1-844-YO-PELEO

(1-844-967-3536)

Raleigh | Smithfield | Charlotte | Orlando | Goldsboro

Raleigh, NC Marijuana Charges Defense Attorneys

Johnston County Marijuana Defense Attorneys

Lawyers in Wake County for Those Charged With Cannabis Offenses in North Carolina

Over the last few decades, marijuana has been the subject of more controversy than any other drug. Currently, some three dozen U.S. states permit some type of legal marijuana use, but the growing, distribution, and personal use of marijuana is still considered illegal in North Carolina. If you are facing charges for the possession of cannabis or for the cultivation or sale of marijuana, a conviction will carry serious penalties.

At the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, our skilled drug crimes defense attorneys provide trusted guidance to those who have been charged with marijuana possession or the trafficking and distribution of cannabis. Our team believes that your life should not be ruined by a marijuana charge, and we work diligently on behalf of our clients to get such charges reduced or dismissed when possible.

Medical Marijuana in North Carolina

Currently, in North Carolina, the only forms of medical cannabis that have been approved by the state legislature are hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products prescribed for intractable seizure disorders. Other than this, the state does not have a comprehensive medical marijuana program. This means that the possession and use of all other types of cannabis, including all forms of marijuana, are illegal.

Misdemeanor Offenses for Marijuana Possession

Despite having no meaningful medical cannabis program, North Carolina law does handle marijuana differently from most other "street drugs." The charges and penalties associated with cannabis are often far less severe than those associated with cocaine, heroin, meth, and other controlled substances. In fact, most marijuana possession offenses are misdemeanors. If you are accused of possessing less than a ½ ounce of cannabis, you would likely face a Class 3 misdemeanor charge, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 days in jail and a fine of $300. Possession of between ½ ounce and 1 ½ ounces is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up 120 days in jail and a discretionary fine set by the court. In many cases, if you are accused of a marijuana-related misdemeanor, and you have no prior drug record, you could qualify for a drug diversion program that might allow you to avoid having a conviction on your permanent record.

Marijuana Felony Offenses

The possession of more than 1 ½ ounces of marijuana is a Class I felony. Penalties for a Class I felony conviction can include up to 12 months in prison. Felony charges are also possible for possession with intent to deliver, as well as for distribution. However, if you are accused of possessing 10 pounds or more of marijuana, the charge becomes trafficking. Marijuana trafficking is a serious felony offense for which the penalties vary based on the amount of cannabis in question. For cases that involve 10 to 49 pounds of cannabis, penalties could include up 39 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The most serious cases, which involve more than 10,000 pounds of marijuana, could lead to up to 222 months in prison and a $200,000 fine.

Protecting Your Rights in Johnston County

At the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, we recognize that North Carolina law takes a harder line against marijuana use than many other states do. We also realize what is at stake for you when you have been charged with a marijuana-related offense. When you choose our firm to help with your case, you become our top priority. We will conduct a thorough review of the circumstances that led to your arrest, including the protocols followed by law enforcement during any searches of your property. Our team will look for any and all information that could be useful in building your defense.

When appropriate, we will negotiate in good faith with prosecutors to find a resolution that protects your rights and your future. However, we are not afraid to take your case to trial if doing so is necessary to defend your innocence.

We Are Here to Help You

If you or someone you love is facing a marijuana-related charge in North Carolina, contact our office for help. Call 1-844-YO-PELEO or 919-989-3000 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team today. We serve clients in Johnston County, Mecklenburg County, Wake County, and the surrounding communities. Hablamos Espanol.

des channel 40 aila ncsb justice aila char
Back to Top