Summerville Drug Lawyer
Whether you are facing criminal charges for drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, or trafficking, you can face some of the most severe penalties available under the law. Drug crimes can have harsh results that may impact your personal and professional life in unexpected ways. Engaging the services of a Summerville drug lawyer may be essential to your ability to avoid some of these consequences and move on with your life as planned.
Defenses may be available in your criminal case, but without the help of legal counsel, you may be unable to identify or utilize those defenses. By embracing the most effective defense strategy, you may reach a better outcome in your case. An experienced criminal lawyer can be a crucial means of protecting your rights in drug cases.
Drug Possession Charges in Summerville
Although drug possession charges may be one of the least severe types of drug charges that you can face, you still can face severe consequences if you are convicted of drug possession. The penalties for drug possession depend primarily on the type or schedule of the illegal drug involved, the amount of the drug possessed, and whether individuals possessed the drug for personal use or to distribute to others. Generally, possessing more significant amounts of drugs may indicate possession with the intent to distribute, which can result in more serious criminal charges.
Drugs are classified under state law into five different schedules of controlled substances, although marijuana is placed in a separate category from other drugs. These schedules range from Schedule I controlled substances, which are the drugs with the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical usage, to Schedule V controlled substances, which are drugs with the least potential for abuse and generally accepted medical uses. The assigned schedule of a drug determines the penalties that individuals can receive for criminal offenses related o the drug.
S.C. Code § 44-53-370 prohibits individuals from possessing controlled substances unless they have a valid prescription for them. First offenses for possession, even for Schedule I drugs, are misdemeanors, but subsequent offenses may be felonies, depending on the schedule of the drugs involved. Nonetheless, a seasoned drug lawyer in Summerville knows that even a first conviction for drug possession can result in up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Possession with Intent to Distribute, Manufacture, and Distribution of Drugs
Under S.C. Code § 44-53-370, people also may not possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, or distribute controlled substances to others. Violating this section concerning some Schedule I and Schedule II narcotics, including LSD, can result in a felony conviction carrying the potential for up to 15 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. A second offense increases the possible prison sentence to a minimum of five and a maximum of 30 years in prison and increases the fine to $50,000.
Possessing with intent to distribute, manufacturing, or distributing other Schedule I, II, and III drugs not classified as narcotics or LSD can result in a maximum five-year prison sentence, a $5,000 fine, or both. A second offense can increase the potential penalties to up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
If Schedule IV or V drugs are involved, the charge is a misdemeanor offense. Depending on the type of drug, individuals can face up to three years in prison and a $3,000 fine for a first offense. Penalties for second and subsequent offenses can result in increased jail time and fines, as well as probation, work release, community service requirements.
Speak to a Summerville Drug Attorney Today
When you are arrested on a drug charge, your first call should be to a Summerville drug lawyer who can protect your interests and advocate on your behalf. Legal counsel can help ensure that you receive fair treatment in your court proceedings and work to reduce your charges and penalties. By engaging legal representation, you may be able to minimize the impact of drug charges on your life.
Drug charges can disrupt your personal life, your employment, your education, and even your housing arrangements. A felony drug conviction can cause you to lose some civil rights and entitlement to some public benefits. Seeking legal counsel in these circumstances may be highly beneficial to you. Call today to schedule a consultation.