Drug Defense Lawyers Brumback and Langley Discuss Three Types of Drug Crimes in South Carolina
Drug crimes are taken seriously in South Carolina. Whether you are charged with possession of the drug, possession with intent to distribute, or trafficking in Greenville, SC, you could face big fines and time in jail. Working with drug defense lawyers can help you to reduce the amount of penalties that you face. This allows you to get your life back on track. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in South Carolina, make sure to find an experienced drug defense lawyer.
Drug Possession
There are three types of possession: actual possession, constructive possession, or joint possession. Actual possession is when the drugs are physically on you. Constructive possession is someone who has control over the drug or the property where the drug is found. So, if the drug is in your kitchen cabinet or somewhere in your home, it would be considered constructive possession. Joint possession will be when one or more people are in actual or constructive possession of the same drug.
No matter what kind of possession you are dealing with, you need to work with drug defense lawyers to help you in court. The first offense is classified as a misdemeanor. The penalties can include a $5000 fine and up to three years in prison. You may also need to complete drug treatment. The second offense can be five years and the third can be up to ten years.
Possession With Intent To Distribute
Another type of charge is possession with intent to distribute. Just by having over one gram of a drug on you is enough to get you a charge of possession with intent to distribute. It doesn’t matter if you plan to use it all on your own or not,
The first offense of this is a felony that could put you in jail for up to 15 years and fine you up to $25,000. The second offense will be between five to 25 years in jail and a fine that is up to $50,000. The third offense will leave you in jail between 10 to 30 years and can end up with a fine of $50,000.
If this is your first or second offense, it is possible to get a suspended sentence or probation. In order to get this though, you need to work with the right drug defense lawyers. They will be able to work on a plea bargain or a settlement. A plea bargain can reduce the sentence and keep you out of jail. If you do end up in prison during your first or second offense, it is possible to receive parole and other leniency options as well.
Another thing to realize is that if you distribute cocaine to anyone who is under the age of 18, you are now in double trouble. This charge has now become a felony because you gave drugs to a child. Without the help of skilled drug defense lawyers, you could end up spending 20 years in prison and getting a $30,000 fine for this.
Trafficking in Greenville, SC
Trafficking involves having 10 or more grams of a drug in your possession. The police assume that you plan to sell it to others. The penalty is going to increase based on how much of the drug is in your possession. You will likely face a fine and jail time no matter how much you hold.
It is important that you work with your drug defense lawyers when charged with trafficking in Greenville, SC. The penalties for trafficking are severe. With an experienced lawyer, you may be able to enter into a plea bargain. Fines and jail time may be less based on the amount of the drug you had on you.
If you have been charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession, or trafficking in Greenville, SC, contact our drug defense lawyers at Brumback and Langley. We will review your case and come up with a strategy that can help you best. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
