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The Charleston criminal defense attorneys at Shealey Law Firm defend both state and federal drug crime charges. Contact us to review your case.
Trafficking Marijuana
Under South Carolina law, possession of more than ten pounds or more of marijuana is considered Trafficking in Marijuana In South Carolina, this charge carries very severe penalties that increase depending on prior offenses. For a first offense, an individual faces anywhere from one to ten years in prison as well as a $10,000 fine. For a second offense, the penalty is five to twenty years in prison and a $15,000 fine. For a third or subsequent offense, the penalty is twenty-five years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
In addition to the threat of prison time, a conviction for Trafficking in Marijuana is considered a violent crime as well as a serious crime. If convicted, an individual is not eligible for a suspended sentence, probation, or pre-trial intervention. She may also be barred from fostering or adopting children and may be listed in a DNA database.
South Carolina law treats drug offenses very seriously and the possibility of suffering these consequences can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one is facing a charge of Trafficking in Marijuana, you’re in good hands with the attorneys at the Shealey Law Firm. We have a wealth of experience in this area and will work to get you the best possible outcome!
Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana
Under South Carolina law, possession of twenty-eight grams or more of marijuana is considered Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID). The fact that someone who allegedly possesses 28 grams or more of marijuana may not actually intend to sell or distribute the marijuana does not matter. The state will infer intent to distribute solely based on the amount of marijuana allegedly found.
PWID carries severe penalties. For a first offense, an individual may be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. For a second offense, she may face up to ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. For three offenses or more, an individual may face anywhere from five to twenty years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000 without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole.
A conviction for PWID can also result in being listed on a DNA database and being unable to foster or adopt children.
If you or someone you know has been charged with PWID marijuana, the attorneys at Shealey Law Firm are here for you! With years of experience in helping clients through drug charges, the attorneys at Shealey law have the expertise to secure the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
Trafficking Cocaine Charges
A person may be convicted of Trafficking in Cocaine if they are alleged to possess ten or more grams of cocaine or a mixture containing cocaine. This is a felony offense with various penalties depending on the amount of cocaine found.
For a first offense, an individual faces any minimum sentence of anywhere from three to twenty-five years in prison and fine of up to $200,000 depending on the amount of cocaine or cocaine mixture found. For a second offense, an individual faces a minimum sentence of anywhere from five to thirty years in prison as well as a fine of up to $200,000. For three offenses or more, an individual faces a minimum sentence of twenty-five years and up to a $200,000 fine.
In addition to prison time and financial strain, these charges are considered violent and serious offenses. They may come with the additional consequences of no probation or parole.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, you’re in good hands with the attorneys at the Shealey Law Firm. We have a wealth of experience in this area and will work to get you the best possible outcome!
Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine
In South Carolina, possession of at least one gram of cocaine is considered Possession with Intent to Distribute. The fact that someone who allegedly possesses one gram or more of cocaine may not actually intend to sell or distribute the marijuana does not matter. The state will infer intent to distribute solely based on the amount of cocaine allegedly in her possession.
A conviction of PWID cocaine can have serious consequences. For a first offense, an individual may be sentenced up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. For a second offense, she may face up to ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. For three offenses or more, an individual may face anywhere from five to twenty years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000 without the possibility of a suspended sentence, probation, or parole.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a PWID cocaine, the attorneys at Shealey Law Firm are here for you! With years of experience in helping clients through drug charges, the attorneys at Shealey law have the expertise to secure the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
Federal Drug Charge Defense Attorneys in Charleston
At the federal level, drug cases are governed by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Under federal law, it is illegal to manufacture, import, possess, use, or distribute certain substances such as narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, steroids, and other chemicals that have the potential for abuse. These classifications are set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Under the Controlled Substances Act, alcohol, nicotine, and tobacco products are not considered “controlled substances” despite their potential for abuse. Federal drug cases are usually much more thoroughly investigated than your average State level drug case; also, under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, a routine drug arrest, in combination with weapons charge and your criminal history, can have severe penalties, such as mandatory minimum sentencing requirements.
It is important to hire an experienced attorney quickly to navigate the federal system to ensure you get the best outcome. Contact us to evaluate your case.