What Happens if Your Child Gets Exposed to Cocaine in North Carolina?

If your child gets exposed to cocaine, you could face serious legal issues. Although possession of cocaine alone is a criminal offense, allowing a child to become exposed to these drugs can lead to even more severe penalties. What can you do if you face these charges? Can a cocaine defense attorney in North Carolina help you?

Mother Charged After Toddler Dies From Cocaine Exposure

On Boxing Day in 2025, the Charlotte Observer reported that a toddler had died after being exposed to cocaine and fentanyl. Local authorities stated that the mother of the deceased child was facing criminal charges as a result of the fatality. 

The one-year-old died from a cardiac arrest at about 1:20 AM. Although first responders rushed to the scene, they could not save the child. The child’s mother was quickly arrested by the authorities and charged with felony child abuse and exposing a child to a controlled substance. 

It is not clear how the child became exposed to the cocaine. However, police said that the mother was “grossly negligent” and “reckless” in allowing the accident to occur. By all accounts, this seems purely accidental and not intentional. 

What Are the Penalties for Exposing a Child to a Controlled Substance in North Carolina?

This mother is one of the first people in North Carolina to face enhanced penalties for exposing children to exposed substances. A new law went into effect on December 1st, 2025, making it illegal to expose a child under the age of 16 to a controlled substance. 

The penalties for this new offense vary depending on the outcome. If the child is merely “exposed” to the substance without suffering any harm or ingesting it, you face a Class H felony and up to 25 months in prison. If the child ingests the substances, you face a Class E felony. If they suffer serious injuries, you face a Class D felony. If they die as a result of the exposure, you face a Class B1 felony. The latter can result in life imprisonment. 

Note that you can face these charges even if the child’s exposure was completely accidental. Prosecutors only need to prove that you were guilty of gross negligence or recklessness. If you face these allegations, it makes sense to get in touch with a defense attorney as soon as possible. Note that, based on the aforementioned incident, defendants in this situation should also expect felony child abuse charges. This could put you behind bars for a very long time. 

Can a Cocaine Defense Attorney in North Carolina Help Me?

Whether you were accused of exposing your child to cocaine or simply possessing cocaine, it makes sense to discuss your defense options with an experienced attorney. Consider working with a cocaine defense attorney in North Carolina who has direct experience with these kinds of cases. Contact Coastal South Law today for further guidance.