Drug Possession in Raleigh

DeMent Askew, LLP provides defense against a wide variety of drug charges.  A Raleigh drug possession charge requires immediate attention from experienced lawyers.  Even minor offenses can negatively affect your life for years—or forever.

The North Carolina Controlled Substance Act defines illegal drugs, separates them into six categories called schedules, and outlines possible penalties for anyone possessing them.  Producing, selling, manufacturing, distributing, or abusing these substances constitutes a Raleigh drug offense.

Schedule I controlled substances have a high potential for abuse, a lack of accepted safety, and no medical use.  These drugs include, but are not limited to:

A Schedule I drug possession charge in Raleigh is a felony.  The court usually punishes first offenses with at least four months in jail.

Schedule II drugs also have a high potential for abuse.  Unlike Schedule I substances, however, these have accepted medical uses.  Abuse of Schedule II controlled substances may result in physical or psychological dependence, and the law severely restricts their medical usage.

The first Raleigh drug possession charge for a Schedule II drug is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 45 days in prison.  Second offenses are felonies, punishable by up to five months. Schedule II substances include:

Schedule III controlled substances have a lower abuse potential than the previous schedules and fewer restrictions on medical use.  However, abuse can still lead to a limited dependence.  The penalties for a Schedule III drug violation in Raleigh are the same as for Schedule II.  These controlled substances include:

• Anabolic steroids
• Certain barbiturates
• Ketamine

Schedule IV drugs have accepted medical uses and a low potential for abuse, and they may lead to dependence in limited cases.  The punishment for a Raleigh drug charge on the following Schedule IV substances is the same as for Schedule II and III:

Schedule V drugs are similar to Schedule IV substances, and North Carolina limits them mainly to over the counter cough medicines with codeine.  Punishment for a Schedule V drug offense is 30 days in jail for the first offense and 45 days in jail for a second offense.

Schedule VI controlled substances have a low potential for abuse, a limited risk of dependence, and no accepted medical use.  A Schedule VI drug offense in Raleigh can result in 10 days in jail or a suspended sentence for the first offense.  A subsequent charge usually results in 30 days in jail.  Schedule VI drugs are:

• Marijuana
• Hashish
• Hashish oil

Call DeMent Askew, LLP for experienced drug violation lawyers.

Our firm has extensive experience handling a variety of drug charges.  Whether this is your first drug violation or a subsequent offense, we can help.  Contact DeMent Askew, LLP and get advice on handling a drug offense in Raleigh.