State and Federal Drug Charges: What is the Difference?
When you have been charged with a drug crime, the offense is likely serious. You could face a number of severe penalties if you are found guilty. Drug charges can be confusing, especially because there are various state or federal drug charges that could apply in your case. It is helpful to understand the types of charges and potential penalties for drug crimes in North Carolina.
Types of Controlled Substances
What are the Most Common Blue-Collar Crimes?
Crime is generally categorized into white-collar and blue-collar. White-collar crimes are non-violent and include such things as embezzlement, health care fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and similar crimes. Blue-collar crime, although not a legal term, usually refers to any crimes other than white-collar crimes and may have a distinct victim and could be violent. Blue-collar crimes are more common, often because they are easier to see and prosecute.
DWI
Marijuana possession is a charge that can result in penalties that include fines and more. Even worse than the fines is the long-term negative impact that a felony conviction can have on your life. From trying to get an apartment to looking for employment to getting into college and beyond, a felony conviction can cause you plenty of turmoil. In a recent proclamation, President Biden officially granted pardons to offenders who were convicted on federal charges of simple marijuana possession. The pardon affects thousands of people who were previously convicted of this crime in federal court.
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Is there more than one way for police to charge a person with DWI?”
Ask any American who was alive a generation ago or longer, and they will confirm what is apparent: The United States’ stances on marijuana possession and use are changing drastically. While a criminal defense attorney may have once worked with a client on a serious marijuana possession charge at the felony level, this same charge today may be significantly less severe due to the nation’s changing attitudes on the drug.
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”
Facing a drug distribution charge is a very serious matter. But how do law enforcement officers and prosecutors decide whether to charge you with possession of a controlled substance, a lesser charge, or distribution or trafficking of a controlled substance, the more serious charge?
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”
Drug possession is a serious criminal charge that comes with dire consequences. If convicted of drug possession in North Carolina, you could face hefty fines, imprisonment, and other life-altering penalties.
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”
A North Carolina task force calls for the decriminalization of marijuana in the state. The state’s Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice has adopted recommendations to decriminalize possession of marijuana in North Carolina.
Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can the police search my car without a warrant?”
In North Carolina, felony drug charges are one of the most serious crimes an individual can face. A conviction could lead to hefty fines and decades in prison, not to mention that a drug conviction on your criminal record will impact your ability to find a job, go to college, and even find a place to live, among other consequences.
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Should I talk to the police?”
A 30-year-old man from Charlotte is facing multiple drug possession charges following an undercover police sting operation. The report brings North Carolina’s drug possession laws back into the spotlight.
Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “How is getting charged with a crime on a college campus different from being charged off campus?”
As society evolves and changes, the laws that govern us also need to evolve. A hot button topic in politics right now is updating existing drug laws and their sentences. A North Carolina state senator has introduced a bill to the North Carolina Senate that would decriminalize the possession of marijuana for up to three ounces. A similar version to this bill was introduced about a year ago, but that proposed possession limit was increased to four ounces.
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