Columbia Drug Lawyer

South Carolina has strict laws when it comes to drug crimes. Whether it is simple drug possession or drug trafficking, drug crime convictions can result in paying steep fines and serving long prison sentences. Prior drug convictions can enhance the potential maximum sentence a person could receive if convicted at trial or a guilty plea.

If you are facing a drug charge in South Carolina, contact an experienced Columbia drug lawyer who can review the charges against you and determine what legal defenses might be available to you so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you. To learn more or discuss the options that may be available to you, consult with a Columbia criminal attorney today.

South Carolina Takes Drugs Crimes Seriously

South Carolina recognizes many types of illegal drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine (meth), cocaine and crack, heroin, PCP, LSD or acid, ecstasy, opiates, and even prescription drugs.

While penalties vary depending on the type of drug and how much of was involved, one of the main factors will involve the person’s intent, such as 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., drug crimes can be considered misdemeanors or felonies depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the situation. South Carolina recognizes three classes of misdemeanors, A, B, and C, which result in these penalties that should be addressed with the assistance of a Columbia drug attorney:

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

South Carolina recognizes five classes of felonies (A through F), which result in specific periods of incarceration (fines are not listed, but are a very real possibility and at the discretion of South Carolina judges):

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

While drug crime penalties can be significant, it is important to remember that an experienced Columbia drug attorney can review the situation and precisely determine what legal defenses may be available to someone.

Let a Columbia Drug Attorney Assist You

There is no question that having a South Carolina drug conviction on your record can affect the rest of your life as employers, landlords, and financial institutions that require criminal background checks may discover the conviction.

If you are facing a drug charge, contact an experienced Columbia drug lawyer who can review the charges against you, analyze possible legal defenses, and fight for your rights. Your future is important. Do not let a temporary lapse in judgment affect the rest of your life. Find out how a drug attorney can help you by calling now.