Derek M. Gray
Attorney
Graystar Legal and McMinn & Logan are now McMinn, Logan & Gray
Even though North Carolina has taken steps to reduce some drug penalties, there is still a wide range of drug charges under state law that can lead to significant penalties.
We treat our clients with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Drug charges can have significant consequences, and you should not attempt to deal with them alone. You need a Winston-Salem drug charges lawyer to help you decide on your next steps because making decisions in the spur of the moment could lead to a costly mistake.
North Carolina law makes it illegal for people to do the following:
Like other states, North Carolina classifies its controlled substances through the use of schedules. The most serious penalties are associated with Schedule I substances (these include drugs such as heroin and LSD). Schedule VI substances carry the least penalties (including substances such as marijuana and THC). However, you should not think that there is such a thing as a minor drug conviction.
Here are some of the aggravating factors that could cause prosecutors to seek a tougher sentence:
Drug convictions can not only carry jail time but can also include the following consequences:
If you are tempted to plead guilty to make the matter go away, you should think it through more carefully. There are times when it may make sense to plead guilty (especially when the prosecutor is offering a very favorable plea bargain), but it will not come without a cost. An experienced drug crimes lawyer can review your situation and advise you of your legal options and what course of action may work best for you.
Drug convictions always require that you have intent. There is no such thing as accidentally violating a drug law. The prosecutor must prove every element of the crime, including:
Drug trials often come down to the quality of the evidence and whether it was legally seized. In turn, you can defend your case by arguing the following:
Drug crimes do not always have to result in a large sentence. If you choose not to fight the charges, the prosecutor may be willing to make a plea bargain to win a quick conviction. Depending on the charge, you may even enter a drug treatment program as a pre-trial program. If you plead guilty, you should only do so in exchange for something from the prosecutor.
If you have been charged with a drug crime, you need a lawyer immediately. Law enforcement may continue to build their case, and you must have someone to protect your legal rights. Your lawyer can keep law enforcement from questioning you against your will and from executing unreasonable searches. Without a lawyer, you may make a mistake that could make your legal situation worse.
Call the attorneys at Graystar Legal today to get the legal help and defense you need. You can message us online or give us a call at 336-715-7250 to schedule your initial consultation.
you may be eligible for the First Offender program. This program may help you avoid a conviction and have your charges dismissed and possibly expunged from your record.
The prosecutor’s job is to convict you. Our job is to protect your rights
No. Police must have a valid search warrant that is based on probable cause and granted by a magistrate. Police can conduct other searches based on a valid exception to the Fourth Amendment.
As long as you were in possession of the drugs, you can be charged with drug possession.
Not guilty. Allow your lawyer time to work to see if you can fight the charges or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Plea negotiations and guilty pleas can happen any time before a verdict.
Your parental rights can be removed and you can be removed from your family if you are found guilty of certain crimes. Whether going to prison keeps you away from your children or a specific crime, you do not want to lose your ability to be a parent when you lose a court case. Let’s find better results together.
In North Carolina, your right to bear arms can be stripped for specific crimes. This makes you even more vulnerable to attack and suffering by not being able to protect yourself. If you fear you may lose your second amendment rights because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, call now.
When you attempt to adopt a child, the state reviews your history with a criminal background check. You do not want charges to stick because you do not have good criminal defense representation, and later prohibit you from adopting a child.
If you are trying to apply for a job that requires a security clearance, you might find that a serious conviction could keep you from getting through the pre-vetting process, much less the checks necessary to get the right position.
If you are a student or considering going to school, your financial aid may become impacted by a criminal charge. Even if you are convicted of a crime after submitting some form of financial aid requests, you may lose your eligibility and even the opportunity surrounding your education.
Your career may be in danger if you are convicted of a criminal charge. Without a criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the legal system, it is quite possible that you lose your credentials and licensure based solely on your conviction. Do you drive for a living? Your DUI / DWI may paralyze your earnings. Work in the medical field? Many positions regulated by a State Board will not allow licensure due to certain convictions.
Here are the areas we serve and the criminal courts where your charges will be heard. The best thing you can do now is speak with a lawyer and get a free consultation.
Did you get arrested? Facing criminal charges? Wondering if you’ll go to jail? Afraid of what happens next? Don’t go alone.
