Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance in North Carolina, meaning that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Possession, sale and trafficking of cocaine in North Carolina are illegal and can result in severe criminal penalties.

Possession of cocaine

In North Carolina, possession of cocaine is a felony offense. Possession of less than one-half gram of cocaine is a Class I felony, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine.

Possession of between 0.5 grams and 1 gram of cocaine is a Class H felony, punishable by up to 25 months in prison and a fine. Possession of more than 1 gram of cocaine is a Class G felony, punishable by up to 47 months in prison and a fine.

Sale of cocaine

Selling cocaine is also a felony offense in North Carolina. The severity of the offense and the associated penalties depend on the amount of cocaine involved.

The sale of fewer than 0.5 grams of cocaine is a Class G felony punishable by up to 47 months in prison and a fine. The sale of between 0.5 grams and five grams of cocaine is a Class F felony, punishable by up to 73 months in prison and a fine. The sale of more than 5 grams of cocaine is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 231 months in prison and a fine.

Trafficking of cocaine

Trafficking of cocaine is the most serious cocaine offense in North Carolina. The severity of the offense and the associated penalties depend on the amount of cocaine involved as well as the effectiveness of the criminal defense strategy.

If the amount is between 28 grams and 200 grams, the crime is a Class G felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 months in prison and a fine. Trafficking of between 200 grams and 400 grams of cocaine is a Class F felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 months in prison and a fine. When the amount is more than 400 grams, the crime is a Class C felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 225 months in prison and a fine.

Dealing with a cocaine charge in North Carolina

The possession, sale and trafficking of cocaine are serious offenses in North Carolina and can result in severe criminal penalties. If you are facing charges related to cocaine in the Old North state, it is important to understand your rights and options and build a strong defense.