Drug Possession

Charlotte Lawyer: Drug Possession

Charges of possession of illegal substances such as marijuana, MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, LSD, PCP, Ketamine, methamphetamines and cocaine can often be challenged. A simple mistake may have lifelong consequences if the case is not handled properly. If you have been charged with drug possession, you need a strong defense.

If you were charged with drug possession, do not talk to police. Talk to your lawyer. Contact our Charlotte firm to arrange a free consultation.

Attorney Chris Connelly of Law Office of Christopher A. Connelly, our Charlotte firm, has successfully defended clients accused of possession of controlled substances and other drug charges. Whether he is able to have the evidence against you thrown out based on an illegal search and seizure, arrange a favorable plea bargain, or argue on your behalf in front of a judge and jury, he will apply 20 years of experience to your defense.

Drug possession and other drug offenses

Our firm is prepared to handle a wide range of cases in the state and federal courts of Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Mr. Connelly defends clients against charges including those involving the following:

Possession
Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver
Manufacture or Cultivation of Controlled Substances
Drug Trafficking
Drug Paraphernalia
Marijuana
Cocaine
Ecstasy

Possession of certain substances and drug paraphernalia set forth in N.C.G.S. Article 90 is prohibited under most circumstances. These include marijuana (also spelled marihuana), cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine and unauthorized prescription drugs. If the officer thinks that you had a quantity that would constitute more than (in his opinion) an amount for personal use, he can charge you with Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver. This carries penalties that are substantially more severe. Possession of certain amounts can result in a Trafficking offense that carries a mandatory prison sentence, even for a first time offender.

Drug charges against you can be dismissed or reduced if:

The officer did not have a valid reason to stop you.
The officer did not have a valid reason to search you, your home (or whatever place you were), or your vehicle.
Your consent to the search was not free and voluntary or the officer exceeded the scope of your consent.
If you agree to talk to the police officer in the presence of your attorney.
The officer cannot prove that YOU were in possession of the drugs.

If charges are not dismissed, and they resulted from a chemical dependency, your case may be referred to North Carolina Drug Treatment Court (DTC). Drug court focuses on treatment rather than punishment.

Questions your attorney will ask:

Did someone else own the vehicle you were in?
Did someone else own the place you were in?
Were there other passengers in your vehicle?
Were there other people with you in the place where the drugs were found?
In what part of the vehicle or place were the drugs found?
How near to the drugs were you?
Can the police prove that you were in control of the place where the drugs were found? (That you happened to be present is NOT proof that you were in control! Did the police find YOUR property, i.e., clothing, mail, papers at the place in question?)

What can I do if the police want to talk to me?

Law enforcement will frequently try to convince, or even coerce, you into giving a statement with false promises of favorable treatment. But whatever benefit you get from talking to police is far outweighed by the damage you will do to your case. The most important thing to remember if confronted by law enforcement is to say and do nothing. You are never required to give evidence or testimony against yourself. Whatever information the police want can always be given through this attorney at a later date and only if it is beneficial to you.

Some people will tell you that your case cannot be won. That's because they don't try. Call 704-376-9376 or e-mail our Charlotte office to schedule a free consultation with our lawyer about a drug arrest or drug charges, including charges of drug possession and drug trafficking.

The Law Office of Christopher A. Connelly
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Criminal Defense Attorney

Free Consultations ▪ Credit Cards Accepted ▪ Se habla español

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