Serving How Does a Lawyer Fight My Drug Charges?
With a population of over 4 million people, and numerous interstate highways and posts, South Carolina is considered a main distribution center for illicit substances in the Southeast.
It is illegal in South Carolina to possess, manufacture, or distribute drugs, and if you are charged, court costs will add up quickly. With ample evidence against you, you need a drug crime defense lawyer who can provide the strongest defense available to save you time and money.
In this article, our South Carolina drug crime lawyer discusses the types of drug charges in South Carolina and possible defenses to combat such charges.
Types of Drug Charges in South Carolina
South Carolina recognizes the following drug offenses:
- Possession: Having illegal substances for personal use
- Distribution: Selling drugs in exchange for money or other goods
- Manufacturing: The process of producing drugs
- Trafficking: Illegal transportation and handling of illegal substances
- Possession with intent to distribute: This may be proven by the amount of drugs in your possession (if it exceeds a threshold weight) or through witness testimony
- Conspiracy: Developing a plan to commit a drug-related offense
Affirmative Defenses for Drug Charges
If you have been charged with a drug offense, the following defenses may be available to you:
Illegal Search and Seizure
It is not uncommon for law enforcement to not follow proper protocols. If a police officer searches your home without a warrant or probable cause, then the evidence found against you will be excluded in court.
Insufficient Evidence
A prosecutor must have enough evidence to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is a lack of evidence to prosecute you, then the charges against you will likely be dismissed.
Not Being Read Your Rights
If a police officer intends to question an arrestee, the officer is required to read them their Miranda rights. These are the rights that are contained in the Fifth Amendment, protecting you from self-incrimination.
A police officer must let you know that you have the right to remain silent and the right to call an attorney. If these rights are not explained to you, then any testimony you give under police interrogation cannot be used against you at trial.
Police Misconduct
Police officers have various tactics to get a suspect to provide testimony. Tactics using threats or coercion violate the law. Any testimony that is given as a result of bad practices will be discarded.
Schedule a Consultation with our South Carolina Drug Crime Lawyer Today
Anyone facing drug charges may think that their situation is hopeless. In recent years, police officers have been cracking down on drug offenses, making them more likely to be facing these charges.
If you are facing drug charges, do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC. Contact us online or by calling 843-488-4321 to schedule your consultation today.