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South Carolina takes drug crimes seriously and prosecutes these cases aggressively. If you were charged with a South Carolina drug crime such as Drug Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute, Drug Trafficking, or Drug Manufacturing, Bouley Law can help.
Jennifer Bouley is a committed and talented drug crime lawyer who leaves no stone unturned when she defends her clients. She is a caring and compassionate advocate who will work tirelessly to uncover every fact and legal defense that can be used to reduce the severity of the penalties you face or result in the dismissal of your case.
To learn more and begin preparing your defense, contact a drug crime lawyer at Bouley Law today.
The most common drug crime charges in South Carolina include Drug Possession, Possession of Drugs with Intent to Distribute (Drug Trafficking), and drunk driving charges involving controlled substances.
The penalties for a drug crime conviction are severe and can have a negative and long-lasting impact on your life and your future. A drug crime conviction can result in hefty fines, loss of your driver’s license, and loss of your freedom. In addition, having a criminal conviction on your record can make it more difficult to secure housing or find a suitable job and may exclude you from many colleges and trade schools and certain professions.
The penalties for a South Carolina drug crime conviction vary based on the type and amount of the drug involved, whether you were charged with possession, distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing, and whether you have a prior criminal record.
Someone charged with possession of less than one ounce of marijuana faces up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $100-$200 for a first offense, and up to 1 year in jail and a fine of $200-$1,000 for a second offense.
Possession of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other Schedule I & II drugs is punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 for a first offense, and 5 years or more and higher fines for subsequent offenses.
Distribution of marijuana is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 for a first offense and up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses.
Distribution of cocaine or methamphetamine is punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for a first offense and 5 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $50,000 for subsequent offenses.
Distribution of heroin is punishable by up to 7 to 25 years in prison. Subsequent offenses carry a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
Charges of drug trafficking and drug manufacturing are typically based on the weight of the drug, and possession of certain amounts of a controlled substance can be used as prima facie evidence that a defendant was engaged in drug trafficking or drug manufacturing.
A person in possession of more than 10 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine can be charged with the crime of “trafficking in methamphetamine or cocaine base.”
Proximity to Schools: South Carolina imposes additional penalties when drug crimes occur within a half-mile of a school or park, including an additional 10-year sentence for drug trafficking.
Prior Convictions: Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties, meaning you face harsher penalties if you have prior drug convictions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal agencies may become involved when drug crimes cross state lines or involve large quantities of drugs. Someone facing federal drug crime charges faces even harsher penalties that often include mandatory minimum prison sentences in federal prison.
Bouley Law can evaluate your situation and mount a vigorous defense against South Carolina drug crime charges. Attorney Bouley will carefully explain the specific charges, the penalties you face if you are convicted, and how the criminal process will unfold. She will thoroughly evaluate your case and independently investigate the charges against you to identify all potential legal and factual defenses.
Bouley Law will develop a custom defense strategy designed to address the specific facts in your case. Attorney Bouley will try to negotiate a fair plea deal. But when trial is the only option, she is not afraid to go to court to defend her clients. She will file pre-trial motions that seek to have unlawfully obtained evidence excluded and that could lead to a significant reduction in charges or even dismissal of your case. When necessary, she is prepared to take your case to trial.
South Carolina drug crime lawyer Jennifer Bouley is a talented and committed advocate and a staunch defender of the rights of the accused. Located in Beaufort County, she is proud to defend people facing drug crime charges throughout South Carolina. In every case she takes on, Attorney Bouley conducts a detailed investigation and carefully analyzes the applicable law as she works to build a compelling defense designed to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients.
If you were charged with a drug crime, contact a lawyer at Bouley Law today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case and how we can help.
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