Serious Felony Criminal Defense
Drug Defense Attorney In New Bern, NC
Drug Charges We Handle
From small possession to trafficking, J. Michael Mills defends state drug cases in Craven County and nearby courts. Cases include simple possession, possession with intent to sell or deliver, paraphernalia, prescription fraud, cultivation, and trafficking tied to weight thresholds. Many clients want clear answers about court, eligibility for programs, and how to keep a record clean on a first offense. When allegations rise to serious felonies, read our overview of felony defense for next steps.
Consequences Under North Carolina Law
Drug convictions can bring jail, probation, fines, and collateral issues with work, school, and housing. Trafficking statutes include mandatory minimums tied to drug weights. Even without driving, a drug case can affect insurance and employment screening. When charges are dismissed or discharged, some clients can pursue expungement options to clean up public records.
Defense Strategies That Work
Questioning identification when video is unclear. Arguing lack of intent when a mistake at checkout explains what happened. Addressing search and seizure issues after store detentions. Negotiating restitution-based resolutions that protect employability. If an employer accuses a worker of taking funds or property, that may be an embezzlement allegation that belongs in our embezzlement defense resources.
Marijuana Charges In Eastern NC
North Carolina has not legalized recreational marijuana. Small amounts may be treated as lower-level offenses, but larger weights or intent indicators can lead to felonies. The goal is to keep a first incident from following you for years by pursuing dismissals, conditional outcomes, or charge reductions that preserve work and school opportunities.