SOUTH CAROLINA DRUG DISTRIBUTION LAWYERS
Being charged with a drug-related crime can ruin your personal and professional standing. Drug crimes not only carry severe legal penalties, but they can alter the course of someone’s life. Try finding a job, housing, or securing a loan with a drug conviction on your record. It can cause serious problems and make your life much more complicated.
When you are facing a potential drug distribution conviction, you may feel like the world is out to get you. In some cases, you can be perceived by others as guilty before your case ever even goes to court. Take a stand and protect your rights. Contact an experienced South Carolina drug crimes attorney immediately.
The South Carolina criminal defense lawyers of Truslow & Truslow understand you are in a difficult situation. You need effective and experienced representation, and that is what we aim to deliver. We want to work with you to build a solid and persuasive case that offers you the best chance at positive results.
Drug distribution charges are a serious matter. Don’t wait to fight back. Contact the seasoned drug crimes team at Truslow & Truslow today. Call us at (803) 590-6688 for a confidential consultation about your case.
Defending Intent to Distribute Charges
There are several viable tactics for defending against PWID charges in South Carolina. In many cases, law enforcement and prosecutors rely on the threshold weight to prove intent to distribute. Threshold weight on its own can make for a weaker case. While prosecutors can argue that there is an inference that you intend to distribute the drugs, a strong defense team can help you rebut that inference.
A solid drug defense team can also examine the manner in which a person was arrested and how evidence in the case was collected. If an individual’s rights were infringed upon or improper procedures were followed, there may be cause to dismiss the charges.
A solid and experienced defense team will understand how to build a strategic defense tailored to your case’s unique attributes. At Truslow & Truslow, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to defending drug distribution cases. Our team will work with you to build a compelling case that stands the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Contact Truslow & Truslow if You Face Drug Distribution Charges
If you or a loved one is facing drug distribution charges, contact legal representation immediately. You don’t have to talk to authorities without legal support by your side. You have the right to contact an experienced and skilled South Carolina drug defense attorney.
At Truslow & Truslow, we know that you have been thrust into a frightening situation, and your freedom may be at stake. Get experienced legal representation on your side immediately by calling our office at (803) 590-6688 We will aggressively defend you against drug distribution charges, and the consultation is confidential.
Types of Drug Distribution Charges
Drug distribution is a broad phrase that can refer to a variety of different charges, some more severe than others. The two main types of drug distribution charges that you may end up facing in court include:
Possession with intent to distribute (PWID) means that police have allegedly found an amount of drugs on a person that is greater than the “threshold weight.” The threshold weight varies depending on the type of drug. Generally, a threshold weight means that the amount of drugs that a person has in their possession may indicate that the individual intends to sell or distribute those drugs to others. The weight of the drugs alone may be enough for a possession with intent to distribute charge. However, in some cases, more evidence is needed to substantiate a PWID claim.
Additional evidence that may point toward intent to distribute includes:
- The drugs were sealed in individual bags or containers
- Scales to weigh drugs were found in addition to the substances
- Transaction or payment records
- Witness statements
Drug trafficking charges are much more serious. Drug trafficking is generally an illegal drug trade that focuses on manufacturing and distributing controlled substances, often in large quantities.
South Carolina Penalties for Drug Distribution
The penalties in South Carolina for possession with intent to distribute convictions can vary depending on the type of drug involved. The potential penalties for PWID include:
First Offense
- Marijuana
- Up to 5 years in prison
Fines up to $5,000
Ecstasy, Molly, MDMA
Up to 5 years in prison
Fines up to $5,000
Methamphetamine, Cocaine, or Crack
Up to 15 years in prison
Fines up to $25,000
Heroin
Up to 15 years in prison
Fines up to $25,000
LSD
Up to 15 years in prison
Fines up to $25,000
Second Offense
- Marijuana
Up to 10 years in prison
Fines up to $10,000
Ecstasy, Molly, MDMA
Up to 10 years in prison
Fines up to $10,000
Methamphetamine, Cocaine, or Crack
5 to 30 years in prison
Fines up to $50,000
Heroin
5 to 30 years in prison
Fines up to $50,000
LSD
5 to 30 years in prison
Fines up to $50,000
Third Offense
- Marijuana
5 to 20 years in prison
Fines up to $20,000
Ecstasy, Molly, MDMA
5 to 20 years in prison
Fines up to $20,000
Methamphetamine, Cocaine, or Crack
10 to 30 years in prison
Fines up to $50,000
Heroin
10 to 30 years in prison
Fines up to $50,000
LSD
10 to 30 years in prison
Fines up to $50,000
Certain factors may result in more significant penalties, especially if an individual is found distributing drugs on school property. While fentanyl carries the same penalties as heroin, some South Carolina judges may hand out harsher sentences for those who distribute the drug because fentanyl is extremely potent and particularly dangerous.
In South Carolina, drug trafficking is always considered a felony offense. Just as with possession with intent to distribute, there are different penalty tiers depending on the drug or drugs being trafficked. Many trafficking charges carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence. If the drugs cross state lines, federal drug trafficking charges may apply.
