State and federal drug charges can result in extremely harsh prison sentences, particularly those that involve large amounts of drugs. Many drug crimes are subject to mandatory minimum sentences that can range from a few years to life in prison. Additionally, repeat offenders can be subject to drastic sentencing enhancements.
Even less serious drug offenses and misdemeanors may be punished by lengthy prison sentences and thousands of dollars in fines. Any type of drug conviction can detrimentally impact your criminal record, which in turn can affect your employment, housing prospects, educational and career opportunities, and future.
For skilled representation in a drug crime case, call Hale Law Firm, PC, at 919-838-0058.
We Can Defend You
Successfully challenging drug charges requires an in-depth understanding of drug laws, as well as the law of search and seizure. In many cases, pretrial hearings are a critical stage of the criminal process where admissibility of evidence may be challenged on constitutional or other grounds.
For example, if law enforcement’s seizure of a person or vehicle and subsequent search lacked a lawful basis, it could be a ground for suppression of evidence, meaning that the drugs or evidence seized would not be admissible at trial. This in turn could lead to a dismissal of charges. It is important to hire an attorney who understands how to successfully identify evidence suppression issues, drafts well-written motions and successfully argue them at hearings in court so that illegally seized evidence is not admitted at trial.
Possible Outcomes You May Obtain
In some cases, defendants who are charged for the first time with a drug crime may be eligible to participate in a first offender program, in which he or she may be allowed to earn a dismissal of charges by completing drug education classes, community service, or both. Most first-time offenders who complete such a program, and whose charges are dismissed, are eligible to have the record of the drug charge itself removed from their criminal record. If eligible, our attorney will apply to the court for an expunction of the record of the drug charge as a part of our representation and at no additional cost.
In serious drug cases where large amounts of drugs or weapons are involved, it is extremely important to hire an attorney who is experienced in defending drug charges in both state and federal court. Federal drug prosecutions often follow state prosecutions based on the very same evidence. The manner in which state charges are defended may have a dramatic impact on a drug case if it later “goes federal.” Therefore, it is critical to be represented by an attorney who is experienced at representing defendants in both state and federal court where there is any chance the prosecution will be adopted by federal authorities.
Handling All Aspects Of Drug Charges In Both State And Federal Courts
Professional legal guidance is essential for challenging any type of drug charge. At the criminal defense law firm of Hale Law Firm, PC, in Raleigh, our drug crime defense lawyer has more than 25 years of experience protecting clients’ rights and liberties. We handle all types of state and federal drug-related offenses, including:
- Possession
- Possession with intent to sell or distribute
- Drug sales and delivery
- Drug cultivation or manufacture
- Maintaining a residence or vehicle for drug use
- Drug trafficking and distribution
- Federal drug conspiracy
- Prescription drug fraud
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Our attorney has extensive experience protecting clients’ rights through all stages of the state and federal criminal process, from pretrial hearings through appeals and post-conviction relief. Because our firm is dedicated exclusively to criminal defense, our lawyer draws on in-depth legal knowledge and experience, and develop innovative legal arguments as well.
Clients appreciate the personalized attention we provide.
We are not a high-volume firm. Instead, we value quality over quantity. Our attorney is a dedicated advocate who consistently invests the time, effort and resources to achieve positive results. We accept only as many cases as we can handle with proper attention and care.
Our attorney also understands the immigration consequences of drug offenses. We regularly represent noncitizens facing drug charges, and we draw on this knowledge to minimize the impact on their immigration status.
Significant Drug Case Results
- United States v. G.D. — Client charged with federal drug trafficking. Result: Case dismissed prior to trial due to lack of evidence.
- State v. D.J. — Client charged with felony possession with intent to sell cocaine and felony maintaining a dwelling for drugs. Result: Charges dismissed by prosecutor.
- State v. C.W. — Client charged with felony sale of heroin and possession with intent to sell heroin. Result: Charges dismissed by prosecutor due to information learned through defense investigation.
- State v. J.S. — Client charged with felony trafficking in oxycodone and felon in possession of drugs in jail. Result: Client avoided mandatory minimum jail sentence and received probation.
Free Initial Consultation · Call Our Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
To arrange a free initial consultation with one of our attorney, call Hale Law Firm, PC, at 919-838-0058. You may also fill out the online contact form. We also offer jail visits and flexible payment options.