North Carolina has some of the most strict and harsh punishments for drug-related offenses in the US. With a rampant opioid epidemic taking place, the courts have little leniency when it comes to drug crime. If you stand accused, do you know how to stay free until the date of your trial?

The only way is to have bail granted and have the funds to pay for it, though the cost can vary. Read on as we discuss the price of bail when faced with an arrest for drugs. 

How Much Is Bail for a Felony Drug Charge?

Bail for a felony drug charge in North Carolina is dependent upon if it is a first or second-time offense. Each judge will make the decision based on this and several other factors.

Of course, a misdemeanor charge will require a lower bail amount. If you have small amounts of lower classification drugs such as marijuana, then you may even get a promise to appear. This is the best-case scenario meaning you need no bail money at all. 

If it is your second appearance in the court then bail starts to get costly. When accused of a major felony like trafficking, then bail could creep over $100,000. Should the judge decide you are a flight risk, it may be even higher. 

What to Do After You Are Arrested for Drugs

Drug charges can be presented for handling several substances. These can range from well-known drugs such as cocaine and heroin to marijuana. In North Carolina, there are also penalties for using prescription drugs without the authority to do so.

Rising levels of opioid addiction have meant that the court system is now intolerant of drug-related crimes. This can mean punishments are severe and bail can be high. 

If you or a family member are arrested then you should start by getting the best legal representation you can. When you appear in court, bail will be set. In this instance, you will need a bail bondsman if you can't front the money yourself. 

Drug Trafficking Bonds

Drug trafficking is a much more severe crime than possession. This is when you are moving drugs with the intent to supply and sell them. In this situation, people are more likely to be a flight risk and bail is higher. 

The severity of trafficking charges depends on the number of drugs the person has with them at the time of the arrest. The logic is that if they have more than they would use for personal consumption then they intend to sell it. 

Due to the opium epidemic, different arguments are in discussion regarding this. A person that has 40 pills of Percocet or Oxycontin would be regarded as trafficking though that amount is standard for personal use. 

Can Bail Be Lowered?

It is possible to request a lower bail amount. If a person wishes to do this, the recommendation is that they get the counsel of a legal professional. The attorney will have to attempt to prove there is no risk of flight. 

A request to lower the amount can also happen if it is the first offense. Even the education or job of the accused could bolster their argument. Should the judge refuse a reduction then the trial judge may grant one. 

How Can a Bail Bondsman Help?

When the accused is given a bail amount, this is the total they must pay to be free until trial. For many people, this amount is too much. That is where a bail bondsman can help. 

They will pay the amount for the person or family member, who has requested it so they can have freedom while awaiting trial. For their services, they receive a percentage of the bail amount. This is not refundable, unlike the cash amount that would be paid for the bond itself. 

What if I Can't Afford the Bail Bond?

Many bail bondsmen will have other solutions if a person can't afford a bail bond. Collateral such as real estate can be used when working with a bail bondsman. They may accept a lien on the property. 

If you don't have any collateral, speak to them about paying in monthly installments. You may have to sell something to raise the funds you need if they do not offer this service. 

Finding a Bail Bondsman in Raleigh, NC

When you need a bail bondsman it can be tempting to get the nearest and closest. No one wants to be incarcerated and the urge for freedom may be urgent. However, it pays to do a little research. 

Not all bail bonds agents are licensed. They may be dishonest or conduct the legalities of the bond incorrectly. This is not something you need on top of your impending trial.

Make sure you do some research on the right people to approach. Do some checks online or ask around to see if friends and family have recommendations. Make sure any company you approach is fully licensed. 

Dealing With an Arrest for Drugs

In summary, once you face an arrest for drugs you need two things. One is good legal representation. The second, if you can not afford to pay bail yourself, is a bail bondsman. 

Raleigh Bail Bonds is a 24-hour bail bond service in NC. We are professional, licensed, and serve all of Wake County. Contact us here so we can relieve your stress and get you home immediately.