South Carolina is located near maritime drug routes, and the I-95 corridor makes it a hotspot for state and federal drug investigations. If you’ve been caught up in a major drug bust or were just arrested for simple possession, contact our experienced defense attorneys immediately. These are serious charges with complex sentencing guidelines and enhancements that require experience and skill to achieve a favorable outcome.
Standard Charges for Drug Crimes
Whether you’ve been charged in federal or state court, South Carolina recognizes four main types of drug crimes under S.C. Code § 44-53-370:
Possession: The lowest-level drug offense, possession charges commonly involve claims that you obtained illegal drugs – such as heroin, spice, ecstasy, marijuana, or cocaine – for personal use. You can also be charged with possession of certain drug-related paraphernalia.
Manufacturing: In the United States, this commonly involves illegally growing marijuana or synthesizing certain controlled substances.
Possession with Intent to Distribute: These are drug dealing accusations in South Carolina. Drug dealing charges vary based on the type of controlled substance sold and the amount discovered in your possession.
Trafficking:These serious drug charges generally allege that you were part of a criminal enterprise responsible for bringing drugs into the United States and transporting them through South Carolina.
All drug crimes are serious, especially if you’ve been charged with trafficking substances such as fentanyl, cocaine, or heroin. A criminal defense attorney will fight to get more serious charges, such as drug trafficking, reduced to less severe drug dealing or possession offenses. Dedicated drug crime lawyers can also help addicts charged with possession fight for alternative sentencing, such as attending drug treatment programs.
Potential Consequences of Drug Crimes Convictions
Drug crimes have some of the most complex sentencing guidelines in South Carolina’s federal and state courts. The potential consequences of your conviction depend on numerous factors, including:
- Controlled substance schedule (I, II, or III)
- Criminal history
- Drug type
- Weight
- Enterprise enhancements
Additionally, penalties can escalate if certain drugs lead to fatal overdoses or serious bodily injuries. Even prosecutors find it challenging to determine the appropriate sentence in complex drug trafficking cases, which makes them more inclined to negotiate favorable plea deals. Experienced drug crime defense attorneys in South Carolina will defend you against unjust sentencing enhancements and present mitigating evidence.
Defenses to Drug Trafficking and Possession Charges
Many narcotics-related charges arise after unlawful searches and seizures. A dedicated criminal defense attorney can challenge the initial search or traffic stop, especially if executed without a warrant. This can result in some or all seized evidence being ‘thrown out’ under theexclusionary rule, drastically reducing your potential sentence. Your attorney can also challenge the mens rea – intent – associated with drug dealing charges. Showing that you had no intent to sell the controlled substance or cause harm can get your distribution charges knocked down to possession charges.
Your defense lawyer can negotiate favorable plea deals with local prosecutors in many drug crime cases. This can involve pleading to misdemeanor charges in exchange for dropping felony charges. It could also benefit certain offenders, such as addicts struggling to rebuild their lives, or help law enforcement officials track down violent drug dealers. Working with prosecutors can be a viable strategy in possession and distribution cases and provide favorable sentencing outcomes.
Connect with Our Dedicated Drug Crimes Defense Team
Do not attempt to negotiate plea deals alone. You need legal counsel after being charged with South Carolina drug crimes. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers handle many drug crime cases across South Carolina. At Eppes and Plumblee, drug trafficking or dealing charges can be significantly reduced or dismissed, but only if you contact us before speaking with local prosecutors. Call (864) 235-2600 or contact us online today.