As you probably know, any arrest involving drugs is a serious matter, which can affect the rest of your life. In addition to facing legal consequences, many people arrested for drugs like cocaine go on to experience the following personal hardships, even after they have paid for their crimes in the eyes of the law.
- Acquiring a job
- Renting or buying a home
- Holding professional licenses
- Getting a loan
- Seeking a higher education
- Keeping valuable personal relationships intact
Arrests involving drugs like cocaine typically come with very harsh consequences, especially if a conviction occurs. Like other states, North Carolina takes a serious approach to these drugs. Prosecutors fight aggressively for a conviction. Some of the most severe penalties of a cocaine conviction include:
- Possession of any amount of cocaine is a Class I felony typically resulting in a jail term of six months to one year if convicted.
- Selling even a small amount of cocaine (under 200g) is a Class G felony, which can bring 35-51 months in prison if convicted.
- Trafficking in larger amounts of cocaine is also a felony with varied penalties and charges that can equal 222 months in prison.
- Selling or trafficking to a minor, a pregnant woman or near a school is a Class E felony and treated more seriously by state prosecutors.
As you can see, an arrest on cocaine charges requires a serious response on the part of the defendants. A good response is to seek legal guidance right away from a strong criminal defense attorney. Taking steps early on is one of the best ways to protect yourself against the consequences that accompany a conviction involving cocaine or other drugs.