Drug Crime Attorneys in Monroe, NC

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner

Have you been arrested for a drug-related offense? A conviction could result in life-altering penalties. Charles B. Brooks II, Attorney at Law stands ready to help you build a strong case that could help get your charges reduced or even dropped altogether.

Our Monroe, NC drug crime lawyers take on a wide variety of drug cases, including those involving:

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Crimes involving: Heroin, Opiates, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, MDMA, Prescription Drugs, and Marijuana
• Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud
• Trafficking in a Controlled Substance
• Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Controlled Substance

To have your case evaluated by an experienced criminal defense lawyer at no cost to you, contact us at (704) 271-2141 today. 

Drug Crime Penalties in North Carolina

State and Federal Law regulates the creation, distribution, and possession of controlled substances. Controlled substances include both illegal substance (such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana) and prescription drugs.

In North Carolina, controlled substances are generally organized into six categories, or schedules. For example, Schedule I includes controlled substances such as Heroin and Opiates, while Schedule VI includes Marijuana. Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance is a Class I Felony, whereas Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance may only be a Class 3 misdemeanor.

However, as the amount of controlled substance increases, generally the seriousness of the offense increases as well. If you have been charged with a drug offense in North Carolina, you may be facing days to years in jail or prison, as well as fines up to $500,000.

Common Drug Charge Defenses 

Facing a drug charge can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that being accused of a drug crime does not automatically mean you will be convicted. There are several legal defenses that may apply, depending on the facts of your case. Understanding these common defenses can help you to protect your rights and build a strong strategy.

One of the most common defenses to a drug charge is illegal search and seizure. Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement officers must follow strict rules when conducting searches. If the police searched your vehicle, home, or personal belongings without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence they found—such as drugs or paraphernalia—may be ruled inadmissible in court. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and sometimes lead to charges being dropped altogether.

Another possible defense is lack of possession. To convict someone of a drug crime, the prosecution must prove that the defendant actually possessed the drugs, either physically or constructively (having control over the area where the drugs were found). If the drugs belonged to someone else, or if you were unaware that drugs were present, your attorney may argue that you did not have possession.

Chain of custody issues can also serve as a defense. The prosecution must prove that the evidence collected is the same evidence presented in court and that it was handled properly at all times. If there are mistakes or gaps in how the evidence was stored, labeled, or transferred, it may be challenged as unreliable.

In some cases, a defense may involve entrapment, which occurs when law enforcement pressures or persuades someone to commit a drug-related act they would not have otherwise committed. An attorney from our firm can fight for your rights and keep you informed of you options. 

Reliable Legal Assistance Every Step of the Way

If you require a drug crime attorney in Monroe, NC, turn to our firm first. Our attorneys will evaluate each aspect of your case, and pursue every legal challenge available. You need an attorney who understands the intricacies of the controlled substance laws to effectively advocate on your behalf.

Our attorneys have experience representing individuals charged with drug crimes ranging from Simple Possession of Marijuana to Trafficking in Opium/Heroin. We examine each case to determine if law enforcement violated your rights during a search or seizure, whether the substance actually is a controlled substance and if the alleged amount is correct, and whether any other legal defense exists.

Call (704) 271-2141 now to schedule a free consultation.