South Carolina Drug Trafficking Attorney

If you are under investigation for a drug trafficking offense, you should be aware that a conviction comes with severe penalties. Unlike other drug offenses, drug trafficking is always considered a felony under state law. After your sentence is completed, you will have a permanent criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life.

Defending a felony charge can be intimidating and requires the services of an experienced South Carolina drug trafficking attorney.

What is Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking is possession of a large quantity of illegal substances. In most situations, individuals who exceed a certain threshold of a controlled substance in their possession will be charged with trafficking. Different controlled substances will be assigned certain weight limits that constitute drug trafficking charges.

For instance, under South Carolina Code §44-53-370 (e)(1), a person who knowingly sells, manufactures, cultivates, delivers, purchases, or brings into this State, or who provides financial assistance or otherwise aids, abets, attempts, or conspires to sell, manufacture, cultivate, deliver, purchase, or bring into this State, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession or who knowingly attempts to become in actual or constructive possession of ten pounds or more of marijuana will be found guilty of trafficking. On the other hand, a person found in possession of ten grams or more of cocaine will be guilty of trafficking cocaine.

Someone who is found in possession of these controlled substances at a lesser volume could be charged with possession with intent to distribute. A lesser offense, possession with intent to distribute, typically has alternative sentencing options (such as probation or parole). Unfortunately, these options are not available for trafficking charges.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking

Penalties will vary based on prior offenses and the amount in your possession. Below, we discuss the penalties associated with trafficking marijuana:

Marijuana Trafficking

Ten to 100 Pounds of Marijuana:

First Offense: 1-10 years in prison without probation or parole and a fine of $10,000.

Second Offense: 5-20 years in prison without probation or parole and a fine of $15,000.

Third or Subsequent Offense: Mandatory imprisonment of 25 years without probation or parole and a fine of $25,000.

100 to 2,000 Pounds of Marijuana:

Mandatory imprisonment of 25 years without probation or parole and a fine of $25,000.

2,000 to 10,000 Pounds of Marijuana:

Mandatory imprisonment of 25 years without probation or parole and a fine of $50,000.

More Than 10,000 Pounds of Marijuana:

25-30 years in prison, with a mandatory term of 25 years, no probation or parole, and a fine of $200,000.

Powerful Representation Against Drug Trafficking Charges

At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, our drug trafficking attorney provides advocacy to those facing trafficking allegations. We understand the pressure that you are under in being accused of a crime, so we will work with you to make you comfortable through each step of the court process.

There are often several defenses available to those accused of drug trafficking. For example, if a police officer found the drugs in your vehicle, you may have been unaware that they were there in the first place. Lack of intent is only one of the potential defenses that may be available to you. Our South Carolina drug trafficking attorney will review your case to craft a defense that is tailored to your situation.

Fierce Representation from a South Carolina Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking charges require experienced representation. Whether you have been arrested or charged, our drug trafficking attorney is here to answer any of your questions or concerns. To schedule your free consultation to learn more, contact the office by phone or by completing the online contact form.