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Facing heroin-related charges? Understand your case.

While you may have reason to have some controlled substances in your possession legally, such as having a prescription for a narcotic, federal and state laws make it illegal to possess other substances at all. If police suspect that you unlawfully have a drug in your possession or that you have the intention of distributing it, you could face a serious legal predicament.

In particular, heroin is a substance that has strict laws surrounding it. In addition to the preventative laws, a violation of the law could result in severe punishment depending on the circumstances. If North Carolina authorities have charged you with a heroin-related crime, you may benefit from understanding the potential consequences if a conviction takes place and understanding other information applicable to this type of scenario.

Complete restriction

Any type of activity involving heroin is prohibited under federal and state law. This prohibition means that you could face serious charges and potential repercussions if authorities accuse you of heroin manufacturing, possession, distribution or trafficking. Of course, drug trafficking is the most severe of these listed crimes. Any activity involving heroin also automatically results in felony charges in the state. Those charges become more severe depending on the details, such as:

  • Possession: Class I felony resulting in possible three to 12 months in jail
  • Sale: Class G felony; upgraded to Class E felony if sold to a pregnant woman, person under the age of 16 or within 300 ft of a school
  • Trafficking 4-14 grams: Class F felony resulting in possible 70 to 84 months in jail and a $50,000 fine
  • Trafficking 14-28 grams: Class E felony resulting in possible 90 to 117 months in jail and a $100,000 fine
  • Trafficking 28+ grams: Class C felony resulting in possible 225 to 279 months in jail and a $500,000 fine

If you find yourself accused of any type of heroin-involved crime, you likely understand that you are in hot water. However, you do not have resign yourself to the negative consequences listed here.

Defending against charges

Because felony charges, especially those for drug trafficking, are severe, you will undoubtedly need a meaningful criminal defense. Fortunately, you have the right to create and present such a defense and to consider your other legal options. Working with an attorney knowledgeable in state laws regarding drug crimes could help you find the best courses of action for handling your particular case.