Knowing your options when facing drug distribution charges is essential for you and your future. An experienced South Carolina criminal defense attorney can help you understand the potential consequences you face and fight for freedom on your behalf.
What is drug distribution?
Drug distribution refers to the selling, distributing, and delivering of illegal substances. Among the many drug-related charges, drug distribution is the most common.
South Carolina law not only makes it illegal to sell drugs but also to distribute drugs. While the two may sound the same, there is a difference.
When someone sells drugs, they typically give someone drugs in exchange for payment, like cash. Distributing drugs, on the other hand, does not need to involve any monetary exchange. Giving someone drugs for free or sharing drugs can result in a drug distribution charge.
The severity of drug possession charges, possession with intent to distribute charges, or drug trafficking charges are determined by the drug substance quantity or weight. Drug distribution charge severity, however, is not. Any amount of illegal substances being transferred from one person to another could entail a drug distribution charge.
Penalties for Drug Distribution Charges in South Carolina
The quantity of drugs does not determine penalties for drug distribution in South Carolina, but rather the type of illegal substance and any record of past offenses.
For marijuana, the penalties include the following:
- First Offense: Fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum of 5 years in prison
- Second Offense: Fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum of 10 years in prison
- Third Offense: Fine of up to $20,000 and a maximum of 20 years in prison
Consequences for charges involving cocaine, crack cocaine, meth, and heroin include the following:
- First Offense: Fine of up to $25,000 and a maximum of 15 years in prison
- Second Offense: Fine of up to $50,000, a minimum of 5 years in prison, and a maximum of 30 years
- Third Offense: Fine of up to $50,000, a minimum of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of 30 years
For MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly), penalties include the following:
- First Offense: Fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum of five years in prison
- Second Offense: Fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum of 10 years in prison
- Third Offense: Fine of up to $20,000, a minimum of 5 years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years
Consequences for charges involving LSD include:
- First Offense: Fine of up to $25,000 and a maximum of 15 years in prison
- Second Offense: Fine of up to $50,000, a minimum of 5 years in prison, and a maximum of 30 years
- Third Offense: Fine of up to $50,000, a minimum of 10 in prison, and a maximum of 30 years
Depending on the exact details of your charges, drug distribution charges could result in severe penalties that affect your future. Therefore, it’s critical to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Potential Defenses for Drug Distribution Charges
Among the many jobs of a defense attorney, crafting a strong defense for your charges is one of the most important. Every defendant’s defense is unique, as it depends on the details of your alleged crime and charges, but some of the common defenses for drug distribution charges include:
- Mistaken identity
- Entrapment
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Chain of custody issues
When you hire a qualified South Carolina criminal defense lawyer, you can feel confident knowing your case is in the most capable hands.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Drug Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged with drug distribution, do not wait to consult with a criminal defense lawyer.
The Law Office of Mo Abusaft has been helping clients facing criminal charges for years. We want to help protect your rights and fight for your future.
We proudly serve clients in Spartanburg, SC, and the surrounding area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.