DUI Charges

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another criminal charge that our firm can help you resolve. Recall that North Carolina law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle on any highway or public place while they are under the influence of an impairing substance or while they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more or any metabolized Schedule I drug in their system. It is also not required that the motorist be driving to be charged; merely being in actual physical control over the vehicle, whether it is in motion or not, is enough to constitute a charge.

Depending on the presence of aggravating and mitigating factors, the judge will assign one of 5 sentencing levels that will determine the defendant’s jail time, fines, license suspension periods, and other penalties, with Level One being the most serious level. Note that all DUI convictions also carry a mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment or rehabilitative course, though a judge can count this treatment time towards the required jail time. Visit our page on DUI to learn more about the specific penalties for each sentencing level, as well as the possible periods of license suspension depending on the circumstances of the offense.

Drug Offenses

Drug-related activity is another category of serious crime in North Carolina. The state prohibits individuals from:

• possessing a controlled substance;
• manufacturing, selling, delivering, or possessing with the intention to manufacture, sell, or deliver a controlled substance;
• creating, selling, delivering, or possessing with the intention to sell or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance;
• possessing a chemical with the intention to manufacture a controlled substance or meth; or
• possessing or distributing a chemical while knowing or reasonably believing that it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance or meth.

Understanding Drug Possession Charges in Wilmington and Bolivia, NC

In Wilmington and Bolivia, NC, the implications of drug possession charges can be particularly daunting. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Wilmington Police Department and the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, are actively working to combat drug-related offenses, which can lead to increased scrutiny and harsher penalties for those accused.

Moreover, the community is grappling with the broader impacts of substance abuse. The local court system, including the District Court in Brunswick County, is often overwhelmed with cases, which can lead to delays and added stress for defendants. Understanding the local legal landscape is crucial, as it can significantly influence the defense strategies employed.

At Whitley Coleman, we recognize the unique challenges faced by our Wilmington and Bolivia clients. We are committed to providing personalized support and guidance throughout the legal process. Whether you are dealing with a first-time offense or more serious allegations, our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of drug possession charges and work towards a favorable outcome for your case.

Keep in mind that North Carolina classifies prohibited drugs into 6 schedules, with Schedule I containing the most addictive drugs with no medical use. The drug schedule will largely determine the type of penalties. For reference, some examples of prohibited substances in their appropriate schedules are:

• Schedule I – heroin, morphine, mescaline
• Schedule II – opium, oxycodone, fentanyl, methamphetamines, amphetamines
• Schedule III – sedatives like ketamine, large amounts of pain medicine codeine
• Schedule IV – Xanax, Cathine
• Schedule V – high quantities of over-the-counter medicines, smaller quantities of codeine
• Schedule VI – marijuana, hashish, synthetic cannabinoids

Protect Your Rights with Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys

When facing criminal charges, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced legal team on your side. Our Brunswick County criminal defense attorneys at Whitley Coleman have a proven track record of successfully defending clients in Wilmington, Bolivia, and the surrounding areas. Whether you're facing misdemeanor or felony charges, including assault, DUI, or drug offenses, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome for your case.

Benefits of hiring our criminal defense lawyers include:

• Extensive legal knowledge and courtroom experience
• Personalized attention and tailored defense strategies
• Thorough investigation and preparation for your case
• Negotiation skills to seek reduced charges or penalties
• Aggressive representation in court if necessary

Don't navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. Contact our criminal defense team today to schedule a consultation and start building a strong defense for your case.

Call us at (910) 218-9973 or contact our Brunswick County criminal defense lawyers online to learn more in a free consultation today.