If you are facing drug charges in Charlotte, North Carolina, then you are in a difficult predicament. This is a type of charge that could follow you for life and impact all of your future job opportunities, any family issues that may be going on in your life, and of course, your freedom. Yet, it is possible to successfully beat a drug charge with the right criminal defense in Charlotte, North Carolina. The vast majority of drug charge cases are resolved in one of the following ways:
- A Not Guilty Verdict in a Criminal Trial
- A Guilty Verdict in a Criminal Trial
- A Plea Agreement with Conviction and Cooperation
- A Plea Agreement with Conviction and No Cooperation
- Diversion or Deferral Program with Dismissal or Reduced Charges
- Dismissed Charges
When Your Trial Results in a Not Guilty Verdict in Charlotte, North Carolina
While it is typically wise to attempt to avoid a trial where possible, many cases do go to trial. With a skilled Charlotte, North Carolina, criminal defense attorney, you may be able to fight the charges at trial and get a not guilty verdict. If this is the case, then you can have the charges expunged from your record, so that there will be no history of even being arrested for the alleged crime.
When Your Trial Results in a Guilty Verdict in Charlotte, North Carolina
If your case goes to trial and you are not successful in fighting the charges and achieving a not guilty verdict, then you will receive a guilty verdict, and your punishment will be set after the judge hears from the prosecution and the defense. The punishment will then depend on the severity of the crime with which you are charged. If it is a misdemeanor crime, then you may get out without any jail time and only have to pay a fine and the costs associated with the trial. On the other hand, if you are convicted of a felony charge, then you are likely to face a prison sentence.
A Plea Agreement with Conviction and Cooperation in Charlotte, North Carolina
A plea agreement is one way to avoid going to trial, though you will still end up with a conviction on your record. This may not be the way you want to go if you are truly innocent of the alleged crime, though if there is any doubt as to whether or not you will be convicted at trial, you will want to consider this option. With a plea agreement, the prosecution and the defense negotiate to reduce the charges or the punishment in exchange for a guilty plea and a guaranteed conviction for the state. A plea agreement with cooperation means that you also cooperate by providing helpful information, such as the names of others who are involved with drugs. This can make a huge difference in reducing your charges and the associated punishments, though it is not a requirement for a plea agreement. You can still get a plea agreement without cooperating with the investigation of others.
A Plea Agreement with Conviction and No Cooperation in Charlotte, North Carolina
When you get a plea agreement without cooperation with the state, then you may not get the best outcome that you would get if you did cooperate. However, this does not mean that you cannot get a plea agreement with reduced charges. There are many cases where people who are facing drug charges do not want to cooperate. It may be that you don’t want to get someone else in trouble, that you don’t want to be perceived as a ‘snitch,’ or that you don’t want to endanger your life or your loved ones by providing information about someone who might be dangerous. You are not required to cooperate. If you do choose to cooperate, then you would be wise to do so with the guidance and representation of a Charlotte, North Carolina, criminal defense attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.
Diversion or Deferral Program with Dismissal or Reduced Charges in Charlotte, North Carolina
In many cases, someone who is facing drug charges can get those charges reduced or dismissed through a diversion or deferral program. These are only options in certain situations. Some factors that may impact whether or not you are eligible for such a program including whether or not you have a history of similar charges or convictions, what kind of drug was involved in the crime, and what kind of drug crime you are accused of committing. For example, possession is not as serious as trafficking. Depending on the situation, you may be offered the opportunity to enter a drug treatment program, for example.
Dismissed Drug Charges in Charlotte, North Carolina
It may also be possible to get your drug charges dismissed altogether, which could happen if there was a mistake made by the police during an investigation or because you were wrongfully arrested. An example might be when someone has drugs in your home, but you didn’t even know about it. It could also happen if two people were in a vehicle and one had drugs, but the other had nothing to do with it. It all depends on the details of your specific case and how effectively your criminal defense attorney is able to argue your case to get the charges dismissed.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Remington & Dixon, PLLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina
The best thing that you can do to ensure that you get the best possible outcome in a criminal case involving drug charges is to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney. Contact Remington & Dixon to schedule a free consultation and explore the options that may be available in your case. We will work with the prosecution to get your charges dismissed or reduced. We will also work hard to ensure that any other options that may be open to you are pursued. If you are eligible for a diversion program or pre-trial intervention program, then you may be in a good position to avoid conviction. When you contact us to discuss your case, we will go over all of the options and potential outcomes.
