When you’ve been arrested on drug charges, you must speak with an attorney immediately to determine your course of action. What you’re charged with depends on many factors and can vary by state, such as North Carolina outlining four drug law statutes. Here are the answers to common drug charge questions, including those regarding the Old North State.

A Guide to Understanding Drug Charges

Can I be charged with a DUI after taking prescription drugs?

Yes. Any substance or liquid that affects your ability to operate a vehicle can result in a DUI charge. Most prescription drug DUI charges involve those that impair reaction time or have sedating effects, such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, antihistamines, valium, decongestants, and hydrocodone. Prescription drugs include warnings on their labels if impairment is a risk.

What constitutes drug felonies in North Carolina?

Selling, possessing, and manufacturing hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine, opium, and methamphetamine results in felony drug charges in North Carolina. The sale of marijuana is also regarded as a felony because the state has not legalized it for medical or recreational use. Drug felonies are divided by class; for example, Possession With Intent To Sell and Deliver (PWISD) of Schedule III through IV controlled substances is a Class 1 Felony — with the exception of heroin and cocaine.

What happens if I’m convicted?

Drug charge convictions depend on the type of crime, such as possession or possession with intent to sell, as well as where the conviction occurs. You may face fines, jail time, and job losses. Convictions can also prevent you from obtaining loans, such as those for college or housing. Federal drug charges typically result in prison time.

Will charges stay on my record permanently?

An attorney with drug and DUI charge experience will help you get your conviction expunged, or removed, from your permanent record. Whether you can file for expungement depends on the type of conviction and state laws. If you were charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance in North Carolina, you can file and pay the $175 expungement application fee. You may also file if you were charged with drug felony under the age of 22 but were not convicted or the case was thrown out.
 

Speak with the experienced attorneys at Moore Law Trial Lawyers if you are facing drug charges in Eastern North Carolina. The Rocky Mount-based attorneys specialize in expungements and work tirelessly to build strong defenses for their clients. Call (252) 443-2468 today to schedule a free consultation, or visit the lawyers online for a complete list of practice areas.