101 On Drug Possession Charges In North Carolina

Although the stigma about some drugs is lifting with the discovery of their medicinal attributes, there are still grave legal penalties for illegal drug possession and abuse. North Carolina has some of the most stringent and harshest punishments for drug-related offenses in the States. The courts in Raleigh, NC, have little lenience when it comes to any drug-related crime because of the rampant opioid epidemic going on in the States. If you stand accused, do you know how to get out of jail until your trial? The answer is with a licensed bail bond agent in Raleigh, NC.  

However, understanding the charges for drug possession is vital for comprehending the matter. So, here we go! 

A Brief Overview

In North Carolina, the drug laws are centered around a federal system placing drugs into different “schedules” based on their danger level, risk of addiction, and potential medical attributes.

• Schedule I drugs include drugs like LSD, heroin, and ecstasy. They have no medical use and are extremely dangerous and addictive. Possessing them is a Class I felony and carries a potential 3 to 8 months in prison with fines. 
• Schedule II drugs are cocaine, methamphetamines, opium, and methadone. They are relatively less dangerous than Schedule I, but still very addictive and rarely have legitimate medical use. Possession of these drugs classifies as a Class I misdemeanor with a potential of 6-12 months in the county jail.  
• Schedule III Drugs include substances like anabolic steroids, ketamine, and some depressants. They are addictive, but they have some legitimate medical use.
• Schedule IV drugs include Valium, Xanax, and other sedatives frequently prescribed for medical use. Although these drugs aren’t illegal, possessing them without a valid prescription is against the law.  

NOTE: The punishment for possession of Schedule III and IV drugs is the same as Schedule II.

• Schedule IV Drugs are medications like codeine. These have a low risk of addiction, but they require a valid prescription. Possession of these drugs is a class II misdemeanor, and the punishment is a sentence of 30 days to 6 months in the county jail. 
• Schedule VI drugs include marijuana with no medical use and a timidly low risk of addiction. Possession of them is a class III misdemeanor and carries around 30 days in the county jail. 

What to do after a drug possession arrest in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, Drug possession is considered a federal crime, and your time in jail will depend on the amount of drug found in your possession and the number of times you have been found guilty. However, if you are arrested for drug-related charges, reach out to a professional bail bondsman in Raleigh to get you out of jail before your trial. Raleigh bail bond services can undoubtedly be helpful, but you can also do other things like evoke your Fourth Amendment Rights, understand the difference between active and constructive possession, etc. Its best you consult an attorney for your trial and a bail bond agent to get you out of jail so you can prepare for your trial and present a unified front before the court.