Richland County Drug Lawyer

Under South Carolina law, drug convictions can result in serving 30 days up to 30 years in prison and having a criminal record which will affect your ability to rent an apartment, receive financial assistance, and secure a job.

If you are facing South Carolina drug charges related to marijuana, prescription drugs, opiates cocaine, heroin, PCP, LSD (acid), ecstasy, or anything else, contact an experienced Richland County drug lawyer.

A Richland attorney can examine all of the aspects of your case, evaluate your legal defenses, and determine whether those charges can be mitigated through a plea bargain – or dismissed altogether. Every situation is unique, but having experienced criminal defense counsel on your side could make all the difference.

South Carolina Drug Offense Misdemeanors

South Carolina classifies certain drug offenses as misdemeanors and others as felonies depending on many factors such as the type of drug involved; the quantity involved; and most importantly – the person’s intent to sell or possession.

For example, simple possession, possession with the intent to distribute, actual distribution, trafficking, manufacturing, or a combination of these.

According to SC Code Sec. 44-53 et. seq., South Carolina recognizes three classes of misdemeanors, A, B, and C, which can result in these penalties:

• Class A misdemeanors can result in serving up to three (3) years in prison and paying fines of up to $2,500
• Class B misdemeanors can result in serving up to two (2) years in prison and paying fines between $1,000 and $2,500
• Class C misdemeanors can result in serving up to one year in prison and paying fines of up to $1,000

Felony Offenses

South Carolina recognizes five classes of felonies (A through F), which can result in these penalties:

• Class A felonies can result in spending up to 30 years in prison
• Class B felonies can result in spending up to 25 years in prison
• Class C felonies can result in spending up to 20 years in prison
• Class D felonies can result in spending up to 15 years in prison
• Class E felonies can result in spending up to 10 years in prison
• Class F felonies can result in spending up to five (5) years in prison

Although fines are not directly addressed in the statute, it is important to keep in mind that South Carolina allows judges great discretion when it comes to imposing fines for drug offenses – especially for serious offenses and repeat offenders. These fines do not include court costs and fees, which can dramatically increase the total amount owed if convicted.

South Carolina drug crime penalties can be harsh. However, a drug attorney can determine what legal defenses may be pertinent to a situation such as an illegal search and seizure, entrapment, drugs belonging to another person, and more.

Speak with a Richland County Drug Attorney Today

If you have been arrested on drug charges, it is important to understand the charges against you and the options available to you. Turn to an experienced Richland County drug lawyer today.

An attorney can review those charges, determine what legal defenses might be available, and fight for your rights. Everyone makes mistakes and you may be able to utilize options you did not even know about. Call today to discuss your case – and your future.