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Raleigh Drug Trafficking and Distribution Lawyer


How do law enforcement officials determine your intent in a possession case? The answer is not always straightforward and can lead to complications for the prosecution. Officials sometimes look to investigation results that may be unconstitutional and try to use private, protected interactions as evidence in a case.

If you’re facing charges for Possession With Intent to Sell and Distribute (PWISD) or drug trafficking, you may feel misunderstood and frustrated and will need the help of a skilled Drug Trafficking Attorney in Raleigh, NC. Maybe you were wrongly charged and feel backed into a corner. You may feel like no one is on your side or wants to listen to your side of the story. This is why securing a strong legal defense is so important. At Scharff Law Firm, we understand the circumstances surrounding PWISD and drug trafficking charges are often complex. There may be several extenuating factors and contexts that change how your case is perceived.

With a former prosecutor and public defender on our team, we understand what it means to protect and serve our clients’ best interests. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted, and we can help you navigate the complexities of the justice system to ensure your rights are protected and that your side of the story is heard if your case goes to court.

Forming a Defense Strategy

Every distribution or trafficking case is a little bit different. At Scharff Law Firm, you’ll never find your case pushed into some pre-made defense mold. We tailor each defense strategy to our clients’ needs to ensure the best possible outcome every time. After a free consultation, we work hard to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest. It is our job to find the facts and make sure they are presented in a fair light throughout the case.

We carefully examine any evidence that is meant to illustrate “intent.” PWISD cases are often dismissed or charges reduced because the intent to sell or distribute cannot be proven. If the drugs in your possession were for personal use, it is not unheard of that a prosecution will pursue a PWISD charge based on perceived paraphernalia for selling things like containers or a “staging area.” Often, these allegations paint a picture that is possible, but not beyond reasonable doubt.

Allow us to help you fight the charges against you for PWISD or drug trafficking. Our team of drug trafficking defense lawyers have a successful track record fighting drug charges in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina. We work tirelessly to have your case dismissed or the charges reduced so you don’t suffer unfair or unnecessary consequences.

Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking laws are the most severe drug offenses in North Carolina. Drug trafficking is different than possession with intent to sell because it refers to large scale drug possession, transportation, and distribution. The penalties for a drug trafficking charge in North Carolina are stiff and severe. They require a mandatory jail sentence even for amounts that aren’t very large. Due to the substantial penalties and mandatory sentences for these charges, its essential to hire an experienced Raleigh drug trafficking attorney to handle your case.

Here is a break down of trafficking penalties by controlled substance:

North Carolina Marijuana Trafficking Penalties

Pounds of MarijuanaMonths in Prison
10 - 50 pounds25 - 39 months
50 - 2,000 pounds35 - 51 months
2,000 - 10,000 pounds70 - 93 months
10,000+ pounds175 - 222 months

North Carolina Methqualone (Quaalude) Trafficking Penalties

Dosage Units of MethqualoneMonths in Prison
1,000 - 5,000 units35 - 51 months
5,000 - 10,000 units70 - 93 months
10,000+ units175 - 222 months

North Carolina Cocaine Trafficking Penalties

These penalties include trafficking of crack or powder.
Grams of CocaineMonths in Prison
28 - 200 grams35 - 51 months
200 - 400 grams70 - 93 months
400+ grams175 - 222 months

North Carolina Heroin or Opium Trafficking Penalties

Grams of Heroin/OpiumMonths in Prison
4 - 14 grams70 - 93 months
14 - 28 grams90 - 120 months
28+ grams225 - 282 months

Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver

Charges of PWISD always carry the threat of a felony conviction. The type of felony is determined by the type, amount, and circumstances of the arrest. Even if you only have an amount that is normally considered for “personal use,” you may face PWISD charges based on other items present at the time of arrest. Charges for PWISD are often exaggerated, and many cases can be successfully reduced to a possession charge or dismissed altogether. While a misdemeanor is not the ideal outcome, it is much better than carrying a felony conviction on your record.

Raleigh Drug Trafficking and Distribution Lawyers | Call Scharff Law Firm

If you have a previous criminal history or if there are aggravating factors, you may face stricter felony consequences. Felony convictions will remain on your criminal record forever and can inhibit your pursuit of future employment. They can also destroy your current personal and professional relationships. Those who are convicted could face as many as two decades in prison, extensive fines, and long-term restrictions.

For more information about controlled substances, visit our page on NC controlled dangerous substances. Reach out to our North Carolina drug crimes lawyers to learn more about how we can help you fight a PWISD or drug trafficking charge.