DRUG TRAFFICKING IN NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina drug trafficking laws are really tough, and this includes the laws for marijuana. While possession of marijuana has effectively been decriminalized, distribution of marijuana or any other illegal drug can cause you to be charged with a felony crime.

The punishments that go with a drug trafficking charge, or distribution of a drug, depend on the type and amount of drug being trafficked. The following list outlines the charge and penalty of trafficking per common drug, however, bear in mind that these penalties are for first-time offenders with no prior history of criminal drug activity and without any concurrent charges, such possession of an illegal firearm.

Marijuana Trafficking

• 10 lbs to 49 lbs is a Class H felony with a minimum $5,000 fine
• 50 lbs to 1,999 lbs is a Class G felony with a minimum$25,000 fine
• 2,000 lbs to 9,999 lbs is a Class F felony with a minimum $50,000 fine
• 10,000 lbs or more is a Class D felony with a minimum $200,000 fine

Cocaine Trafficking

• 28 to 199 grams is a Class G felony with a minimum $50,000 fine
• 200 to 399 grams is a Class F felony with a minimum $100,000 fine
• 400 grams or more is a Class D felony with a minimum $250,000 fine

Heroin Trafficking

• 4 to 13 grams is a Class F felony with a minimum $50,000 fine
• 14 to 27 grams is a Class E felony with a minimum $100,000 fine
• 28 grams or more is a Class C felony with a minimum $500,000 fine

Methamphetamine Trafficking

• 28 to 199 grams is a Class F felony with a minimum $50,000 fine
• 200 to 399 grams is a Class E felony with a minimum $100,000 fine
• 400 grams or more is a Class C felony with a minimum $250,000 fine

Incarceration for Drug Trafficking Felony Crimes

• Class C felony carries a 225 to 282 months sentence
• Class D felony carries 175 to 222 months sentence
• Class E felony carries 90 to 120 months sentence
• Class F felony carries 70 to 93 months sentence
• Class G felony carries a 35 to 51 months sentence
• Class H felony carries a 25 to 39 months sentence