If you or a loved one is facing a drug-related offense, a Kernersville drug crime lawyer can be the crucial advantage you and your case need. In North Carolina, the law takes drug crime cases very seriously, and convictions can influence your future for the rest of your life. The team at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, can explain your rights, construct a solid defense, and seek your most favorable outcome.

In North Carolina, drug crime laws are some of the strictest in the country. Consequences can vary depending on the amount and type of substance, along with the displayed intent. Whether you were charged with basic possession, intent to sell, or trafficking is an important detail. Being convicted can result in time in jail, expensive fines, the suspension of your license, and a lasting blemish on your criminal record.
Hiring a Kernersville drug crime attorney gives you someone who can:
The attorneys at our firm have the experience and knowledge needed to effectively navigate such complicated cases and procedures.
Our lawyers have handled a vast variety of drug crime cases, such as the following:
Each charge is unique, carries respective sets of penalties, and mandates personalized approaches to defense. In 2024, over 34% of sentenced crimes in North Carolina were drug-related. That equates to more than 31,000 offenses. Regardless of your offense, seeking legal counsel should be your immediate priority.
If you are confused about whether to seek legal guidance or not, the answer is clear: do it as quickly as possible. Seeking intervention in a timely manner can be pivotal for keeping your rights safe and enhancing the outcome of your case. Based on data from 2023, North Carolina reduced nearly 30% drug-related charges. An attorney is key to accomplishing this.
Deciding to hire a drug crime lawyer gives you someone who can immediately study the facts, collect evidence, and contest unlawful police procedures. An attorney can also negotiate for lessened charges or alternate sentencing standards, especially for those struggling with addiction or first-time offenders.
A solid defense can involve:
Lawyers can also call upon expert witnesses, review lab results, or challenge police processes to enhance your case.
In North Carolina, constitutional infringements, such as illegal searches and seizures, can result in evidence being dismissed, which can cause charges to be lessened or completely dismissed.
Being convicted of a drug crime doesn’t just impact your immediate reality; it can also affect your reputation, employment, and housing opportunities. The mission of a Kernersville drug crime lawyer from our firm is to do more than just handle your case; it’s to help you get on with your life.
Cases are usually held in the Kernersville Courthouse, located at 134 E Mountain St, Kernersville, NC 27284. Regardless of whether you are faced with misdemeanor possession or a felony charge, such as trafficking, adequate legal representation can keep your record safe and preserve your future.
In North Carolina, the mandatory minimums vary, depending on the quantity and type of substance. For example, the trafficking of marijuana, which begins with at least 10 pounds, has a minimum of 25 months in prison as well as a fine of $5,000. Quantities larger than that result in harsher penalties, with no possibility of probation.
It is possible for a drug charge to be reduced to a lesser offense, depending on the available evidence, your existing record, and the nature of your charge. Your lawyer could negotiate with the prosecution and reduce your charge to a lesser offense, such as lessening trafficking to possession. They may also get you into a treatment or diversion program in lieu of time in jail.
If law enforcement may have violated your rights during your arrest, it needs to be proven. If your lawyer can prove that the police carried out an illegal search, seizure, or arrest, evidence can be suppressed, which can weaken the prosecutor’s case and result in reduced charges or complete dismissal. An attorney from our firm can clarify your rights and options.
In North Carolina, it is possible for your record to be cleared after a drug conviction, depending on the case’s specifics. Assuming you meet the requirements for eligibility, North Carolina’s expungement laws allow specific convictions to be removed from your record following a waiting period, allowing you to proceed without carrying the weight of your criminal past.
Being convicted of a drug crime does more than just impact your present moment; it can affect your housing opportunities, reputation, and career. The mission of a Kernersville drug crime lawyer is to do more than handle your case; it’s to provide the legal guidance and representation necessary for protecting your record and future.
Regardless of the charge you’re facing, your first step should be contacting LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, to set up a consultation with an experienced drug crime attorney. We can listen to your account of events, collect evidence to support your case, and fight for you throughout your case.