Drug charge cases in South Carolina are legally complex, and the consequences of convictions are harsh. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, you need skilled legal guidance behind you. An experienced Spartanburg drug charges lawyer at Ryan Beasley Law is well prepared to build a strong defense on your behalf and seek an optimal case outcome.
Simple Possession
Simple possession carries the lightest consequences of all of South Carolina’s drug charges. This does not, however, mean that such charges are not serious or that they can’t seriously affect your future. Simple possession applies when the only criminal charge against you is possession of a small amount of an illegal drug.
The deciding factor here is that the amount of the drug in question is small enough for the state to consider it for personal use only. For example, the cutoff is less than an ounce of marijuana and no more than one gram of cocaine. Any aggravating factors, such as gun possession or proximity to a school, can enhance the charge.
The first simple possession charge is generally a misdemeanor. A conviction, however, can carry steep fines, jail time, and serious social consequences.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
The charge of possession with intent to distribute (PWID) is a still more serious felony charge. The matter of intending to distribute in South Carolina is usually determined by weight thresholds that are set by the state. For example, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana is considered PWID, which is very harsh relative to most other states.
It is important to note here that reaching the weight threshold is enough to pursue a PWID charge. The state doesn’t need additional evidence that speaks to your intention to distribute the drugs in question to charge you with PWID. You should also know that South Carolina’s approach to prosecution is aggressive.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking charges take an already very serious matter to an entirely new level. These felony charges are again based on threshold quantities rather than on evidence proving the intention of trafficking, which means either selling or transporting illegal drugs.
Many drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences that are very strict. As a result, you will face a predetermined mandatory sentence that the court does not have the discretion to lower. Additionally, you can expect the terms of your sentence to be harsh. Finally, many drug trafficking charges implement the 85 percent rule, which means that at least 85 percent of the sentence must be served.
Consult with an Experienced Spartanburg Drug Charges Attorney Today
At Ryan Beasley Law, our trusted Spartanburg drug charges lawyers have earned a solid reputation for guiding challenging cases like yours toward resolutions that support our clients’ rights and pave the way toward brighter futures. We’re on your side and here to help, so please don’t delay reaching out for more information by contacting us online or calling us at 864-756-4204 today.
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