.
Your freedom isn’t the only thing on your mind. Fortunately, a local criminal defense lawyer may be able to help.
Cocaine Defense Strategies in NC
When you are arrested for cocaine possession, it can seem like a hopeless situation. But it’s not. You still have options and defense lawyer can assist you in choosing the best course of action given the facts of your case.
One of the most important things that your attorney will consider when determining the best defense strategy for you is whether or not your constitutional rights have been protected throughout the entire case. If, for example, it is discovered that the search that led to the discovery of the cocaine was done in an unconstitutional manner, your attorney could motion the court to suppress the evidence and even potentially dismiss the charges.
The vast majority of cocaine possession charges end in a plea agreement, however, and never make it to trial. A plea agreement is where you agree to plead guilty to the charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Depending on your criminal history, you could be able to avoid jail time in this manner.
North Carolina Drug Courts
In some jurisdictions, there are drug courts that could be an option for your case. Drug courts focus on treatment rather than punishment. Although drug court programs are not easy, they are often far preferable to jail time.
If you have been charged with cocaine possession in the state of North Carolina, we may be able to help. Contact our offices today to discuss the fact of your case and potential solutions.