Charged With Running A Marijuana Grow House?
Possessing marijuana is a misdemeanor. But growing marijuana is a serious felony, especially large-scale cultivation. The state of North Carolina comes down hard on marijuana grow houses and anyone involved.
If you are charged in connection with maintaining a marijuana grow house or cultivating marijuana plants, contact Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, right away. Our drug crime defense lawyers will fight to protect your freedom and your property. Get a free consultation at 919-838-6643.
The Growing of Marijuana Is A Growing Emphasis For Law Enforcement
Recreational use of marijuana and the legalization of CBD oil (cannabidiol), has increased demand for marijuana and marijuana plants. The North Carolina legislature has authorized the farming of industrial hemp, but it is still illegal to grow marijuana (cannabis), even for personal use. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to root out indoor grow houses and outdoor crops of marijuana.
If your home or other property was raided, prosecutors may file a host of charges including:
- Maintaining a drug house (grow house)
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug trafficking
- Associated gun crimes or money laundering
A “grow house” can be a home, apartment, garage, pole barn, warehouse, greenhouse or any building (even a motor home or trailer) used to cultivate, store or process marijuana plants.
The number of plants or the amount of marijuana by weight will determine the severity of the charges and the potential penalties. Possessing 10 pounds to 50 pounds of cannabis is punishable by 25 to 30 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Beyond 50 pounds, the jail sentences and fines escalate sharply. The government can also seize cash, vehicles, guns and other property it associates with the alleged drug operation.
Fighting Charges Of Maintaining A Marijuana Grow House
You have rights, and there are legitimate defenses to these charges.
Defense attorney Kevin Marcilliat and his team have made appearances in counties across the State of North Carolina. As your criminal defense lawyer, he will use that experience to challenge the case against you.
The government must prove several elements for charges of maintaining a drug house to stick. The property must be knowingly kept or maintained for the purpose of keeping or cultivating drugs. Authorities must also prove that you owned, occupied or financed the property.
Prosecutors may base charges of dealing, trafficking or growing marijuana on large amounts of cash, burner phones, grow lamps, hydroponic equipment, big utility bills and lots of people coming and going. We know how to challenge such circumstantial evidence and the legal basis for search warrants or surveillance.
Get Legal Help Immediately
Maintaining a marijuana grow house on any scale is a serious felony. Contact Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, if you have been arrested or if you suspect that you are under investigation. We are committed to providing a true defense and fighting for the best possible outcome.
With multiple offices throughout North Carolina, you can reach our drug crime defense attorneys at 919-838-6643, or contact us online to arrange a consultation.