Drug crimes are taken seriously in Moncks Corner. You could be sentenced to a term in prison if you are convicted for an offense involving drugs or controlled substances. To avoid or reduce harsh penalties, you could benefit from hiring a Moncks Corner drug lawyer for the criminal allegations that have been made against you.
If you have any prior drug convictions, then it could be imperative that you hire a qualified criminal defense attorney. The penalties for subsequent offenses are more severe. Do not risk your future by attempting to represent yourself against substance accusations.
Drug Laws in Moncks Corner
Chapter 53 of the South Carolina Code of Laws health title outlines activities involving drugs and controlled substances that are prohibited in Moncks Corner and elsewhere in the state. Examples of drug offenses include the following activities:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession with the intent to distribute
- Trafficking controlled substances
- Distribution of controlled substances near a school
- Manufacturing or cultivating a controlled substance
- Conspiring to commit a drug offense
What are Drug Schedules?
Controlled substances are organized into several drug schedules, or categories, according to their risk for addiction or dependency and if there are any accepted medical uses for the substance. The penalties are often higher for drug offenses involving controlled substances with a high risk for dependency and no accepted medical use. An attorney familiar with drug laws could explain the schedules and provide examples of the types of substances listed on each level.
Penalties for Drug Offenses in Moncks Corner
Several penalties could be imposed for drug offenses committed in Moncks Corner. A convicted individual could be fined, incarcerated, placed on probation or parole, and required to complete a drug treatment and rehabilitation program. Additionally, individuals convicted of a felony drug crime could lose certain rights, such as the right to vote in political elections.
What are the Factors in Determining Drug Offense Penalties?
Factors that can determine which penalties are imposed for a particular drug offense include the number of drugs involved, whether it was the first or a subsequent offense, and if a person was merely in possession of the drug or was carrying out a more serious crime, such as trafficking.
For instance, the possession of less than a gram of methamphetamine is a misdemeanor that can be punished by a $5,000 fine and three years in prison for the first offense.
Examples of Felony Drug Crimes
Trafficking more than ten grams of methamphetamine is a felony punishable by a prison sentence ranging from three to 30 years, depending on the amount of substance involved. As another example, distributing drugs near a school is a felony crime. The maximum punishment, if convicted, is a $10,000 fine and a ten-year prison sentence. A legal representative who handles these types of cases in Moncks Corner could explain the penalties for a specific drug offense.
Speak with a Moncks Corner Drug Attorney
A drug conviction could cost you in several ways. From significant fines to incarceration to losing the right to vote, the consequences of a drug conviction can have an impact on your life and future credibility. That is why it is crucial that you work with a Moncks Corner drug lawyer who could mount a strong defense on your behalf.
A dedicated attorney could fight whatever type of charges you are facing and work to secure an optimal outcome for you. Speak with legal counsel about your drug case immediately.
