Wilmington Drug Crime Lawyer

Wilmington Drug Crime Attorney

After you’ve been arrested or charged with a drug offense, it’s crucial that you work quickly and seek qualified legal representation as soon as you can. Consult with an experienced Wilmington drug crime lawyer from The Shotwell Law Group PLLC to oversee your case and build a strong defense on your behalf.

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Understanding Drug Crime in Wilmington, NC

In Wilmington, North Carolina, the rate of drug crimes is 6.311 per 1,000 city residents. The city is within the 15th percentile for drug crime frequency compared to other U.S. cities and towns. This is much higher than the average city, with a drug crime rate higher than 85 percent of other cities.

Based on one report composed of anonymously collected data, more than 11 percent of adults in the Wilmington area have engaged in the abuse of opioids. In the city of Wilmington, all drug charges involving marijuana, cocaine, narcotics, over-the-counter and prescribed medications, and other controlled or illicit substances go through the New Hanover County District Court at 316 Princess St. in Wilmington, NC 28401.

Common Types of Drug Offenses We Handle

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Wilmington, The Shotwell Law Group can help. Our criminal defense law firm has extensive experience handling all crimes, including:

• Possession of a controlled substance, including “counterfeit” substances or any related drug paraphernalia
• Having the intent to purchase, sell, or distribute a controlled substance
• Actual sale or delivery of narcotics or other drugs
• Prescription fraud or the unlawful possession of prescription drugs
• The trafficking or manufacturing of a controlled substance
• Conspiring in order to commit a drug violation
• Drug crimes on the federal level

Potential Defenses Against Drug Crimes in Wilmington, NC

It’s incredibly important to work with a qualified and experienced drug crime defense lawyer whose ultimate goal is to get the charges against you dropped. If the circumstances can’t allow for the charges to be outright dismissed, your defense attorney works hard to make the charges and potential penalties as minimal as possible. Lawyers can achieve this by crafting a strong defense argument with the most appropriate strategies for the case.

This usually begins during your lawyer’s initial investigation into the details of your case. What your legal representation looks for is whether there are immediately obvious errors that can dismantle the prosecution’s case, such as the arresting officer’s lack of probable cause, unlawful search and seizure, or failure to correctly read your Miranda rights during your detainment.

Another basic defense strategy is disputing the facts on which the prosecutor has built their case against you, including your supposed intent and the authenticity of the alleged drugs and their amount. Your defense attorney can also call into question the chain of custody for vital evidence and the reliability of any key witnesses.

Legal Penalties for a Drug Offense Conviction

Similar to the defense strategies your attorney may choose to use for your case, the penalties following a specific drug crime conviction depend on the various details of your situation. The punishment you may face after a drug conviction depends on:

• The type and amount of substance involved
• The specific charges you were convicted of
• Whether there were additional charges such as significant bodily damage or death of another person, property damage, fraud, and conspiracy

Most of the legal penalties for a guilty drug conviction are the same, but the severity of punishment can vary based on the circumstances. In addition to paying a fine, drug offenders will also likely face a jail or prison sentence, with longer sentences for more severe crimes. Depending on the details of your case, the court may grant a suspended sentence if you fulfill certain conditions.

FAQs About Wilmington, NC Drug Crime Laws

What Are the Penalties for a Drug Conviction in NC?

In North Carolina, there are minimum and maximum penalties for a drug conviction that can vary depending on the severity of the charges and other relevant factors of the case. Most drug conviction sentences include a period in jail or prison, a penalty fine, and any other measures the judge deems appropriate, such as substance abuse education or community service.

Is There a Difference Between State and Federal Drug Crimes?

There are minor differences between drug crimes at the state level and drug offenses at the federal level. Naturally, federal drug crimes are regarded more seriously than state offenses. Often, felony drug crimes are in violation of federal laws in addition to state legislation, such as when criminal activity crosses state lines or involves federal entities like the U.S. Postal Service. Federal drug crimes are usually tried in federal court rather than a state district court.

Can You Get a Drug Charge Dismissed in North Carolina?

You may be able to get a drug charge dismissed with competent representation. In cases of dismissed criminal charges, there is generally too little evidence for the prosecution to feasibly bring a case against the defendant. It is also possible for your case to be thrown out if your defense attorney is successful in proving your innocence or effectively doubting the strength of the prosecution’s argument.

Do I Need a Defense Lawyer for a Drug Offense in NC?

In North Carolina, you are not legally obligated to hire a criminal defense lawyer after being charged with a drug offense or any other criminal violation. It’s strongly advised that you seek professional defense counsel. Having a qualified and experienced criminal lawyer by your side increases your chances of a successful outcome for your case. Your attorney is there to guide you throughout the process, protect your rights, and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Call a Wilmington Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

Look to The Shotwell Law Group PLLC if you’re searching for skilled and experienced legal counsel. Take action early and give your case a strong chance for success by contacting our team today. We can connect you with a knowledgeable drug crime defense attorney who has helped many Wilmington clients in situations just like yours.