Experienced Defense Against Drug Trafficking Charges in South Carolina
Drug trafficking is considered a very serious crime that can result in severe penalties. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At Seibert Law Firm, our Charleston drug trafficking attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and can help you navigate the legal process. We are dedicated to providing aggressive legal defense to protect your rights and interests.
Call Seibert Law Firm today at (843) 428-6360 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug trafficking attorney in Charleston.
What is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking is a serious offense involving the illegal transportation, sale, or distribution of controlled substances. In South Carolina, the Controlled Substances Act categorizes various drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical uses. Drug trafficking charges can apply to a range of substances, including but not limited to cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription medications.
Schedule I and II Drugs: Trafficking offenses involving Schedule I and II drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, are considered the most serious. The penalties are based on the weight of the drugs involved. If you are convicted, you can expect to be faced with fines and imprisonment.
Schedule III, IV, and V Drugs: Trafficking offenses involving less dangerous substances, such as certain prescription medications, still carry significant penalties. The severity of punishment depends on factors such as the type and quantity of the drug. If you are convicted, you can expect to be faced with fines and imprisonment.
Being accused of drug trafficking doesn't necessarily mean physically moving drugs across borders; it can also encompass possession with intent to distribute, manufacture, or even conspiracy to traffic drugs. The severity of charges depends on factors such as the type and quantity of drugs involved, prior criminal history, and whether the offense occurred near a school or other designated areas.
What are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking in South Carolina?
The punishments for a drug trafficking conviction in South Carolina are severe, often leading to long-term imprisonment, hefty fines, and other collateral consequences. The severity of penalties is influenced by the schedule of the controlled substance involved and the quantity in question.
Below are the general sentencing guidelines for various drugs:
Marijuana Trafficking
10 to 100 pounds: 5 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
100 to 2,000 pounds: 10 to 25 years in prison and fines up to $20,000
2,000 pounds or more: 25 years to life in prison and fines up to $25,000
Cocaine Trafficking
28 grams to 100 grams: 10 to 25 years in prison and fines up to $25,000
100 grams to 200 grams: 25 years to life in prison and fines up to $50,000
200 grams or more: Life in prison without the possibility of parole and fines up to $100,000
Heroin Trafficking
4 grams to 14 grams: 10 to 25 years in prison and fines up to $25,000
14 grams to 28 grams: 25 years to life in prison and fines up to $50,000
28 grams or more: Life in prison without the possibility of parole and fines up to $100,000
Methamphetamine Trafficking
10 to 28 grams: 10 to 25 years in prison and fines up to $25,000
28 grams to 100 grams: 25 years to life in prison and fines up to $50,000
100 grams or more: Life in prison without the possibility of parole and fines up to $100,000
Additional Factors
Other aggravating factors, such as trafficking near a school or involving minors, trafficking large quantities of drugs, or having prior convictions for drug offenses, can escalate the severity of charges and penalties.
A Charleston drug trafficking lawyer can assess your case and determine whether any of these aggravating factors apply, and how they may affect your defense strategy.
Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Conviction in South Carolina
A conviction for drug trafficking in South Carolina can have life-altering consequences, far beyond just the legal penalties. Some of the additional consequences include:
Loss of Professional Licenses: A drug trafficking conviction can result in the loss of certain professional licenses, such as those required for healthcare providers, teachers, or other regulated industries.
Limited Employment Opportunities: A criminal record, especially one involving drug trafficking, can make it difficult to secure employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a conviction can prevent you from being hired.
Impact on Family and Personal Life: A conviction can strain family relationships and make it harder to maintain personal connections, especially if incarceration is involved. Long sentences can prevent you from being present for your loved ones.
Difficulty in Obtaining Housing: Many landlords conduct background checks before renting to new tenants, and a felony conviction may prevent you from being able to rent a home or apartment.
Loss of Civil Rights: A conviction for a drug trafficking felony can result in the loss of important civil rights, including the right to vote, own firearms, or serve on a jury.
Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Some potential defenses against drug trafficking charges may include:
Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement had conducted an unlawful search or seizure in violation of your constitutional rights, evidence obtained through such actions may be deemed inadmissible in court.
Lack of Knowledge or Intent: Successfully arguing that you were unaware of the presence of controlled substances or did not have the intent to distribute can be a viable defense strategy.
Chain of Custody Issues: Establishing doubts about the integrity of the evidence chain can be crucial in challenging the prosecution's case. Any lapses in the handling of evidence may cast doubt on its reliability.
Entrapment: If law enforcement induced or coerced you into committing a crime, an entrapment defense may be applicable.
Contact Our Drug Trafficking Attorney in Charleston Today
Our Charleston drug trafficking lawyers at Seibert Law Firm understand your challenges and are prepared to provide you with the vigorous defense you deserve. We will thoroughly review the evidence, challenge any procedural errors, and work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy. We understand the nuances of South Carolina drug laws and will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Your future is too important to trust to chance—let our experienced legal team fight for you.
