All drug crimes carry the potential for severe consequences, including substantial terms of incarceration. Whether you are charged with drug possession, distribution, or another narcotics crime, you may need the assistance of a Mount Pleasant drug lawyer. Legal counsel may be able to represent your interests and protect your constitutional rights throughout criminal proceedings.
You can face drug charges not only for committing drug offenses but also for attempts to commit drug offenses. Therefore, you could end up with drug charges even if you did not carry out a criminal offense. A criminal defense attorney may be able to inform you of your rights and work with you to devise a clear defense strategy.
What are the Types of Illegal Substance Crimes?
Possible drug charges may include drug possession, prescription drug fraud, drug possession with intent to distribute, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug DUIs, and drug conspiracy. Drug possession is typically the drug charge with the least severe penalties, whereas the ramifications of a drug trafficking or manufacturing charge tend to be harsher.
Drug offenses may involve traditionally illegal substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, as well as prescription drugs that constitute controlled substances, such as opiates or painkillers. A qualified attorney in Mount Pleasant could help someone determine what type of illegal substance offense with which they are being charged.
Misdemeanor and Felony Drug Charges in Mount Pleasant
Some drug charges are misdemeanor offenses, and others are felony offenses. Generally, a conviction on a misdemeanor drug offense will result in a jail sentence of up to one year, while a conviction on a felony drug offense will result in a prison sentence of one year or more. Whether a drug charge is a misdemeanor or felony offense depends on the type of drug, the amount of the drug, and the nature of the criminal offense.
Federal Drug Charges
Although most individuals who commit drug offenses face state criminal charges, defendants can also face federal drug charges. Federal prosecution often occurs in the charges involving large drug distribution schemes that affect interstate commerce or those that cross state boundaries. Overall, as a Mount Pleasant attorney could indicate, penalties for federal drug offenses tend to be more severe than those for state drug offenses.
What are the Consequences of an Illegal Substance Conviction?
In addition to potential incarceration, individuals convicted of drug offenses may be subject to probation for substantial amounts of time. This could impose onerous requirements on them, such as random drug testing, required regular meetings with probation officers, and fees. A felony drug conviction also removes certain civil rights, such as the ability of individuals to possess firearms or hold public office.
A drug conviction that appears on background checks by prospective employers could make it more difficult for individuals to obtain jobs. Specific careers may become impossible to pursue due to a drug conviction. A criminal attorney in Mount Pleasant may be able to assist individuals facing illegal substance charges and work toward the outcome in their cases that is least disruptive to their lives and futures.
Contact a Mount Pleasant Drug Attorney for Help
Drug offenses can be extremely fact-specific, which makes every case different. When facing drug charges, you may benefit from the advice of a Mount Pleasant drug lawyer. Experienced legal counsel may be able to obtain a reduction in charges, leniency in penalties, or even a dismissal of the charges, depending on your circumstances. If you have been arrested on drug charges, do not hesitate to contact an experienced legal team today.
