Derek M. Gray
Attorney
Although North Carolina has liberalized its marijuana possession laws, it does not mean that it is completely legal to possess cannabis in the state. Depending on the amount that you allegedly have in your possession when you are arrested, there can still be serious penalties.
We treat our clients with the dignity and respect they deserve.
You should have a Winston-Salem marijuana possession lawyer if you are facing marijuana charges because you never know how a conviction could impact you until you actually face the consequences. Even if the charges seem minor, it is always better to have a lawyer when you are in the criminal justice system.
North Carolina does offer an exemption for medical possession of marijuana. In addition, if you are arrested and charged with possession, and you have less than half an ounce, you will face misdemeanor charges with a fine of $200.
North Carolina makes the following illegal:
However, the penalties escalate based on the amount of cannabis that law enforcement claims you have on your person.
Possession with intent to distribute would bring an even more serious sentence, depending on the amount of cannabis that you allegedly had. In addition, law enforcement can seize vehicles and property involved in the alleged offense.
Convictions for marijuana possession critically depend on the legality of the evidence seized. In most cases, law enforcement has stopped or searched you because they believed that you had marijuana in your possession. If you can get the evidence thrown out, the charges against you may be dropped. Here are some reasons why you can exclude evidence in a marijuana possession case:
Depending on the seriousness of the charges against you, the state may levy significant penalties. Here are some possible consequences of a marijuana conviction:
You may be eligible for a deferral program for a first marijuana offense. An experienced criminal defense attorney can negotiate a lighter sentence with the prosecutor if you choose not to fight the charges against you.
There is a wide range of outcomes when you are facing marijuana charges. Depending on the level of the offense, judges may be working with a mandatory minimum sentence. The most important thing is to know early in your case what you may be facing, so you can effectively deal with the charges against you. Not only do you need to know potential sentences, but you must also have information about how a potential conviction might affect you.
When you are dealing with a criminal charge that depends on physical evidence, you must have a lawyer early in the process. Our lawyers can do the following for you:
Charges that rely on seized physical evidence are the ones that are most likely to be tainted by an illegal seizure or law enforcement overreach. It is always better to have a lawyer review your situation before you make any choices.
If you have been arrested and charged with marijuana possession, Graystar Legal can help. You should call us as soon as possible after your arrest. You can contact us online or call to schedule a time to talk about your case with a free case review.
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. There are exceptions to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement that police often use to search you without a warrant. However, they sometimes overuse these exceptions.
Evidence is admissible in court if it is derived from evidence that is illegally obtained.
It depends on the county where you live. Marijuana possession has not been decriminalized on a state level, although some counties are taking steps in that direction.
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.
