Raleigh Drug Trafficking Lawyer
John McWilliam, PLLC offers strategic legal representation for individuals accused of serious drug trafficking offenses in Raleigh and other Wake County communities.
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Felony Drug Trafficking Defense In Raleigh, NC
Being arrested for drug trafficking is a life-altering event. North Carolina drug trafficking laws impose some of the harshest penalties in the state, including mandatory minimum prison sentences that leave judges with little discretion.
If you are facing drug trafficking charges, the decisions you make early in the process can significantly impact your future. John McWilliam, PLLC provides focused criminal defense for clients accused of drug trafficking offenses in Wake County. With decades of experience handling complex, felony-level drug crime allegations, Attorney McWilliam works to protect his clients’ constitutional rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue every available legal option under North Carolina law.
North Carolina Drug Trafficking Laws
Under N.C. General Statute § 90-95(h), drug trafficking charges focus on drug type, weight, and conduct rather than assumptions about intent or distribution networks. Drug trafficking is treated as a serious felony offense with mandatory minimum penalties that apply statewide, including throughout Wake County.
Drug Trafficking Charges Do Not Require Proof of Dealing
Many people assume that drug trafficking charges only apply to large-scale dealers or organized drug operations. Under North Carolina law, that assumption is incorrect. Prosecutors may pursue drug trafficking charges based solely on possession, transportation, or delivery of drugs once the statutory threshold is met. This means an individual can face trafficking charges even when there is no evidence of sales, profit, or distribution activity.
Drug trafficking charges may be based on these forms of alleged conduct:
- Possession: Prosecutors may allege actual or constructive possession when drugs are found in a vehicle, residence, or shared space.
- Transportation: Moving drugs from one location to another, even without evidence of sale, may support trafficking charges.
- Delivery: Allegations involving transfer or attempted transfer of drugs can elevate charges quickly.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences Leave No Room for Leniency
Unlike many other drug crimes, drug trafficking convictions require judges to impose mandatory minimum prison sentences. Even individuals with no prior criminal history face active prison time if convicted. Courts do not have discretion to suspend these sentences or replace them with probation.
This reality makes early involvement of a drug trafficking lawyer essential. Once convicted, there is often no legal mechanism to avoid prison time, fines, and a permanent felony record. By enlisting the services of Attorney McWilliam following your drug trafficking allegations, you gain the opportunity to:
- Challenge the State’s case early
- Protect your constitutional rights
- Pursue every available defense before detrimental consequences become unavoidable
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact John McWilliam, PLLC, for Drug Trafficking Charges in Wake County
Drugs Commonly Involved in NC Trafficking Cases
The type of controlled substances involved plays a central role in how trafficking charges are classified and punished in Raleigh and the greater Wake County areas.
Marijuana Trafficking
Despite changing public attitudes toward marijuana possession, North Carolina continues to prosecute marijuana trafficking aggressively.
Marijuana trafficking charges apply when a person is alleged to possess more than 10 pounds of marijuana. Once this threshold is met, the offense becomes a felony drug trafficking charge with mandatory minimum prison time and fines. Prosecutors do not need to prove intent to distribute or sell marijuana to pursue trafficking charges.
Cocaine Trafficking
Cocaine trafficking is one of the most frequently charged trafficking offenses in North Carolina.
Drug trafficking charges apply when a person is accused of possessing 28 grams or more of cocaine. These cases carry mandatory minimum prison sentences that increase significantly as the alleged weight increases. Even a relatively small increase above the threshold can elevate the felony classification and sentencing range.
Heroin and Opioid Trafficking
Heroin and other opiates carry some of the harshest trafficking penalties under North Carolina law.
Trafficking charges may apply when a person is accused of possessing as little as 4 grams of heroin or similar opioids. Convictions at this level can result in lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantial fines. These charges frequently involve laboratory testing, purity analysis, and chain-of-custody issues that can become central to the defense.
Other Common Drug Trafficking Charges
North Carolina drug trafficking laws also apply to a wide range of other controlled substances. This is not a complete list, and charges may apply to additional drugs classified under state law depending on drug type and quantity alleged.
