Possession and other activities involving narcotics and other controlled substances are serious crimes in Greenville and prosecuted vigorously. While some other states have legalized marijuana, South Carolina has not. Facing a drug crime charge is a serious matter that can lead to jail or prison time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record accessible on a routine background check. Your future ability to gain employment, secure housing, obtain professional licenses or educational financial aid can be jeopardized.
Because of the serious consequences you could be facing in any drug charge, you should seek experienced legal representation from a Greenville drug lawyer as soon as possible. At Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, you can work with a former prosecutor who is deeply familiar with the local court system, the pertinent laws, and procedures used by law enforcement and the courts in and around Greenville and Spartanburg. With his background as a prosecutor, Chris L. Jones knows what to expect and how the other side works which can help us create a more effective defense.
Types of Drug Offenses in Greenville
Drug crimes under the law include:
- Drug possession
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Distribution
- Drug manufacture
- Drug trafficking
These crimes involve controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other street drugs as well as opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and more. Possession and distribution of unauthorized prescription drugs is a serious offense.
Your charges in any drug crime will depend on what type of drug was found, how much of it was in your possession, whether it was intended for distribution, and other relevant facts and circumstances, including your prior criminal history. A skilled lawyer in Greenville could help you better understand the nature of the drug charges against you.
Penalties for Different Drug Offenses
The consequences of a drug charge depend largely on the quantity and type of drug involved. The circumstances of the case and the existence of any prior offenses can also impact the penalties associated with a drug charge. Charges can range from misdemeanors, which are less serious, to felonies, which have more severe consequences. A seasoned Greenville South Carolina drug attorney could work to mitigate the penalties associated with different offenses.
Prescription Drugs
The possession of prescription drugs is considered a misdemeanor and can include a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. A second offense can lead to a fine of up to $2,000 and a year in jail, or both.
Marijuana
Marijuana is still illegal in South Carolina. Even the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal. The consequences of marijuana can lead to the following:
- Simple Possession (28 grams or less) or a 1st offense: up to 30 days in jail
- Distribution of Marijuana, 1st offense: up to 5 years in jail and/or up-to a $5,000 fine.
- Trafficking (more than 2,000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds, or between 1,000 and 10,000 plants): mandatory sentence of 25 years and $50,000 fine.
- Trafficking (more than 10,000 pounds or 10,000 plants): between 25 and 30 years and a fine of $200,000.
Xanax
Xanax is illegal unless you have a valid prescription. Controlled substances include street drugs like marijuana and cocaine, but also include prescription medications for which you do not have a valid prescription like Xanax or Oxycodone. Drug paraphernalia is anything used to make or use controlled substances like pipes and syringes. If you have enough of a certain drug, you could be charged with Possession With Intent to Distribute. Other enhancements to drug charges could be for selling prescription drugs, prescription forgery, or selling drugs to a minor.
CBD
CBD is legal in Greenville. However, CBD that contains too much THC is illegal, which an attorney could explain in more detail.
Contact a Greenville Drug Attorney Today
If you are facing charges for a drug offense, you may feel as though you have no options. Fortunately, this is not the case. Defenses can and do exist in relation to drug crimes. However, you will need the services of a dedicated Greenville drug lawyer who knows how to challenge the state’s case against you.
At Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, you will receive personalized and direct communication from our Greenville drug lawyer who has valuable relationships with district attorneys and other court personnel and who is experienced in the courtroom. All of this can work in your favor as we seek to achieve optimum results on your behalf. Contact us today to get started.
