In North Carolina, people who are arrested for drug charges can face severe consequences that will have a negative impact on them. These can range from low-level allegations related to marijuana and advance to the more serious scheduled drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and prescription drugs. Regardless of the charges, people should be cognizant of how seriously law enforcement and prosecutors treat these allegations and formulate a strong criminal defense from the beginning.
A couple were arrested after law enforcement conducted a long-term investigation into potential drug trafficking. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office oversaw the investigation. The 38-year-old man and 35-year-old woman were charged after undercover officers bought heroin and methamphetamine. The purchases took place over several months. The arrest was made when the couple was in a vehicle. The woman was in possession of the drugs and the man sold them. They are also accused of bringing the drugs into the area.
The officers accrued more than 40 grams of methamphetamine and 3 grams of heroin in the investigation. In total, the drugs were said to be worth more than $14,000. The investigation lasted up to eight months. The man is charged with individual felonies for multiple drug-related allegations linked to trafficking, manufacture, possession and sale. The woman faces similar charges.
Drug charges can vary in their severity. If a person is accused of possessing a small amount for his or her own use, the case will be vastly different than one in which a person is alleged to have been manufacturing or trafficking in the drug. When there are multiple charges and they reach the felony level, it is imperative for those accused to understand what they are facing and take appropriate steps to cobble together an effective defense.
The investigation could have been flawed or violated legal protocol. The person could have made a mistake but might benefit from a plea agreement. Or he or she may be innocent. Having legal assistance from the start can be essential. A law firm experienced in helping people facing drug charges can help with a criminal defense and should be contacted for advice.