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Heroin Possession and Distribution in Raleigh, NC

Strong advocacy against drug crime prosecution

Heroin possession and distribution are some of the most serious drug crimes in North Carolina and throughout the nation. Similar to other drugs, the quantity is a factor in how authorities charge the offense. It is paramount to have an experienced and proven lawyer at your side when facing charges for heroin drug crime. Our Raleigh law firm, Hatch, Little & Bunn, L.L.P., brings decades of experience to every case we handle and works to aggressively defend our client’s rights.

Schedule I drugs and heroin

Heroin is made by adding chemicals found in the opium poppy to morphine. Once heroin is in the body, the body converts heroin to morphine. Heroin refers to the illegal form of morphine, sold by drug dealers.The Controlled Substances Act established five Schedules, or classifications, for drugs with Schedule I drugs being the most dangerous, addictive and abusive. Schedule I does not include any drugs that are approved for medicinal purposes. Because these drugs are not legal, there is also a lack of standard safety use, which is also a criterion in categorizing a drug as Schedule I. Heroin is a Schedule I drug and so are LSD, ecstacy and PCP.

Penalties for heroin possession and distribution

All charges for heroin, whether for possession or distribution are felonies. Heroin possession is a Class I felony and in North Carolina carries potential penalties of six to 12 months in prison along with fines and a potential loss of license. By comparison, heroin distribution of four to 14 grams is a Class F felony, which carries much stiffer penalties — 70 to 84 months (over five to seven years) in prison and a $50,000 fine. Penalties and classification escalate for 14 to 28 grams and potential sentencing is 90 to 117 months (7.5 to 9.75 years) in prison and a $100,000 fine. Heroin distribution is a Class C felony when you possess 28 grams or more and sentencing ranges from 225 months to 279 months (18.75 years to 23.25 years) in prison and the fine is $500,000.

Defend your rights through strong advocacy from a Raleigh, NC attorney

Having a seasoned lawyer to provide effective criminal defense is vital when you face criminal charges for heroin possession or distribution. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, various defense strategies can prevent the prosecution from submitting evidence or can help you seek lesser charges or sentencing. Call 919-670-1411 today, or email us to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your charges.

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