Matthews Drug Crimes Lawyer

Matthews Drug Crimes Attorney

Whenever someone learns they are facing drug charges, it can feel as if the life they knew is gone. One moment everything feels normal, and the next moment you’re caught in a system with an unpredictable future. Regardless of how minor or severe the charges are, it’s important to make smart decisions from day one to avoid unnecessary consequences. A Matthews drug crime lawyer can explain what you’re up against and push back strategically.

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we know that drug charges can have a long-lasting effect on your life. Aside from the matter at hand, these allegations also come with personal, financial, and emotional consequences that can last long after the case is closed. It’s why we approach every case with more than just completing legal transactions. We take the time to better understand your story, break down your charges, and build a defense to protect your future.

Understanding the Charges You’re Facing

Drug crimes in North Carolina can vary widely, from simple possession to larger-scale trafficking and manufacturing. The nature of your charge matters greatly, as it will not only impact the penalties you could face but also how your case should be approached by your defense team.

Some common charges across Matthews include:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with intent to sell or distribute
• Drug trafficking
• Manufacturing or cultivation of illegal substances
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

In fact, there were over 30,000 arrests falling into the category of possession alone in recent years, as reported by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. That shows how significant those minor, non-violent charges are as compared to other drug-related arrests.

Why Drug Cases Are on the Rise in North Carolina

Despite efforts across the state to reduce the frequency of incarceration rates, drug-related charges still remain a significant driver of the criminal legal system in North Carolina.

Here is what the numbers are showing us:

• 14% of all reported criminal incidents in the state from 2019 to 2022 were tied to drug offenses. This highlights how widespread these cases really are.
• Law enforcement continues to devote major resources to drug enforcement, from local patrols to statewide task forces.
• There were over 20,000 case submissions in a single year to the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory, showing how aggressively these cases are pursued and processed.

All of this is to make the point that, if you have been charged with a drug crime in North Carolina, you are not alone. While it might seem like the system is not designed to give you the benefit of the doubt, a defense lawyer can dissect your charges, land on a legal strategy, and put you in greater control of your outcome.

Building a Strong Defense From Day One

Drug cases often turn on the smallest of details, such as how the case was conducted, who had access to the alleged drugs, and if the evidence in question was properly handled and tested. With so many drug arrests and lab submissions overwhelming the system every year, procedural errors and oversights are more common than some people might think.

When your case is being investigated, every angle is explored, including:

• If your rights were violated during a stop, search, or arrest
• How the substance was identified and tested
• Chain of custody issues, such as any signs of evidence mishandling or contamination
• Whether the state can reasonably prove intent to distribute, or if assumptions were made based on quantity alone

The nation’s legal system holds the prosecution accountable to the highest standard of proof. This lets you and your defense team analyze the evidence stacked against you and start to pick apart its reliability in proving criminality.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in NC?

A: Drug trafficking charges in North Carolina are treated seriously, often coming with a mandatory minimum sentence if the defendant is found guilty. The specifics of this sentence will depend on the type and quantity of drug involved and whether the person in question has a criminal history. However, because this charge is so severe, even someone without any prior convictions could face significant consequences, including prison, depending on what is uncovered.

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: The total cost of hiring a criminal lawyer in North Carolina varies, depending on how complicated your case is, the attorney’s experience, and whether the case is settled or goes to trial. Some attorneys may charge a flat fee for their work, while others prefer to bill hourly. Cases involving serious charges, like drug trafficking, will generally cost more than a simple possession charge due to the amount of time and energy that is needed to build this type of defense.

Q: Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in NC?

A: It is possible for a first-time drug offender to avoid jail in North Carolina, especially if the charges involve a small amount and there are no aggravating circumstances to factor in. When this happens, the courts may consider an alternative punishment option, like probation, diversion programs, or a conditional discharge. However, these outcomes are not guaranteed, and much of this will depend on the specifics of your case and the approach taken by your defense lawyer.

Q: Is Possession of Drugs a Felony in North Carolina?

A: Not all drug possession charges are felonies in North Carolina. Their classification will depend on the type of drug and the amount in question. For example, possession of certain substances in small amounts may be charged as a misdemeanor, while larger quantities of more serious substances can lead to a felony charge. To make this differentiation in your own case, an attorney can explain the stakes and how to minimize them efficiently.

Contact The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett Today

If you have recently been charged with a drug crime in Matthews and are unsure what to do next, contact us today. Our firm has been representing clients just like you for many years, and we can help you feel confident about each step you take until your case is closed.