Methamphetamine
Trafficking charges apply when a person is alleged to possess 28 grams or more of methamphetamine. At the lowest tier, a conviction carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 70 to 93 months and a $50,000 fine, with penalties increasing significantly as weight increases under North Carolina law.
Prescription Opioids
Drugs like Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are classified as opiates under North Carolina law. Trafficking charges generally apply when possession reaches 28 grams or more, based on total pill weight or aggregate dosage. Convictions carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and fines that escalate by tier, even when there is no evidence of street-level sales.
Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs
Fentanyl is treated as an opiate under North Carolina drug trafficking statutes. Trafficking charges may apply at 4 grams or more, the same threshold as heroin. Even at the lowest level, convictions can result in 70 to 93 months in prison and substantial mandatory fines due to the drug’s classification and potency.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Trafficking charges apply when possession reaches 28 grams or more of MDMA. Mandatory minimum sentences begin at 70 to 93 months in prison, along with significant fines, and increase as the alleged weight rises. Proof of distribution is not required once the statutory threshold is met.
Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic cannabinoids and other designer drugs may trigger trafficking charges once they are classified as controlled substances under North Carolina law. Thresholds and penalties depend on how the substance is scheduled, but convictions carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and felony classifications tied to weight.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact John McWilliam, PLLC, for Drug Trafficking Charges in Wake County
Benefits of Working With John McWilliam on Drug Trafficking Charges
John McWilliam, PLLC provides strategic criminal defense representation for individuals facing drug trafficking charges in Wake County. His experience allows him to identify legal issues early, challenge weak assumptions by the prosecution, and guide clients through complex criminal cases under North Carolina law.
Detailed Evaluation of Possession and Control Allegations
Many drug trafficking cases hinge on whether the State can lawfully prove possession.
John McWilliam carefully examines whether prosecutors can establish actual or constructive possession, particularly in cases involving shared vehicles, residences, or multiple occupants. Proximity alone is not enough under North Carolina law, and his experience allows him to challenge assumptions that often form the foundation of trafficking charges. This level of scrutiny is especially important when clients are accused simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Early Identification of Constitutional Violations
Illegal searches and seizures are common issues in Raleigh drug trafficking cases.
Attorney McWilliam evaluates traffic stops, searches, and warrants to determine whether law enforcement violated constitutional rights. When police act without proper probable cause or exceed the scope of a lawful search, evidence may be subject to suppression. Identifying these issues early can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and, in some situations, lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
Strategic Handling of Mandatory Minimum Exposure
Drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences that cannot be negotiated away after conviction.
Our criminal defense lawyer understands how these sentencing structures operate and how critical early legal decisions can be when mandatory minimum penalties are involved. His experience allows him to assess whether charges were properly applied, whether weight calculations are accurate, and whether the alleged drug type meets statutory definitions. Addressing these issues early is often the only opportunity to avoid irreversible sentencing consequences.
Trial Readiness That Influences Case Outcomes
Not every drug trafficking case proceeds to trial, but preparation remains essential.
John McWilliam prepares every case with the expectation that it may be heard in court. This trial-ready approach strengthens negotiations and ensures the prosecution understands that the defense is prepared to challenge evidence, witnesses, and forensic analysis. Demonstrating readiness to litigate often impacts how drug trafficking cases are handled in Wake County courts.
Clear Guidance Throughout the Criminal Process
Facing drug charges for trafficking can be overwhelming, particularly given the complexity of North Carolina law.
John McWilliam provides straightforward guidance at each stage of the case, helping clients understand their charges, potential consequences, and available legal options. When you work with him, you receive direct communication, informed counsel, and realistic expectations throughout the process.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Raleigh Drug Trafficking Attorney
If you are facing charges for drug offenses involving trafficking, do not wait to seek legal help. Speaking with John McWilliam for drug defense trafficking representation promptly allows you to understand your options, assess potential defenses, and begin building an effective defense under North Carolina law. John McWilliam, PLLC represents individuals who are accused simply because law enforcement alleges they possessed more than a certain amount of a controlled substance, not because they were operating a drug enterprise.
Contact John McWilliam, PLLC today to schedule a FREE consultation and confidential case evaluation. Get started today by calling 919-772-4000 or filling out our convenient online contact form.
