NC Traffic Law Blog

A major factor in North Carolina with regards to marijuana and paraphernalia possession penalties is whether you've had a prior conviction or not. NC has a structured system for sentencing. Your punishment could increase if you have a criminal record.

• Class 3 Misdemeanor: For first time offenses, you can be sentenced to serve one to ten days in jail. However, you could possibly be sentenced to community service, probation or drug treatment in lieu of time served in jail. Additionally, it's always possible that a Judge could decide not to sentence you to jail at all.
• Class 1 Misdemeanor: You may face one to forty-five days in jail. Like Class 3, it's possible that the jail time could be converted to community service or probation. 
• Class 1 Felony: You may face four to six months in jail.

With a deferral program, if successfully negotiated by your Criminal Defense Attorney, you would take 15 hours of classes, twice a week for three weeks. You would be subject to random drug tests over the next year. If you pass them and stay in compliance, you could keep a clean criminal record.

Give us a call at 919-200-0822 to have a consultation with a Criminal Defense Attorney. Our team can walk you through the facts of your case and what the best plan of action would be. From a trial to seeking a dismissal, a deferred dismissal and more - we are here for you.