Mentioned In:
In many cases, drugs charges are filed as the result of improper searches and illegal seizures. If you have been charged with drug possession, you need a lawyer who knows how to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, I am well-versed in proper police procedure. If your constitutional rights were violated, the court will often reduce the charges against you or even dismiss your case entirely.
Unless you have a pharmacology degree, you will probably have a tough time deciphering South Carolina’s drug crime laws. Found under Chapter 481 of the South Carolina Health and Safety Code, the provisions that govern drug possession are a complex maze of rules and regulations.
Related crimes include possession with intent to distribute, drug manufacturing, prescription drug crimes, and drug trafficking. Because drug possession is a serious crime that can result in life-changing penalties, it is absolutely imperative to work with a South Carolina criminal defense lawyer who understands the law in this area.
Drug possession offenders are prosecuted based on three basic criteria: the type of drug, the amount of drug, and any aggravating circumstances. Aggravating circumstances include any behaviors or activities that exacerbate the possession, such as an intent to sell or taking drugs into a school zone.
South Carolina law also groups drugs into “penalty groups” that determine the severity of the charge. These penalty groups sort drugs based on their level of danger, potential for abuse, and medical usefulness. For example, penalty group 1, which includes the most dangerous drugs, imposes the strictest criminal sentences.
Because it is the most common illegal controlled substance, marijuana has its own special classification under South Carolina drug law. The penalties vary widely depending on the amount of marijuana the accused had on his person at the time of arrest and how he intended to use the drug.
A charge involving less than two ounces is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. By contrast, a conviction for selling more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana is a first degree felony that can result in a life sentence.
When you have been charged with a crime, you need an experienced lawyer who focuses exclusively on defending criminal cases and who will aggressively protect your rights. Throughout my career, I have successfully handled every type of criminal defense case. More importantly, criminal defense is the only thing I do. I have witnessed firsthand how a criminal charge can negatively impact every area of a person’s life. As a lawyer, I consider it a privilege to help people during this stressful time in their lives. Call us today at (854) 777-0744 for a free consultation to discuss.
When you have been charged with a crime, you need experienced lawyers who focuses exclusively on defending criminal cases and who will aggressively protect your rights. Throughout our careers, We have successfully handled every type of criminal defense case. More importantly, criminal defense is the only thing we do..
Chris concentrates in criminal defense in federal and state courts. Chris concentrates on defending clients accused of white collar crimes, street crimes, sex offenses and capital murder in the South and around the country.
Since launching his private practice in 2007, Chris has represented clients in serious matters from Las Vegas to New York City to San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, the bulk of his practice is fighting for men and women accused of crimes in and around South Carolina.
In our modern day rush-to-judgment society, people charged with crimes are often convicted in the court of public opinion long before they ever step foot in a courtroom. Despite citizens of this country being innocent until proven guilty, the reality is that in this day and age you have to fight for your innocence.
I pride myself in knowing that I can be the voice that helps a client through what is perhaps the most difficult time in their life. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to every client that walks through our door. As a group, we work together to ensure our clients achieve maximum possible results in any situation.