South Carolina Drug Distribution Lawyer
December 09, 2022
Drug Manufacturing Defense Lawyer Fights for Clients Facing Drug Distribution Charges and Criminal Penalties for Drug Sales in Beaufort County, Jasper County, or Elsewhere in SC
Manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution of drugs represent some of the most severely punished crimes under South Carolina law. A conviction for a trafficking or distribution offense can result in a sentence that includes years or even decades in prison, potentially along with tens of thousands of dollars in fines. If you have been charged with drug distribution crimes, you need a South Carolina drug distribution lawyer to ensure that you have effective legal advocacy to protect your freedom and future.
At The Bannon Law Group, LLC, attorneys Jim and Meredith Bannon have extensive experience in South Carolina’s criminal justice system, including having previously served as prosecutors with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. This experience gives our firm a critical insight into how the prosecution prepares criminal cases and allows us to prepare effective defense strategies on behalf of our clients.
When you are facing charges of drug distribution, reach out to The Bannon Law Group, LLC as soon as possible to speak with a South Carolina drug distribution lawyer to learn more about the potential outcomes from your charges and to go over your legal rights and options for defending yourself in your case.
Penalties for Drug Distribution Convictions in South Carolina
A conviction for manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute carries very serious penalties in South Carolina. The penalties vary based on the specific activity you were charged with, the type of drugs involved, and the quantity of drugs.
Penalties for marijuana include:
- Manufacturing/trafficking (involving 100 plants/pounds or more): Minimum sentence of 25 years, with an 85 percent period of parole ineligibility
- Possession with intent to distribute: Max five years/$5,000 fine for a first-time offense, max 10 years/$10,000 fine for a second-time offense, max 5-20 years/$20,000 maximum fine for a third and subsequent offense
- Penalties for cocaine include:
- Possession with intent to distribute: Up to 15 years/$25,000 fine for a first offense, 5-30 years/up to $50,000 fine for a second offense, 10-30 years/up to $50,000 fine for a third or subsequent offense.
- Trafficking: From three years to 30 years in prison and fines of $25,000 to $50,000, with offenses involving between 28 and 100 grams carrying greater penalties and with penalties increasing with each subsequent offense. More than 100 grams involves a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years
- Penalties for heroin include:
- Manufacturing/distribution: Up to 15 years in prison and fine of up to $25,000 for a first offense, five to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 for a second offense, 10 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 for third and subsequent offenses
- Trafficking: At least seven to 25 years and a fine of $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the quantity involved and whether a defendant has prior offenses
- Penalties for methamphetamine include:
- Manufacturing/distribution: Up to 15 years in prison and fine of up to $25,000 for a first offense, five to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 for a second offense, 10 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 for third and subsequent offenses
- Trafficking: Between three and 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the quantity of drugs involved and number of prior convictions
How a South Carolina Drug Distribution Lawyer Can Help in Your Defense
If you were arrested and charged with manufacturing, trafficking, and/or distribution of drugs, a South Carolina drug distribution lawyer from The Bannon Law Group, LLC can help you to pursue a defense in your case by:
- Ensuring you understand the charges you are facing and the potential outcomes in your case.
- Exploring possible defenses that may be available to you in your case, such as arguing that the police conducted an unlawful search and seizure, or challenging the presumption that you had intent to distribute drugs found in your possession.
- If appropriate, pursuing negotiations with the prosecution to try to reach a plea deal that means you will not face the most serious consequences of a drug distribution conviction.
- Advocating your case if you decide to go to trial on your charges, fighting for a verdict in your favor.
Contact The Bannon Law Group LLC for an Initial Case Review to Learn More about Your Legal Rights and Options When Facing Drug Distribution Charges
If you have been arrested and charged with drug distribution, contact our firm for a confidential consultation to learn more about how a South Carolina drug distribution lawyer from The Bannon Law Group, LLC can help you prepare an effective legal defense strategy to pursue the best possible outcome to your charges.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Distribution in South Carolina
FAQ: What are some defenses to a drug distribution charge?
Some common factual or legal defenses that may be available in your drug distribution case include arguing that you did not knowingly possess the drugs at issue or that you were unaware of the illegal nature of the substances, proving that you did not have intent to distribute the drugs (in many cases, intent to distribute is presumed based on the quantity of drugs possessed), or moving to suppress evidence of the drugs by showing that they were seized by police in an unconstitutional search.
FAQ: Is drug distribution a state crime or a federal crime?
Normally, distribution of drugs will be charged as a state crime. However, if distribution of drugs takes place across state lines (sometimes called trafficking), a person can be charged with federal criminal offenses. This is an important distinction, as penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions are often far harsher than the penalties imposed for the same crime under state law.
Consequences in Georgia
Under Georgia law, a refusal to take the required chemical test will result in an immediate hard suspension of your driver’s license for 12 months. Under a hard suspension, you cannot apply for a limited or hardship permit, even if you have medical issues or need to drive for your job. This suspension is only effective within the state of Georgia. If you are an out-of-state driver, Georgia can only revoke your driving privileges within the state and cannot suspend your driver’s license from your home state.