Routine traffic stops can lead to heavy charges when illegal substances are found in the vehicle. Individuals who have not previously been caught with narcotics may receive a light sentence for their first Greenville drug offense. However, those who have narcotics in a larger amount or that have previous offenses may be facing significant jail time.

The penalties you may face greatly depend on what type of drug was in your possession of the time as well as the quantity of that drug. Below, our drug defense lawyers have outlined a rough idea of the jail sentences you may face when it comes to illegal narcotics.

Marijuana Can Mean a 25-year Jail Sentence in South Carolina

Simple possession of marijuana as a first drug offense on Greenville, SC can get you anywhere from no jail time to 30 days in jail, along with a maximum $200 fine. Meanwhile, possession of marijuana that is a second offense can lead to a sentence of up to one year in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine.

For trafficking marijuana, the jail sentence increases. For a first offense that involves 10 to 100 lbs. of marijuana, the sentence can be up to five years and $5,000. Meanwhile, a second offense at the same weight (10-100 lbs.) means 5 to 20 years and up to $15,000 in related fines. A third offense warrants 25 years and $25,000 in fines.

For possession with intent to distribute, a first drug offense means up to five years and $5,000; a second offense leads to 10 years and up to $10,000 and a third offense can mean 5 to 20 years and $20,000.  

Whether it is your first drug charge or your third, a Greenville, SC drug offense lawyer can let you know ahead of time what potential jail time or fines you may face with a guilty verdict. Working with a drug offense lawyer who has a history in the courtroom is a smart way to approach a case involving drug charges because it ensures you have someone on your side representing your best interests.

In Greenville, Cocaine Can Lead to a Serious Sentence of 30 Years

A first offense of cocaine possession can mean up to three years in jail and $5,000, while a second offense can lead to a jail sentence of five years and $75,000. A third offense can mean 10 years and $125,000.

For possession with intent to distribute, the first drug offense can land the guilty party as much as 15 years in jail and $25,000. That said, a second offense can mean five to 30 years and up to $50,000. A third offense could potentially mean a sentence of 10 to 30 years and up to $50,000.

For trafficking cocaine, jail sentences get serious pretty quickly. A first offense with 10 to 28 grams can mean up to three years and $5,000; a second offense can be five to 30 years in jail and up to $50,000, and a third offense can be cause for 25 to 30 years and $50,000. For the first offense with 28 to 100 grams, the jail sentence is seven to 25 years and a fine of up to $50,000; a second offense lands a sentence of seven to 30 years and $50,000 in fines maximum; and a third offense can mean 25 to 30 years and up to $50,000 in fines.

Larger amounts of cocaine in one’s possession can mean more jail time and greater fines. For example, 200 to 400 grams can mean 25 years in jail and $100,000 in fines. The assistance of a drug offense lawyer is important to handling the case properly and minimizing the potential jail sentence you may face if a guilty verdict is returned.

Methamphetamine Equals Up to 30 Years and $200K in Fines

Maximum sentences for the third offense of possession with methamphetamine can be up to 10 years in in jail and $12,500 in fines. Meanwhile, trafficking 28 to 100 grams can mean 25 to 30 years and $50,000 in fines for a third offense and 25 to 30 years and up to $200,000 for having 400 grams in one’s possession at the time of the bust. Discussing these details with a drug offense lawyer in South Carolina can make a difference in how the case is handled and how the process will move forward.

Heroin and Ephedrine Trafficking Lead to Serious Time in SC

Trafficking heroin with 28 grams or more in one’s possession during an arrest can mean 25 to 40 years and $200,000 in fines if a guilty verdict is returned. Meanwhile, trafficking more than 400 grams of Ephedrine can lead to a jail sentence of 25 to 30 years and $200,000 in fines, as well.

Consult with a Drug Offense Lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina Today

While all of these numbers may seem overwhelming, reaching out to a drug defense lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina who understands the legal process when it comes to drug offenses can help you understand and properly face the charges at hand. A call to the Greenville, SC lawyers at Brumback & Langley, LLC, can make a difference. Call today at (864) 326-0424.