Drug Crimes

Is it Legal to Possess Marijuana in North Carolina?

Published on: June 5, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is it Legal to Possess Marijuana in North Carolina?

Marijuana has been considered an illegal drug for years. Possessing, selling, or distributing marijuana is a criminal offense, and if convicted, you could face a sentence that might include fines, community service, confinement, and more. Many states have loosened the laws regarding marijuana, and in some states, the recreational use of marijuana is no longer illegal. In North Carolina, you could still be charged with possession of an illegal drug if you are found with marijuana.

What are the Marijuana Laws in North Carolina?

What is the Difference Between Physical and Constructive Drug Possession?

Published on: April 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Physical and Constructive Drug Possession?

Drug possession charges can be serious. If you have been arrested on drug charges you could be facing some severe consequences, depending on the circumstances. If you are in possession of enough quantity of a substance, you could even be looking at drug distribution charges. It is helpful to understand the difference between physical and constructive drug possession in North Carolina. An experienced criminal defense attorney will assist in providing a strong defense against drug charges.

Physical Possession

Marijuana Possession Charges in North Carolina

Published on: February 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Marijuana Possession Charges in North Carolina

Marijuana use is becoming more accepted across the country. Some states have decriminalized marijuana in some circumstances. Marijuana is a controlled substance, and possession is still a federal crime and a crime in the state of North Carolina. Generally, simple possession of a small amount of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor. If found guilty of a larger amount of marijuana, you may be charged with a felony.

If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, you may face penalties that include fines, probation, jail time, and more. A criminal record could limit your ability to get a job, seek housing, or even get into college. If you have been charged with drug possession, you will want to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

New Drug Trafficking Penalties in Effect in North Carolina

Published on: December 27, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

New Drug Trafficking Penalties in Effect in North Carolina

Drug charges are serious, and penalties may be severe if you are found guilty. The law makes some drug crimes more dangerous, and therefore, they come with stronger penalties. Drug possession is generally a much less severe crime than possession with intent to sell or distribute. New changes to the law recently went into effect that allow for more stringent penalties for drug trafficking convictions in North Carolina.

Changes to Drug Trafficking Penalties

State and Federal Drug Charges: What is the Difference?

Published on: August 2, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

State and Federal Drug Charges: What is the Difference?

When you have been charged with a drug crime, the offense is likely serious. You could face a number of severe penalties if you are found guilty. Drug charges can be confusing, especially because there are various state or federal drug charges that could apply in your case. It is helpful to understand the types of charges and potential penalties for drug crimes in North Carolina.

Types of Controlled Substances

What are the Most Common Blue-Collar Crimes?

Published on: July 5, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Blue-Collar Crimes?

Crime is generally categorized into white-collar and blue-collar. White-collar crimes are non-violent and include such things as embezzlement, health care fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and similar crimes. Blue-collar crime, although not a legal term, usually refers to any crimes other than white-collar crimes and may have a distinct victim and could be violent. Blue-collar crimes are more common, often because they are easier to see and prosecute.

DWI

Can I Get A Pardon for a Federal Marijuana Possession Conviction?

Published on: October 19, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What are the long-term effects of being convicted of a crime?”

Marijuana possession is a charge that can result in penalties that include fines and more. Even worse than the fines is the long-term negative impact that a felony conviction can have on your life. From trying to get an apartment to looking for employment to getting into college and beyond, a felony conviction can cause you plenty of turmoil. In a recent proclamation, President Biden officially granted pardons to offenders who were convicted on federal charges of simple marijuana possession. The pardon affects thousands of people who were previously convicted of this crime in federal court.

Marijuana Laws in North Carolina: A Resource for Residents

Published on: August 25, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Is there more than one way for police to charge a person with DWI?”

Ask any American who was alive a generation ago or longer, and they will confirm what is apparent: The United States’ stances on marijuana possession and use are changing drastically. While a criminal defense attorney may have once worked with a client on a serious marijuana possession charge at the felony level, this same charge today may be significantly less severe due to the nation’s changing attitudes on the drug.

How Do Law Enforcement Officers Decide to Bring a Drug Distribution Charge?

Published on: July 7, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

Facing a drug distribution charge is a very serious matter. But how do law enforcement officers and prosecutors decide whether to charge you with possession of a controlled substance, a lesser charge, or distribution or trafficking of a controlled substance, the more serious charge?

Defenses to Drug Possession Charges in North Carolina

Published on: February 3, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”

Drug possession is a serious criminal charge that comes with dire consequences. If convicted of drug possession in North Carolina, you could face hefty fines, imprisonment, and other life-altering penalties.