Curtis High is an experienced drug possession attorney. He has successfully represented defendants charged with misdemeanor and felony charges in North Carolina, including:

  • drug possession charges
  • possession of drug paraphernalia charges
  • illegal possession of prescription drugs
  • drug manufacturing charges
  • intent to sell drug charges
  • intent to distribute drugs charges
  • driving under the influence (DUI charges can be filed if individuals are accused of driving while under the influence of a controlled substance)

Being arrested for a drug charge can, at best, be embarrassing and, at worst, deprive you of certain rights and freedoms, particularly if felony charges threaten jail time, permanent marks on your criminal record and/or loss of your driver's license.

Before pleading guilty and accepting a deal that may not be in your best interest, set up a free initial consultation with Mr. High, an esteemed Wake County criminal defense lawyers. Mr. High is dedicated to providing you with the best possible defense to get your charges reduced or, if possible, dropped altogether.

How Drug Charges Are Classified

Whether a misdemeanor or a felony charge is filed against an individual will depend on:

  • The type of drug (drug classifications range from "Schedule I controlled substances" to "Schedule V controlled substances" with Schedule I drugs including the most addictive and dangerous category of narcotic substances)
  • The quantity of the drug
  • The purpose of possessing the drug (i.e. for personal use or for sale)

Charges tend to become more severe if any of the following is also a factor in the arrest:

  • Evidence of selling or distributing narcotics (i.e. large amounts of money, scales, etc.)
  • Possession or use of weapons

First-Time Offenders & Misdemeanor Drug Possession Charges

Individuals who have never faced drug possession charges before, as well as those facing misdemeanor charges for drug possession, may have the option of getting their charges dismissed if they complete a diversion program.

While the terms of diversion programs will vary according to the nature of the drug possession charges, in most cases, they require defendants to:

  • attend drug and alcohol education classes
  • perform community service
  • attend drug or alcohol group counseling sessions

Upon completion of the terms of the diversion program, the charges can be expunged from an individual's record.

Felony Drug Charges

Felony charges for drug possession are significantly more serious in nature. They typically carry sentences of at least one year in jail if defendants are convicted.

Felony drug charges may come into play when individuals are arrested:

  • with any amount of “harder drugs" such as cocaine, meth, LSD, ecstasy or heroin
  • with larger amounts of any drug
  • with firearms

If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession, in Raleigh or Wake County, North Carolina, ensure that your rights are fully defended by securing the representation of criminal lawyer Curtis R. High.