This blog recently discussed an arrest for drug charges. All drug offenses in North Carolina, including drug possession charges, are serious criminal charges. However, drug trafficking and drug distribution charges can be especially serious for accused individuals. Because drug charges can carry the potential for harsh penalties, it is important for accused individuals to be familiar with what they should do if they are facing drug charges.
Drug charges can end in potentially stiff sentences for accused individuals, such as three to five years in prison. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with criminal defense strategies to counter the charges one faces. Punishments for drug trafficking and drug distribution charges can vary based on factors such as the type and amount of drugs allegedly trafficked; the geographic area where they are allegedly distributed; and whether or not children were targeted in the alleged crime.
In general, drug trafficking and drug distribution laws penalize the selling, transport and illegal import of unlawful controlled substances. Unlawful controlled substances include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, marijuana and other illegal drugs. Accused individuals arrested with a large amount of drugs, cash or certain paraphernalia may end up facing drug trafficking or drug distribution charges. Drug trafficking charges result when authorities believe the accused individual intended to sell whatever drugs they were allegedly in possession of.
Challenging drug trafficking charges is similar to challenging charges for drug possession by attacking the alleged evidence, the legality of the police officer’s conduct or if the accused individual’s rights were in any way violated. Criminal defense resources serve as an important protection for accused individuals standing between them and potential incarceration or other serious consequences.
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