South Carolina has not joined the growing list of states that have liberalized their drug laws. Even possession of marijuana is still a crime, regardless of the amount. Police officers have been known to jail people arrested for any kind of drug possession, including small amounts of marijuana.
Punishments for drug charges in South Carolina depend on the type of substance and the amount of it that police claim that the defendant had in their possession.
● One ounce of marijuana or less can result in a jail sentence of up to 30 days
● Possession of cocaine is punished with up to three years in prison for the first offense
● Heroin possession is punished with up to two years in prison for a first offense
The penalties can escalate both for larger amounts of the drug and a second offense. Many second offenses are treated as felonies that almost always lead to longer jail sentences. Possession with intent to deal is punished even more harshly.
If you have been charged with a drug crime, you do not always have to face the worst possible punishment. You have legal options that include:
● Fighting the charges against you because you are innocent or your legal rights have been violated
● Negotiating to have your charges go through drug court, which is a treatment-based program
● Reaching a plea bargain with the prosecutor that results in a lighter sentence
The important thing is to know that you have options and how to navigate the legal system because there is a wide range of outcomes.
Contact an Anderson County Drug Charges Attorney Today
Timing is critical when you have been arrested on a drug charge. Contact an attorney at Bradley & Perkins online or call us at 864.401.8770 to schedule your free initial consultation.