At Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our skilled Wilmington defense lawyers know that law enforcement in North Carolina is pulling out all the stops to investigate crimes associated with methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.
In October 2022, investigators seized 11 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill 2.7 million people according to law enforcement, in two separate drug busts with connections to North Carolina.
A month later, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office said more than a dozen men and women were arrested on drug trafficking charges after a four-day-long investigation conducted in conjunction with the Waynesville Police Department, Maggie Valley Police Department, Canton Police Department, and North Carolina Probation and Parole.
According to reports, the investigation netted the seizure of 63 grams of methamphetamine, 112 grams of fentanyl, 2.4 grams of cocaine, and 6.8 grams of opioids.
Because of the state’s increasing overdose deaths related to these illicit drugs, the penalties for their possession and trafficking have increased significantly in the past year. The North Carolina state legislature passed a bill that went into effect on December 1, 2021, making possession of any amount of fentanyl a felony.
Politicians, law enforcement, and the criminal courts throughout North Carolina are facing immense pressure to curb drug crimes throughout the state. That means pursuing stringent penalties for anyone associated with heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine arrests.
This means a first-time conviction can end in a sentence that is handed down by statute, even when the individual who was arrested has no criminal history.
That is why we are here. Our New Hanover County drug trafficking criminal defense attorneys and support staff protect the rights of North Carolina residents when they have been charged with a drug crime, so they can pursue the best outcome for their individual cases.
Contact our skilled Wilmington criminal defense lawyers today to learn more about how we produce real results, for real people who need our help.
What Rises to the Level of Drug Trafficking in North Carolina?
Heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine possession become drug trafficking charges in North Carolina when the amounts increase to:
- 4 grams or more of opium, heroin, or fentanyl
- 28 grams or more of cocaine, methamphetamine, or amphetamine
North Carolina has harsh penalties for fentanyl possession and trafficking, but it is also a violation of federal law. Federal law supersedes state law, and the Department of Justice can pick up cases from the state, especially if the crime crosses state lines.
What are the Penalties for Heroin, Fentanyl, And Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking in North Carolina?
The penalties for heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine drug trafficking in North Carolina are severe, and differ by the type of drug and weight.
The penalties for heroin and/or fentanyl drug trafficking in North Carolina include:
- 4 – 13 grams: Class F felony, up to 59 months in prison and a $50,000 fine.
- 14 – 27 grams: Class E felony, up to 88 months in prison and a 100,000 fine.
- 28 grams+: Class C felony, 231 months in prison and a $500,00 fine.
The penalties for methamphetamine drug trafficking in North Carolina include:
- 28 – 199 grams: Class F felony, punishable by 84 months in prison and a minimum $50,000 fine.
- 200 – 399 grams: Class E felony, up to 117 months in prison, minimum $100,000 fine.
- 400 grams+: Class C felony, up to 279 months in prison and minimum $250,000 fine.
While North Carolina has harsh penalties related to drug trafficking, it is also a federal crime to manufacture, distribute, or possess controlled substances and the penalties for doing so are often more severe than state sentencing.
If you have been arrested on drug trafficking charges in North Carolina, contact our skilled heroin, fentanyl, and meth state and federal criminal defense attorneys in Wilmington at the Marcilliat & Mills PLLC today by calling 910-858-8647 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help with your case.