Drug Crime Lawyer In Columbia, SC

Few things are more frightening than being arrested for a drug crime and having the jail door bang closed behind you. What will happen if you are convicted? When can you get out of jail? South Carolina judges and prosecutors take drug crimes seriously and will work day and night to convict you.

Fortunately, the Columbia drug crimes defense attorneys at the Law Office of Sharpe & Leventis have the experience and skill to fight against the state. Just because you have been charged does not mean you committed a crime.

Our attorneys have resolved hundreds of drug cases, and they can do the same for you. We can represent you regardless of the drug crime, from possession to possession with intent to distribute to distribution to trafficking. Also, our drug crimes defense lawyers were born and raised in Columbia and will zealously fight for your rights and freedom.

South Carolina Drug Laws

South Carolina drug laws are stated in the South Carolina Code of Laws Chapter 53. This statute outlines how you will be charged for a particular drug crime, depending on the amount and type of drug in your possession. Other critical factors are whether minors or deadly weapons were involved and any previous criminal history. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances may affect the severity of a potential conviction.

South Carolina Drug Crimes

South Carolina laws describe various crimes, such as simple drug possession for your own use, sales and distribution, drug manufacturing, trafficking, and possessing drug paraphernalia.

Also, the law describes two kinds of possession. The first is actual possession, which means the illegal drug was on your person. The second is constructive possession, which means controlled in your home, car, or office. You can only have controlled substances in your possession when prescribed by a medical doctor.

South Carolina Drug Crime Punishments

Punishments for South Carolina drug crimes depend on various factors, such as type of drug, quantity, and other factors. Drug crimes can be simple misdemeanors or serious felonies. In the most severe cases, you could receive up to 30 years in South Carolina state prison and a maximum fine of $200,000. The most severe cases can also carry mandatory minimum prison sentences of up to 25 years in prison. For many defendants, punishments for a drug conviction are:

Jail or prison sentence
Fines
Community service
Probation
Required enrollment in a drug treatment program

How A Columbia Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Can Help

There is little doubt that a drug charge is a terrifying experience. However, there are several potential defenses to these serious charges, and our attorneys at the Law Office of Sharpe & Leventis will work quickly to determine the best legal options. The four most common drug charge defenses are:

The traffic stop was unlawful, such as a lack of probable cause (or reasonable suspicion in some cases)
Law enforcement conducted an illegal search and seizure of evidence
You were merely present when illegal drugs were discovered, such as being a vehicle passenger
Lack of actual drug possession

Contact Our Columbia Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys Now

Whether you have been charged with a crime involving cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills, marijuana, opioids, heroin, or other drugs, the Law Office of Sharpe & Leventis has the legal experience and skill to assist you. We understand the severity of any drug charge in South Carolina, and we’ll fight for the most favorable case outcome. Please call our Columbia drug crime defense attorneys today for a consultation or contact us using our online form.