Winston-Salem Drug Crimes Lawyer

Put a Former Prosecutor on Your Side

If you or someone you love has been arrested for a drug crime, it is important to retain an attorney who is experienced in criminal defense as soon as possible. At Eustache Law, our Winston-Salem drug crime lawyer is a former prosecutor who has tried dozens of criminal cases and is highly experienced in the field of criminal law. Attorney Eustache has spent years defending the rights of defendants and protecting their constitutional rights, and he can use that experience to help you fight for your future.

Understanding the Impact of Drug Crimes

Drug crimes can have serious consequences, including legal penalties, damage to your reputation, and potential long-term effects on your personal and professional life. It's important to understand the gravity of these charges and the potential impact they can have on your future.

Our experienced Winston-Salem drug crimes lawyer is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of drug crime cases and work towards the best possible outcome. With a former prosecutor on your side, you can trust that we have the knowledge and expertise to effectively defend your rights and protect your future.

Whether you are facing charges related to possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances, it's crucial to have a skilled attorney who can provide strong defense strategies and guide you through the legal process. Don't wait to seek legal representation – contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.

Facing drug charges? Contact our firm today to get started on your defense with a Winston-Salem drug lawyer.

What Are Drug Crimes:

Drug crimes can be broadly defined as any crime that involves the use, distribution, or possession of controlled substances, including unauthorized prescription drugs. The classification, penalties, and potential defenses vary depending on the type of drug crime charged.

Some of the most common drug crimes include:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with the intent to sell or distribute
• Trafficking
• Manufacturing 
• Prescription forgery
• Drug paraphernalia

Drug crimes are taken very seriously by prosecutors and law enforcement, and the penalties can be severe. If you have been arrested for a drug crime, you need an attorney who understands the challenges you are facing and can work to protect your rights.

Schedules of Controlled Substances in North Carolina

How you are charged and the penalties you will face in any drug crime will depend on the type and quantity or weight of the drugs involved. Because of that, it is important to understand North Carolina’s “schedules” of controlled substances. Drugs are categorized in this system based on their potential for addiction and abuse and relative medical value. 

Schedules I and II are considered the most dangerous of all controlled substances. These categories include such drugs as heroin, LSD, ecstasy, opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, hydrocodone, morphine, and more. 

Schedules III and IV include such drugs as ketamine, barbiturates, Xanax, Valium, and anabolic steroids. Schedule V includes over-the-counter drugs, such as cough medicines containing codeine and similar drugs. Schedule VI includes marijuana which has its own set of penalties. 

Drug Crime Penalties

As mentioned above, drug penalties upon a conviction will depend on the type and volume of drugs involved, the nature of the drug-related activity, your prior criminal history, and other circumstances that can “aggravate” (elevate the charges and penalties) or “mitigate” (lessen the charges and penalties) the crime. 

For example, possession of half an ounce or less of marijuana is charged as a misdemeanor with a $200 fine. Quantities more than this for one’s own personal use can lead to a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to 120 days or a felony punishable by three to eight months of incarceration. Fines assessed for these convictions are at the discretion of the court. 

Possession of a Schedule I drug carries penalties ranging from four to five months in jail and up to five years in prison, depending on the circumstances. Because of the variation in charges and potential penalties based on the facts of the case, you will need to consult with our attorney for advice about the specific circumstances of your case. 

Defenses to Drug Charges

Various defenses can be used on your behalf in fighting drug charges. These can range from lack of possession to unwitting possession, unlawful search and seizure, entrapment, coercion to engage in drug activity by someone else, and more. 

Our attorney will thoroughly investigate all aspects of your arrest and charges to uncover flaws and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and expose them in your defense. It is important to remember that the burden of proof lies on the prosecutor and that proof must be beyond a reasonable doubt.

Drug Crime Court Processes

Drug crime court proceedings follow the usual course, from arrest to arraignment, with possible grand jury indictments, entering your plea, and proceeding to trial. The exact sequence of events will depend on your case, and the charges you face. 

Drug crimes, however, may lead to diversion programs, such as “drug court.” This involves drug treatment as opposed to punishment to help those chemically dependent on these substances rehabilitate their lives. These programs are generally available to nonviolent offenders. If granted this alternative, you will be subject to complying with all court orders and directives. Failure to comply may result in having to serve an original jail term and other penalties. 

Contact a Skilled Drug Crime Attorney in Winston-Salem

If you have been arrested for a drug crime, do not hesitate to contact our firm immediately. Our Winston-Salem drug crime lawyer is available 24/7 to help you in your time of need. 

We can help you better understand:

• How the criminal justice system works
• The laws regarding your drug crime charges
• The potential penalties involved in your case
• How to challenge drug evidence
• How to challenge a drug warrant

Charged with a drug crime? Schedule a free consultation with our Winston-Salem drug crime attorney today.