You risk a lot when you engage in drug use. But what many people don’t know is that having a drug addiction can potentially land you in prison for a high-level felony. Under North Carolina law, an individual commits drug trafficking offense when he or she knowingly manufactures, sells, delivers, transports, possesses or conspires to do any of the aforementioned in regards to a controlled substance.
Quantity of Drugs in Possession
Whether someone is found guilty of drug trafficking is often dependent upon the quantity of drugs that they have in their possession. The court will look at the type of controlled substance that the individual has in their possession and whether it meets the weight necessary to rise to the level of trafficking.
Levels of Drugs to Constitute Drug Trafficking
The minimum quantity of a controlled substance that reaches the level of trafficking differs among the type of controlled substance. Here are the minimum levels in one’s possession to be considered trafficking:
- 4 grams of opium or heroin
- 28 grams of amphetamine
- 28 grams of cocaine
- 28 grams of MDPV
- 28 grams of Mephedrone
- 28 grams of methamphetamine
- 50 dosage units of synthetic cannabinoids
- 10 pounds of marijuana
- 100 units of LSD
- 100 units or 499 grams of MDA/MDMA
- 1,000 dosage units of methaqualone
Drug Traffickers Are Not Eligible for Drug Intervention Programs
So, while these amounts can certainly be due to trafficking the respective type of substance, they can also be the result of a severe drug addiction. Also concerning is that if you are charged with trafficking, you would not be eligible to participate in a drug intervention program that may have been available to you if you were charged with possession. While any drug-related charges are serious, those for trafficking are even more worrisome. Your freedom is at risk.
That’s why it’s so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience defending against this type of charge. If you have been charged with drug trafficking that is actually an ongoing drug addiction, you need help more than anything else.
Attorney Joel Hancock at Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Help Those in North Carolina Who Have Been Charged with Drug Trafficking
If you have been charged with drug trafficking as the result of a serious, ongoing drug addiction, you may have options. You have the right to defend yourself. Your best bet of doing so successfully is with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will fight on your behalf.
At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you to fight this charge. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!