NORTH CAROLINA LAWYER SECURES FAVORABLE FEDERAL DRUG CRIME CHARGE OUTCOME

RELEASED: MAY 15, 2011

RALEIGH, NC – North Carolina lawyer Patrick Roberts, of the Roberts Marcilliat & Mills PLLC in Raleigh, defended a client facing a federal drug crime charge in late March. The client was accused of marijuana possession, maintaining a grow house, and possession of a semi-automatic weapon. Although the client was facing 76 months in prison, he was only sentenced to 18 months as a result of Attorney Roberts‘ expertise.

Fighting against a federal drug crime can be challenging. When a firearm is present at the scene where drugs are also present, the suspect can be charged with the federal crime of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity in violation of 18 USC 924(c). Federal drug crimes usually carry stiffer penalties based on the federal mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines. The federal mandatory minimum sentence in this case was five (5) years. The consequences for the following drug crimes often involve prison time and substantial fines:

  • High levels of drug possession
  • Possession of a firearm in connection with the drug crime
  • Drug trafficking
  • Intention to sell or distribute drugs

In this case, Mr. Roberts‘ client was facing several counts of federal drug crime charges. Relying on his past experience as a criminal prosecutor, attorney Patrick Roberts worked aggressively to demonstrate his client’s community involvement and family ties in order to encourage the federal prosecutor to dismiss some of the charges.

Mr. Roberts‘ work defending against these serious federal drug crime charges paid off when the federal judge sentenced the client to a prison term well below the minimum five year sentence.

In many cases, when a federal criminal lawyer takes the time to understand his or her client and the circumstances leading to a criminal charge, the defense lawyer is able to more strongly advocate for the client.

DISCLAIMER: The cases, facts and outcomes discussed in this press release are illustrative of the matters handled by the firm. Actual case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Not all of the firm’s case results are included on this site. The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer’s or law firm’s past result because prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

For more information about the Roberts Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, visit their website at www.robertslawteam.com or the firm’s criminal defense blog. Please contact the law firm or call 919-838-6643 for a free consultation. Roberts Marcilliat & Mills PLLC can also be followed on Facebook at facebook.com/nc.criminal.defense.

North Carolina v. J.S.
Accusation: Indecent Exposure
Potentially Facing: 30 days in Jail
Result: Case Dismissed

Roberts Marcilliat & Mills PLLC acted quickly, meeting with the DA’s office to mitigate on behalf of their client, who had no prior criminal history. The Defendant had cooperated fully with the officer. At defense counsel’s prompting, the ADA spoke with his Law Enforcement Officers and determined that Defendant had been through enough already. Dismissed on the first court date.

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