Drug Crimes

Drug charges can be complex, with penalties varying based on the type and amount of the substance involved.

Depending on the circumstances, an offense may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, with consequences ranging from fines to significant prison time.

While a failed drug test alone won’t lead to an arrest—unless you were driving under the influence—law enforcement can charge you with a range of drug-related offenses.

If you’re facing charges, having a knowledgeable Raleigh drug crimes attorney by your side can make all the difference.

Being arrested for a drug offense can be overwhelming, especially if you were unaware of the substance in question. The strongest defense starts with an experienced legal team that understands how to challenge the charges against you and fight for the best possible outcome.

Scharff Law Firm in Raleigh has years of experience helping people like you navigate the drug laws in North Carolina.

We begin every case with a free consultation so we can learn about your situation and help you understand the type of consequences you may be facing.

While we fight to secure the best possible outcome for every client, we also know it’s important to prepare for every possibility.

Our attorneys have the knowledge of a former prosecutor and a former public defender from one of the highest crime centers in the country supporting our drug defense expertise. Together, we form a formidable team prepared to help you with your case from beginning to end. 

We specialize in defending:

• Drug trafficking
• Maintaining a dwelling for drug-related purposes
• Possession with the intent to sell
• Possession of paraphernalia
• Manufacturing or cultivating illegal substances
• Prescription fraud

North Carolina Drug Laws

Drug charges rely on the classification of certain substances based on their inherent danger and addictiveness as well as the amount of the substance and the nature of your use (i.e. to sell, manufacture, or use).

There are six classifications as follows:

• Schedule I – LSD, heroin, and ecstasy
• Schedule II – Addictive substances such as cocaine, opium, and methamphetamine
• Schedule III – Addictive, but also with medical use such as ketamine and steroids
• Schedule IV – Prescriptions like Valium and Xanax
• Schedule V – Prescriptions that aren’t as addictive but still have the potential for abuse
• Schedule VI – marijuana is the most notable drug in this category

See our page on North Carolina’s Controlled Substances to learn more about drug charges.

Drug Raids

The government has been working on driving down drug abuse for years. Unfortunately, it also infringes on individual rights during some of its investigations.

If you have been investigated, monitored, or raided, your constitutional rights may have been abused.

Our Raleigh Drug Crimes Lawyers are ready to help you determine whether there has been any wrongdoing during the course of the government’s investigation.

Arrests and Building a Case

When we take on your case, we complete a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Even a situation that may seem as simple as a vehicle search may not be admissible in court.

We often look into government investigations to determine the constitutionality of all warrants, searches, seizures, and arrests.

The laws surrounding drug use in North Carolina are complex, and your best chance at fighting for exoneration lies with a qualified drug defense attorney.

Scharff Law Firm has the resources needed to complete thorough analyses and apply case law and statutes for a personalized and well-thought-out defense.

In some instances, we have been successful in seeking a deferred prosecution, which allows our clients to complete an alternative sentencing structure. Upon successful completion, the charges are dropped without having to complete jail sentencing. Every situation is different, and will rely on a unique set of defense tactics.

For more information about how Scharff Law Firm can help you, contact us today. Consultations are always free.