South Carolina takes a tough stance against illegal drugs, and the state’s drug crime charges reflect this fact. Drug charges in the state break down into the basic categories of possession, manufacture, distribution, and trafficking. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a state drug crime, the best course of action is to consult with an experienced South Carolina state drug crime attorney sooner rather than later.
Possession Charges in South Carolina
The charge of possession is at the lower end of things, but this doesn’t alter the fact that it’s a serious charge that can lead to severe consequences. The charge will depend on the kind of drug in question, its amount, and whether you have any prior convictions. Most possession charges are misdemeanors, which can lead to jail time and steep fines, as well as all the following social consequences:
- Lost job opportunities
- A tarnished reputation
- Difficulty renting a home or qualifying for a home loan
- Fewer educational opportunities
- Losses concerning professional licensure
If the drug in question is marijuana, it’s essential to know that South Carolina has not joined much of the nation in legalizing its recreational use. This means that even possession of less than an ounce can lead to jail time.
Distribution, Manufacture, and Possession with Intent to Distribute
The next level of drug charge relates to distribution, manufacture, and possession with intent to distribute. This charge level is always a felony, which means it carries prison time, but the charge itself will be based on factors like the following:
- If the accused person has a prior conviction on their record, and if so, how many they have.
- Type of drug in question.
- The amount of the drug in question.
The dividing line between possession and possession with intent to distribute is the amount of the drug in the accused person’s possession. Weight limits set for specific types of medicines allow authorities to infer the intention behind distribution.
Certain factors also contribute to the state building a stronger case for intent to distribute when combined with this weight threshold. Examples include tell-tale signs like the following:
- Scales for measuring out specific weights of the drug
- Baggies for packaging the drug
- Drugs that are already packaged for sale
- Large quantities of cash
Trafficking
The crime of drug trafficking is always a felony, and the charge often carries a mandatory sentencing minimum. Whether the charge of trafficking applies is based solely on the amount of the drug in the accused person’s possession.
Our State Drug Crime Lawyers Are Standing by to Help
The experienced South Carolina state drug crime attorneys at Beasley Allen Law have a solid track record of successfully defending the rights of valued clients like you in the face of drug charges, and we’re on your side. We proudly serve the cities of Greenville, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Easley, Simpsonville, Pickens, Greer, and Duncan, as well as the counties of Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens, and Florence. Learn more by calling us at 864-775-5787 or contacting us online today.
