Mint Hill Drug Crimes Lawyer

Mint Hill Drug Crimes Attorney

From simple marijuana possession to trafficking accusations, a drug crime conviction in North Carolina can result in severe penalties, including jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and asset forfeiture. If you or a loved one is being investigated for drug crimes in Mint Hill, it is imperative that you contact a Mint Hill drug crimes lawyer who can advocate on your behalf.

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we have been representing clients in Mecklenburg County for over three decades. When you work with our seasoned Charlotte-based drug crimes lawyer, you benefit from the skilled representation of a local attorney who fights aggressively for your freedom in criminal court.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in North Carolina

The penalties associated with drug crime convictions vary, from misdemeanor charges to felonies. Our criminal defense team represents clients facing drug crime charges, including the following:

• Drug possession. This is the charge when an individual is found to have a controlled substance for personal consumption, as well as small amounts of marijuana that contain THC above a certain level.
• Possession and manufacturing with intent to sell. When the quantity of a controlled substance in someone’s possession is above an amount specified by the law, it can lead to this charge.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia. A person in possession of items associated with drug use, including syringes and pipes, may be accused of possessing drug paraphernalia.
• Drug trafficking. This is a much more serious crime where a person is found participating in the selling, manufacturing, and/or transportation of large quantities of controlled substances.

Depending on the type of charge levied, a crime can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. Here are some examples of penalties associated with drug crime convictions:

• Possession of marijuana for personal consumption can lead to a Class 3 misdemeanor charge, which can result in a fine of up to $200 and no jail time.
• Trafficking of marijuana between more than 10 pounds and less than 50 pounds can result in a Class H felony conviction, with 25-39 months in state prison, and a fine of less than $5,000.
• Drug trafficking of methamphetamine between 28 grams and up to 200 grams can result in a Class F felony and a 70–93-month sentence with a fine of up to $50,000.
• Possessing or manufacturing fentanyl can also lead to a Class F felony sentence, but the fine increases to $500,000.

In certain cases, an individual who is caught in a larger drug trafficking scheme can even face charges by the federal government. In 2023, 38.2% of federal convictions in North Carolina were drug-related, followed by 25.8% firearms convictions.

Without adequate legal representation, you may get caught in a larger-scale criminal case.

What a Mint Hill Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Do for You

With the rise of fentanyl-related deaths in Mecklenburg County, which have increased by 14% in Caucasians and by 200% in Hispanic and black populations since 2019, authorities have turned up the heat on drug crime offenders. In the first quarter of 2025, authorities arrested a convicted felon and seized over 1,000 grams of marijuana and an AR rifle.

If you are caught in the middle of an investigation led by aggressive law enforcement and prosecutors, you must have a strong advocate on your side. When you work with a seasoned Mint Hill drug crimes lawyer from The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, you can be assured that a tough criminal defense attorney with a track record of success in state drug crime cases is representing your interests.

We look beyond the facts of your case and work diligently to secure dismissal or reduction of charges, especially if law enforcement made an arrest or seized evidence during an unlawful traffic stop or property search, or if your case is built on faulty assumptions. Most importantly, we help you avoid additional charges related to weapons possession or conspiracy that may arise during an investigation.

FAQs

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

A: The minimum sentence for drug trafficking in NC depends on the type of substance and the amount found. Drug trafficking of marijuana for amounts more than 10 pounds and less than 50 pounds, for example, is a Class H felony, with a penalty of 25-39 months in state prison, and a fine of less than $5,000.

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

A: The cost of a criminal lawyer in North Carolina depends on multiple factors, including where the attorney is based and how many years of practice they have in criminal defense. Additionally, the price charged by an attorney can be influenced by the charge a client is facing and whether or not the case goes to trial or a plea is negotiated.

Q: Who Investigates Drug Crimes?

A: Drug crimes in North Carolina may be investigated by local authorities. In Mint Hill, the Mint Hill Police Department may investigate low-level drug offenders. For drug crimes that extend beyond a city or county, and if it is a high-level drug scheme, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and even the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) may become involved.

Q: Can First-Time Drug Crime Offenders Serve Jail Time in NC?

A: Whether a first-time drug crime offender serves jail time or not in NC depends on the charge they are facing. For certain drug possession crimes, including possession of marijuana, a convicted person may be charged with a misdemeanor and be subjected to only fines. If other controlled substances are found or if the charge is for drug trafficking, for instance, a conviction can result in years in state prison.

Consult a Seasoned Mint Hill Drug Crimes Lawyer

When you are facing drug crime charges in Mint Hill, you should not leave your future to luck. Drug penalties in North Carolina are severe, and having a criminal record, even if it is a marijuana possession charge, can leave a long-lasting and damaging mark on your future. You need a diligent drug crimes lawyer from The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett who can deliver strategy, results, and compassion in your case. To learn more about how we can help, schedule a consultation today.