Does drug dealing carry heavier penalties than possession?

Many people in South Carolina have come into contact with drugs at one time or another. Maybe a friend or family member had them or perhaps they experimented with these substances themselves. Whatever the case, even this limited contact can get you into trouble, especially if the illegal substances are discovered by the authorities when you are around to be implicated in the crime suspected.

The problem is, it is often difficult to determine to whom drugs belong, especially if they are simply found in a property or vehicle rather than on someone’s person. Moreover, if there is a large quantity of the drug in question, it may even be suggested that they were intended for sale or distribution.

As this article on criminal penalties explains in greater detail, crimes relating to drug sales are often treated as being more serious than simple possession charges. For example, if you are found with drugs in your possession but it is deemed that you had no intention of selling them, then it may only be treated as a misdemeanor. However, crimes involving the sale of illegal drugs are generally treated as felonies, meaning that in many cases the penalties could be more severe.

Whatever the case, a drug conviction can be a serious matter and can turn your life upside down. As such, if you have been charged with a crime of this nature, you may benefit from the advice of an attorney. He or she can advise you about your options and may be able to assist you with constructing your defense and preparing for your trial. With this assistance, you can work toward clearing your name and protecting your future.