Winston-Salem Marijuana Lawyer

North Carolina Marijuana Possession Laws and Penalties

North Carolina makes the following illegal:

• Possession of marijuana
• Cultivating, selling, or delivering marijuana
• Possessing marijuana with the intent to sell it
• Creating, selling, or delivering counterfeit marijuana

However, the penalties escalate based on the amount of cannabis that law enforcement claims you have on your person.

• Possession of 0.5 – 1.5 ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor that can be punished by 1 – 45 days in prison and a $1,000 fine.
• Possession of more than 1.5 ounces is charged as a felony with jail time of 3 – 8 months. A felony conviction will have even more consequences because you can lose your right to own firearms and your ability to vote.

Possession with intent to distribute would bring an even more serious sentence, depending on the amount of cannabis that you allegedly had. In addition, law enforcement can seize vehicles and property involved in the alleged offense. During your initial consultation, our Winston-Salem attorneys can evaluate the marijuana charges against you and determine what penalities you may be facing.

Collateral Consequences of a Marijuana Charge

Depending on the seriousness of the charges against you, the state may levy significant penalties. Here are some possible consequences of a marijuana conviction:

• Loss of student loans or other government benefits
• A criminal record that can follow you around for the rest of your life
• Loss of your firearms if you are convicted of a felony

You may be eligible for a deferral program for a first marijuana offense. An experienced marijuana defense attorney can negotiate a lighter sentence with the Winston-Salem prosecutor if you choose not to fight the charges against you.