Methamphetamine Drug Charge Lawyers

Like heroin, the use of methamphetamine is on the rise. According to American Addiction Centers, nearly 6% of Americans age 12 and older have tried methamphetamine at least once. Methamphetamine is a white powder that can also come in a glass-like form called crystal meth. People inject, smoke, swallow, or snort methamphetamine. This controlled substance acts as a stimulant and heightens activity in the central nervous system and certain areas of the brain. People can easily become addicted to methamphetamine because it triggers chemical dopamine messengers that make people feel an intense “high.” However, after the meth wears off, a crash happens, leading many to seek more methamphetamine.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we understand how difficult drug addiction can be. We have years of experiencing helping clients navigate difficult drug charges. If you are facing a methamphetamine-related criminal charge in North Carolina, our lawyers can help. We have zealously defended clients with a variety of drug-related charges. We have extensive experience fighting drug charges, including the sale of drugs and drug possession charges. Our lawyers understand the court procedure in North Carolina criminal courts and are ready to fight for you. Contact our criminal defense law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, one of the most dangerous and regulated categories of drugs. The higher the schedule of drugs, the more serious the penalties for use or possession of the drug. Those accused of constructive or actual possession of methamphetamine face significant penalties. For example, possession of methamphetamine is a class I felony. Even if you only have a small amount of methamphetamine on you, you will face criminal charges. Any amount of meth found on your person is enough to face felony drug charges in North Carolina.

Under North Carolina criminal law, it is illegal for any person to do any of the following:

• Manufacture, sell, or deliver, or possess with the intent of manufacturing, selling, or delivering methamphetamine, or any other controlled substance
• Create, sell, or deliver, or possess with the intent of selling or delivering heroin or any other controlled substance
• Possession of methamphetamine or any other controlled substance

In North Carolina possession with intent to manufacture a controlled substance is a class C felony when the controlled substance is methamphetamine. Defendants can also face charges for packaging or repackaging meth or labeling or re-labeling containers of methamphetamine. These crimes are a Class H felony charge. If you are in the location of a methamphetamine lab when police raid the lab, chances are, you will face multiple methamphetamine-related criminal charges. Defendants who are in possession of over 28 grams of methamphetamine will also face drug trafficking charges which are punished by 70 to 282 months in prison, depending on the amount of methamphetamine in the defendant’s possession.

In January 2020, five North Carolina residents faced charges for providing pseudoephedrine to manufacture methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers discovered a meth labat a residential location. One defendant faces charges for manufacturing methamphetamine and another person faces possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia charges. The drug bust led to five more arrests. All of the five people who were initially arrested face charges for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine by purchasing and distributing pseudoephedrine.

This case illustrates that when methamphetamine is involved, defendants often face multiple serious charges. Prosecutors in this case have gathered evidence from local pharmacies and stores where defendants go to purchase pseudoephedrine in order to manufacture methamphetamine. Additionally, defendants charged with methamphetamine-related crimes are usually held with serious bonds. One of the defendants was held on a $125,000 bond. When law enforcement investigates methamphetamine charges, they are serious. If you are facing methamphetamine-related charges, you need an experienced lawyer to represent your rights and best interests.

As you can see, North Carolina law enforcement is serious about prosecuting drug crimes. If you are facing drug charges, you need to seek the help of a skilled attorney as soon as possible. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we investigate our client’s charges and build an effective defense strategy for them. We use our decades of experience to provide you with a strong defense. Call our lawyers at (704) 370-2828 to evaluate your options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.