What Are Examples of Drug-Related Crimes?

Drug-related crimes come with heavy consequences in the state of North Carolina. While many drug crimes are misdemeanors, if you are charged with a felony drug crime, you can face several years in prison. Therefore, whether you are a North Carolina resident or just a visitor, you may want to know, “What are examples of drug-related crimes?”

North Carolina, America’s 9th most populous state, is known for several industries, including agriculture, banking, construction, and tourism. However, with its vast rural terrain in the west, it is also home to several criminal groups who utilize mountainous and woody areas to conceal drug activity.

Criminal groups primarily transport drugs via commercial and private vehicles along Interstate 95, which extends from Miami to the Canadian border. Interstate 40 is also a common transport highway for drugs, which extends from North Carolina to California.

Examples of Drug-Related Crimes in North Carolina

All controlled substances are illegal in North Carolina, which is consistent with federal law. In North Carolina, drugs are categorized by schedule, with Schedule I drugs being the most addictive and dangerous and Schedule VI drugs being the least. Below are examples of common drugs organized by their schedule, or severity:

• Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, shrooms and other hallucinogens, methaqualone (Quaaludes), PCP, MDA
• Schedule II: Morphine, codeine, Percocet, fentanyl, cocaine, amphetamines, other forms of opium
• Schedule III: Some barbiturates such as codeine-containing medicine, Tylenol #3, codeine-based cough suppressants, steroids
• Schedule IV: Other barbiturates, stimulants, and narcotics like Valium, Librium, Darvocet, Placidyl, Tranxene, Serax, yellow jackets
• Schedule V: Compounds with small amounts of codeine, Terpine Hydrate with codeine, Robitussin AC
• Schedule VI: Marijuana, THC, hashish, and hash oil

Drug-related crimes in North Carolina are centered around the possession, distribution, or intent to distribute, manufacturing, and trafficking of any controlled substances and are detailed in NC Statute § 90-95. Even if you are not successful, if you attempt to sell, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance, it is a crime. A more detailed example of drug-related possession crimes according to NC Statutes 90-95 is listed below:

• Schedule I possession: Class 1 Felony — minimum of 4–5 months in prison
• Schedule II possession: Class 1 Misdemeanor with a minimum of 45 days in jail for the first offense and Class 1 felony with a minimum sentence of 4-5 months in jail
• Schedule III possession: Same penalties as Schedule II
• Schedule IV possession: Same penalties as Schedule III
• Schedule V possession: Class 2 Misdemeanor with a minimum sentence of 30 days for the first offense and 45 days in jail for the second offense
• Schedule VI possession: Class 3 Misdemeanor with a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail or 30 days in jail for the second offense

It is important to note that sentencing for each crime depends upon several factors, such as the amount in possession and prior convictions.

The penalties for possession with the intent to distribute, deliver, or sell, or the actual manufacturing, selling, distributing, or trafficking of controlled substances, are most often felonies, which can be punishable by years in prison as well as paying exorbitant fines. Possessing or distributing drug paraphernalia is also a crime and can be moderate or extensive depending on the substance and amount.

Drug-Related Crime Statistics in North Carolina

In 2023, 4,442 North Carolinians died of an overdose. Moreover, in the same year, there were 33,945 drug arrests in North Carolina for either the sale, manufacturing, or possession of opium or cocaine, marijuana, synthetic narcotics, or other dangerous drugs.

What to Do if You Are Arrested for a Drug-Related Crime

If you are arrested for a drug-related crime in North Carolina, you should first exercise your rights. Specifically, you should remain silent until you contact a lawyer to defend you. There are many defenses at your disposal if you are charged with a drug crime, such as entrapment, illegal search and seizure, or mistaken identity. However, unless you contact an experienced drug crime lawyer, you may instead face a lengthy prison sentence.

FAQs

Q: What Crimes Are Related to Drug Abuse?

A: In North Carolina, drug-related crimes are commonly categorized by either the possession of controlled substances, the intent to sell, distribute, manufacture, or traffic controlled substances, or the actual selling, distributing, manufacturing, or trafficking of a controlled substance. Drug abuse tends to signal possession of a controlled substance, though it can also be indicative of selling and manufacturing.

Q: What Are the Most Common Drug Offenses in North Carolina?

A: The most common drug offense in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s most recent data, is the possession of marijuana, with 11,312 arrests. The most common drug offense related to drug sales or manufacturing is the sale or manufacturing of opium or cocaine. In general, drug offenses related to possession are more common than offenses related to sales or manufacturing.

Q: Are Drug Crimes Misdemeanors or Felonies in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, a drug crime can be either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the type of drug, the amount of the drug, whether the crime is possession or selling/manufacturing, etc., and whether the defendant has had any prior convictions. For example, Schedule I drugs are the most addictive and dangerous, so they are often treated as felonies if a person sells, distributes, manufactures, or traffics them. Possession is usually a misdemeanor for several drugs.

Q: What Is a Drug Crime in North Carolina?

A: A drug crime is any crime that involves the possession, sale, manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking of a controlled substance. In North Carolina, all controlled substances are illegal, which also includes certain over-the-counter medications or prescription medications when abused, sold, or otherwise used in excess. The severity of a drug crime depends on the amount the person is charged with possessing.

Consult with a Qualified Drug Crime Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with a drug-related crime in North Carolina, you should consider hiring a lawyer. Drug crimes are treated seriously in North Carolina, especially if you are arrested for possessing or selling a Schedule I drug. At the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick, we can confidently handle your case and may help you get your charges dropped or reduced. Contact us today for a consultation; you shouldn’t have to fight your case alone.