South Carolina Drug Possession Lawyer
December 09, 2022
Experienced Drug Possession Attorney Aggressively Defends Clients Facing Drug Possession Charges in Beaufort County, Jasper, or Throughout SC
South Carolina has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. Even a conviction for possession of drugs intended for personal use carries significant penalties. If you were arrested for drug possession, do not let a mistake ruin the rest of your life. You have options for obtaining a favorable resolution to your charges. A South Carolina drug possession lawyer from The Bannon Law Group, LLC can advocate for your rights and interest. Attorneys Jim and Meredith Bannon have decades of combined experience in South Carolina’s criminal justice system, having worked both on the prosecution and defense side of cases. Our attorneys know what it takes to prepare an effective legal defense to charges of drug possession. We fight as hard as necessary to get you the best possible outcome to your charges.
Don’t leave your freedom and future to chance when facing charges of drug possession. Reach out to our firm today for a confidential consultation to speak to a knowledgeable South Carolina drug possession lawyer about your legal rights and options for pursuing a favorable result in your case and preventing the most serious consequences of a conviction from impacting your life.
Charges a South Carolina Drug Possession Lawyer from The Bannon Law Group LLC Can Help You With
A South Carolina drug possession lawyer can provide you with a vigorous defense when you are facing drug possession charges such as:
- Possession of marijuana or hashish
- Possession of cocaine
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of heroin
- Unlawful or unauthorized possession of prescription drugs
- Threatening to harm the victim’s children
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute
Penalties for a Drug Possession Conviction in South Carolina
The penalties for a conviction for simple drug possession in South Carolina can vary depending on the type of drugs involved and whether you have prior convictions for drug possession.
Possession of narcotics listed in Schedule I or Schedule II of South Carolina’s Schedule of Controlled Substances, or possession of LSD is graded as a misdemeanor for a first-time offense, and carries a penalty of up to two years in jail or prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Second offenses are graded as felonies, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Third and subsequent offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
First-time conviction for possession of cocaine is charged as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of up to three years in jail or prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A second offense is charged as a felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $7,500. Third and subsequent offenses have a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison along with a possible fine of up to $12,500.
Possession of any other type of controlled substance is charged as a misdemeanor. A first-time offense carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a possible fine of up to $1,000. A second or subsequent conviction also carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, along with a possible fine of up to $2,000.
How a South Carolina Drug Possession Lawyer from Our Firm Will Fight Your Charges
When you are facing charges of simple drug possession, a South Carolina drug possession lawyer from The Bannon Law Group, LLC can help you prepare and pursue a legal defense in your case by:
- Investigating your arrest and the underlying facts in your case to obtain evidence we can use in your defense.
- Identifying potential factual or legal defenses available to you.
- Going over your legal rights and options and what you can expect to occur at every stage of your criminal case.
- Exploring alternatives to criminal prosecution that may be available to you, such as drug court.
- Challenging aspects of the state’s case, such as moving to exclude evidence of drugs that may have been seized from you in an unconstitutional search.
- Negotiating for a favorable plea deal, where the circumstances of your case deem a plea agreement appropriate.
- Going to trial, if you choose, and advocating on your behalf to fight for an acquittal for you on your charges.
Contact The Bannon Law Group LLC for a Confidential Case Review to Discuss Your Legal Rights and Options
If you have been arrested for possession of drugs, don’t let a simple mistake caused by an addiction impact the rest of your life. Contact The Bannon Law Group, LLC today for an initial consultation to speak with a South Carolina drug possession lawyer about your legal rights and options for facing your charges.
Contact The Bannon Law Group LLC for a Confidential Case Review to Discuss Your Legal Rights and Options
FAQ: How many years in jail do you get for drug possession? Under South Carolina law, the penalties for conviction for simple possession of controlled substances (i.e. possessing drugs for personal consumption) can vary based on the type of drug that was being possessed and whether you have prior convictions for drug possession. For many types of drugs, a first offense carries a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail, while second and subsequent convictions have a maximum sentence of one year. However, certain drugs such as marijuana and LSD have maximum sentences of two years for a first conviction, and five years for a second and subsequent conviction. Possession of cocaine carries up to three years in jail for a first time conviction and up to five years in prison for a second or subsequent conviction.
FAQ: Is drug possession a felony? A first time conviction for drug possession is normally graded as a misdemeanor. However, second and subsequent convictions for possession of Schedule I and II drugs (e.g. marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, MDMA) will be graded as a felony offense, as you could face up to five years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.