Drug Crimes Attorneys in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Drug charges are surprisingly common in New Hampshire. In fact, in 2021, there were 6,220 drug or narcotic violations in the state, according to the New Hampshire Department of Safety. If you’re facing one or more drug charges, you know that this designation can be quite broad depending on the circumstances of your arrest and the type and quantity of drugs involved. However, any of these crimes—whether it’s drug possession, possession with intent to sell, or manufacturing of drugs—needs to be handled by a professional to ensure your rights are protected and you present the best defense possible. 

If you’d like to meet with an experienced criminal defense attorney, reach out to the team at the Wiberg Law Office, PLLC. Attorney Wiberg is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and can serve clients in the surrounding areas of Rockingham County, Strafford County, Hillsborough, Dover, and Manchester. Set up a consultation today. 

Federal Drug Crimes  

One of the biggest fears clients have when they’ve been charged with a drug offense is determining when a state drug crime becomes a federal drug crime. There are a few ways you could be facing a federal charge for drugs: 

• if the crime in question involved crossing state lines with large amounts of drugs (commonly cited as a drug trafficking charge) 

• when the crime is committed on federal land or property such as a national park or government property 

• if a federal authority made the arrest or was involved in the case at any stage like a DEA agent or federal informant 

• if you’re caught using the U.S. Postal Service or another carrier to transport and distribute drugs 

It’s important to understand that you can be charged simultaneously with both a state crime and a federal crime for the same offense, and this would not fall under the category of double jeopardy. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s imperative you retain the best attorney possible who’s familiar with both New Hampshire and federal drug laws.

Drug Schedules   

Each state sets its own drug laws and penalties, though most of these remain in line with federal standards outlined in the drug schedule for controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Each schedule defines a certain class or group of drugs from I to V, with Schedule I carrying the most serious consequences and Schedule V carrying the least. 

• Schedule I: These substances are believed to have no known medical purpose and a high potential for abuse. Examples of Schedule I drugs are marijuana, heroin, and LSD. 

• Schedule II: These substances are also considered quite dangerous with a high potential for abuse. Examples of Schedule II drugs are cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and fentanyl. 

• Schedule III: Schedule III drugs have some potential for addiction and abuse, but also have some known medical uses. These include Tylenol with Codeine, ketamine, and steroids. 

• Schedule IV: Many Schedule IV drugs are easy to obtain with a prescription and have a low risk of dependency or abuse and include substances like Valium, Xanax, and Ambien. 

• Schedule V: Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and many are available over the counter to consumers. These include some cough preparations, Lomotil, and Motofen.   

Even though most states follow the federal drug schedule, it’s still important to understand what New Hampshire drug charges entail. In some cases, states can choose to prosecute differently than what federal law dictates. For example, even though marijuana is a Schedule I drug at the federal level, many states treat crimes like marijuana possession much less seriously than other possession charges involving Schedule I drugs. It’s important to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for guidance. 

Drug Charges in New Hampshire 

Consider the following categories of drug charges:  

• Manufacturing and Delivery: This can include being involved at any stage in the production of controlled dangerous substances, including the intent to deliver. You can also be charged for providing the chemicals or equipment necessary to make these drugs.  

• Possession and Sale: The severity of your charges for possession or selling will depend on the type of drug you’re caught with and the quantity of the drug. This can also include transporting drugs or purchasing them yourself with the intent to sell them later. 

Possible Penalties 

The possible penalties for drug crimes can be quite extensive and can include incarceration, fines, and the inability to own firearms. You may also see further consequences if you’ve committed the drug crime along with another offense, if you have drug-related convictions in your past, or if you were caught selling to minors or selling on school grounds. 

Drug Crime Attorneys in Portsmouth, New Hampshire      

If you’re in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire area and have recently been arrested for a drug offense, Wiberg Law Office, PLLC can help. Charges like this should never be taken lightly and you’ll need a qualified lawyer to build a strong defense. Attorney Wiberg brings with him over 30 years of experience in the legal profession and he can help you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.