Drug Crimes Defense

In the state courts of South Carolina, there are a wide range of prosecutable drug crimes, including simple possession, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, cultivation, trafficking and conspiracy. The most common drug offenses are possession or distribution of marijuana, cocaine, heroin or meth (methamphetamines or crystal meth), LSD, ecstasy, mushrooms, and possession of prescription drugs.

The potential punishments for drug offenses in South Carolina vary widely. For example, possession of paraphernalia can carry a fine, but depending on the weight and type of drug you are charged with possessing or distributing, you could potentially face a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Mandatory minimums can also be associated with second or subsequent offenses. Additionally, most drug crimes are known as graduated offenses, which means that the potential penalties you face can be greater if you have certain prior drug convictions in your past. In the federal system, there is a similar array of drug crimes that one can face. Much like the state system, the charges and punishments can vary according to the weight of the particular drug you are charged with and mandatory minimum jail sentences apply in certain circumstances.

There are also a wide range of defenses to drug charges, and we are here to help. If you are facing a drug charge in South Carolina, and would like to speak to an attorney, please give us a call at (843) 722-0157.

South Carolina has some of the toughest laws on sentencing in the nation for persons convicted of drug-related offenses. As a result, you must immediately and vigorously defend your rights following an arrest.

At Williams & Walsh, LLC, we are dedicated to examining every aspect of your case from (1) reviewing the policies and procedures of the arresting agency in your case and expose questionable police actions, (2) reviewing the testimony of and locating and interviewing eyewitnesses, (3) challenging the legality of the search of your person, home, and/or car, (4) reviewing the evidence collected in order to determine if your rights were violated, (5) undermining informants and key witnesses, and (6) exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We have handled hundreds of cases involving drug offenses and have extensive experience in litigating and negotiating in order to protect our clients’ interests and constitutional rights.

The penalties for drug offenses vary widely in South Carolina. Some first offenses are low-level misdemeanors, while others can carry substantial mandatory minimum jail terms. A conviction for any drug offense in South Carolina can result in the following:

• Lengthy prison sentences and/or probation
• Substantial fines
• Asset forfeitures of personal and/or real property
• Restrictions on owning firearms
• The suspension of a driver’s license
• The loss of business or professional licenses
• Seizure of your home or property where drugs were found

We have represented many clients accused of the following and other drug crimes:

• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Cocaine
• Possession of Heroine
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Ecstasy
• Drug Trafficking
• Manufacturing Meth
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Illegal Narcotics
• Distribution and/or Sale of Illegal Narcotics
• Illegal Possession or use of Prescription Drugs
• Possession of Starter Materials

Depending on the weight of the drugs in question and the associated facts of the case, a drug offense could result in a federal charge(s).

In drug cases, state and federal laws permit the government to seize any assets and/or properties that the government can reasonably claim a person used to facilitate the illegal drug activity and/or acquired with the proceeds of illegal drug activity. Forfeiture of assets includes freezing bank accounts, taking possession of cars, homes, and personal property. We have extensive experience challenging and fighting asset forfeitures under both state and federal law.

At Williams & Walsh, we understand and have witnessed how alcoholism, unemployment, personal loss, and other circumstances can lead to a substance abuse problem and/or poor decision making in some cases. We work hard with our clients and experts who we hire and collaborate with to get the assistance that our clients need to defeat addiction and to obtain a second chance. We cannot guarantee that your charges will get dismissed; however, we will use every resource on your behalf. We have handled hundreds of drug offense cases at the state and federal level, and stand ready to assist you today in advising you of your options under the law.