Protecting Your Rights In Felony Drug Offenses Cases
Conviction for federal felony drug offenses in North Carolina, including trafficking and conspiracy, can result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence. With each charge carrying a potentially lengthy sentence, a person charged with felony drug offenses must obtain strong legal defense to maintain his or her freedom and to protect his or her rights.
I am Neil W. Morrison, a federal criminal defense attorney. I represent people from all walks of life facing federal criminal drug charges. Based in Pittsboro, I work with people across the Middle and Eastern Districts of North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham and Greenville, from Winston-Salem to Wilmington. Call 919-396-5501 or send an email to set up a consultation.
Remember to invoke your Miranda rights: You have the right to an attorney. As soon as you are arrested, ask to speak with your lawyer and call me. You also have the right to remain silent. Do not discuss the charges, arrest or details of your case with law enforcement, your friends or family. Anything you say can be used against you. Protect yourself by speaking first with your criminal defense attorney.
What Leads To Federal Drug Charges?
What determines if a drug charge is considered to be a federal crime? Federal drug charges can involve almost any kind of controlled substance, including prescription medications such as hydrocodone or oxycodone and more traditional drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine.
Federal drug charges typically involve a significant amount of drugs being transacted. Also, if the individual being targeted used a firearm in the drug transaction, federal charges are very likely with an additional application of a 924(c) count.
Further, the individual being targeted by the federal government typically has a prior criminal record with either a drug or violent crime conviction. If there are multiple drug or violent crime convictions, the government can deem the individual a “career offender,” which dramatically increases federal incarceration.
Exploring All Avenues Of Defense
To achieve the best outcome in your felony drug crimes case, I will explore all avenues of defense. These tactics include challenging search and seizure methods, questioning witness credibility, attacking the lack of corroborating witness statements and confronting expert witness testimony. Whether this involves filing a motion to dismiss or pursuing an aggressive stance at trial, I will do all in my power to provide you with the best defense against federal criminal drug charges.
Combating Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Many of the statutes governing federal drug charges require imprisonment, typically called mandatory minimums. For instance, based on the amount of drugs allegedly transacted and your prior criminal history, a first-time federal offender could face a minimum of five years to a maximum of 40 years of federal incarceration. In a worst-case scenario, that same person could face a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment.
Contact The Law Office Of Neil W. Morrison, P.A.
When your future is at stake, you need the assistance of an attorney who has worked in the federal criminal court system. Contact me online or call my office at 919-396-5501 for an initial consultation to discuss your situation. I provide efficient, cost-effective representation while working to prevent lifelong consequences for what may have been a one-time indiscretion.