Fentanyl Charges

Possession of fentanyl or carfentanil is treated differently from many other substances. Copy the exact wording and check the bond attached to the charge.

PWISD or PWIMSD involving fentanyl adds an allegation of intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. A completed sale does not have to be listed.

These may appear as separate charges with their own file numbers and bond entries. Each line must be reviewed individually.

Fentanyl trafficking is a quantity-based offense. A completed sale is not always required. Check the alleged quantity level and bond amount.

Conspiracy to traffic fentanyl may appear as a separate charge with its own bond. Posting another bond may not resolve the conspiracy entry.

Death by distribution or aggravated death by distribution is a separate allegation under G.S. 14-18.4. It may have its own bond entry and require judge review.

One arrest may include multiple fentanyl-related charges, each with its own secured amount. Every file number and bond must be verified.

Release conditions may still be pending, or a judge may be required to determine the conditions. We can gather identifying information while the family waits.

The order may use an unsecured condition, or a judge may be required to determine the conditions. Each charge must be reviewed individually.

A hold from another county, agency, or pending case may prevent release even after an eligible bond is posted. Each matter must be checked.

Qualifying payment plans may be available, including down payments as low as 5% on qualifying bonds. We explain every cost before any agreement is signed.

Possession of Fentanyl

Alleges unauthorized possession of fentanyl or carfentanil. Treated differently from many other Schedule II substances under current North Carolina law.

Verify: Exact substance named, charge wording, and bond amount.

Possession With Intent (PWISD/PWIMSD)

Alleges possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver fentanyl. A completed sale does not have to be listed.

Verify: Whether sale, delivery, or manufacture also appears separately.

Sale of Fentanyl

Alleges a completed sale. May appear alongside possession with intent as a separate charge.

Verify: File number and bond amount for the sale charge.

Delivery of Fentanyl

Alleges an actual, constructive, or attempted transfer as defined by North Carolina law. May appear separately from possession.

Verify: Whether delivery has its own bond entry.

Manufacturing Fentanyl

Alleges production, preparation, or creation of fentanyl. Manufacturing has a specific statutory definition.

Verify: Whether manufacturing is listed separately and its bond amount.

Trafficking in Fentanyl

A quantity-based offense under a fentanyl-specific statutory provision. May involve possession, transportation, sale, delivery, or manufacture of a statutory amount.

Verify: Substance, quantity level, and every file number listed.

Trafficking by Possession

Alleges possession of a statutory quantity of fentanyl. A completed sale is not required.

Verify: Alleged quantity range and bond amount.

Trafficking by Transportation

Alleges transportation of a statutory quantity of fentanyl. May appear alongside trafficking by possession.

Verify: Whether separate trafficking counts are listed.

Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl

A separate allegation involving an alleged agreement to commit trafficking. May have its own bond entry.

Verify: Whether conspiracy has a separate bond amount.

Death by Distribution

A separate allegation under G.S. 14-18.4 involving an alleged distribution that resulted in death. May require judge review and carry a separate bond.

Verify: Exact charge name, bond status, and whether judge review is pending.

Aggravated Death by Distribution

A more serious allegation under G.S. 14-18.4. May carry different release conditions and bond considerations.

Verify: Exact charge wording and bond entry.

Drug Paraphernalia

May appear as a separate charge with its own bond entry. Involves items associated with controlled substances.

Verify: Whether paraphernalia has a separate bond.

Counterfeit Pills or Counterfeit Substances

May involve an alleged counterfeit substance represented as another drug. North Carolina law addresses counterfeit controlled substances separately.

Verify: Exact charge wording and whether a counterfeit allegation is listed.

Carfentanil-Related Charges

Carfentanil has its own statutory provisions. Charges may mirror fentanyl categories but carry separate classifications.

Verify: Whether carfentanil is specifically named and the charge classification.

Common Combinations

• Fentanyl possession
• Possession with intent
• Sale or delivery
• Trafficking
• Conspiracy
• Death by distribution
• Firearm-related allegations
• Paraphernalia
• Failure to appear
• Probation matters
• Other county warrants
• Federal charges or detainers

Every Line Must Be Checked

Posting one eligible bond may not produce release when another charge, hold, or release condition remains unresolved. Confirm every file number, release order, secured amount, warrant, and hold connected to the defendant's custody.

Generally proceeds through the North Carolina court system and may use the state commercial-bond process described on this website.

Uses a separate federal detention and release process. A standard Wake County commercial bail bond may not apply.

Nature and Circumstances

The seriousness and circumstances of the alleged offense may affect the release decision.

Number and Severity of Charges

Multiple charges or serious allegations may influence the conditions imposed.

Criminal and Court History

Prior court appearances, failures to appear, and criminal history are considered.

Community Ties

Employment, residence, family connections, and length of residence may be relevant.

Pending Cases and Probation

Whether the defendant was already on pretrial release or probation may affect who determines the new conditions.

Risk and Safety Concerns

Risk of nonappearance, safety, evidence-related concerns, and potential witness interference may be considered.

Total Bond Amount

The amount stated in the court's release order. It is not the fee paid to the bondsman.

Bail Bond Premium

The fee charged for writing the surety bond. North Carolina limits the premium to no more than 15% of the face amount.

Initial Payment

The portion of the premium due before the bond is submitted. Qualifying bonds may start as low as 5% down.

Payment Arrangement

Deferred payment terms must be documented in writing with the unpaid amount, payment dates, and amounts due.

Cosigner or Indemnitor

A cosigner or indemnitor may be required depending on the bond. Requirements are explained before any agreement is signed.

Collateral

Collateral is separate from the premium and may be requested on larger bonds. Any collateral must be documented with a detailed written receipt.

A Licensed Bondsman May

• Help verify available custody and bond information
• Review each secured-bond entry
• Explain commercial bond requirements
• Review cosigner qualifications
• Explain payment and collateral requirements
• Prepare approved paperwork
• Post an eligible secured bond
• Confirm when the bond has been submitted

A Bondsman Cannot

• Provide emergency medical treatment
• Interpret laboratory results
• Decide whether the substance was fentanyl
• Determine whether a trafficking threshold is legally supported
• Analyze death-by-distribution evidence
• Give criminal-defense advice
• Reduce or change the bond
• Dismiss or modify a charge
• Remove another agency's hold
• Override court conditions
• Promise an exact release time
• Guarantee the case outcome

Substance-Use & Overdose Support Resources

Official North Carolina health initiatives, crisis support, and treatment services (separate from bail services).