If you have been charged with drug trafficking in Murrells Inlet, you need an experienced drug trafficking lawyer on your side. At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, our skilled criminal defense attorneys have helped many clients facing serious drug charges fight for their rights and freedoms. We understand the fear and uncertainty you may be feeling, but you do not have to face this difficult situation alone. Our compassionate legal team is here to provide the strong advocacy and support you need during this challenging time.
Drug Trafficking Charges in South Carolina
In South Carolina, drug trafficking is defined as the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute large quantities of illegal controlled substances. The specific drug quantities that trigger trafficking charges vary depending on the substance involved. For example:
- Cocaine: 10 grams or more
- Heroin: 4 grams or more
- Methamphetamine: 10 grams or more
- Marijuana: 10 pounds or more
Drug trafficking convictions carry harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences that increase based on the quantity of drugs involved. For trafficking in 10-100 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine, the penalty is a mandatory minimum of 3 years up to 10 years in prison. For 100-200 grams, the mandatory minimum increases to 7 years up to 25 years in prison. Over 200 grams carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years with a maximum of 30 years in prison.
In addition to lengthy prison terms, a drug trafficking conviction has many other serious consequences that can impact your life for years to come. You may face steep fines, a driver’s license suspension, difficulty finding employment due to a felony record, loss of educational opportunities, and a ruined reputation in the community.
Potential Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Although the penalties for drug trafficking are severe, an arrest is not the same as a conviction. There may be several defense strategies a skilled drug trafficking attorney can use to fight the charges, depending on the unique facts and circumstances of your case. Some common defenses include:
Unlawful Search and Seizure
If the drugs were discovered during an illegal search of your person, vehicle, or home in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, the evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court. Your Murrells Inlet drug trafficking lawyers can file a motion to suppress any evidence obtained from an unlawful search and seizure.
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
To convict you of drug trafficking, prosecutors must prove that you knowingly possessed the drugs and intended to distribute them. If you were unaware that drugs were in your vehicle or home, or you did not intend to sell them, your drug trafficking attorneys may be able to raise a reasonable doubt about these key elements of the offense.
Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. If you were pressured or coerced into participating in a drug deal by an undercover officer or confidential informant, entrapment may be a viable defense.
Importance of Hiring a Murrells Inlet Drug Trafficking Lawyer
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a knowledgeable drug trafficking attorney who knows how to effectively combat serious narcotics charges. A conviction for drug trafficking can result in years behind bars, separation from your family, and the loss of many personal and professional opportunities. You may think you cannot afford a lawyer, but the truth is, you cannot afford to face drug trafficking charges without one.
At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated defense lawyers has a thorough understanding of South Carolina’s drug laws and the most effective strategies to employ in these high-stakes cases. We will carefully analyze all of the evidence, ensure your Constitutional rights are protected, and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you.
Our Murrells Inlet drug trafficking attorneys have the skills and experience to negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction or dismissal of charges when possible and the tenacity to fight for your acquittal at trial if necessary.
Talk To Our Murrells Inlet Drug Trafficking Lawyer
A drug trafficking charge can turn your world upside down and threaten to destroy everything you hold dear. In this frightening and uncertain time, turn to the trusted Murrells Inlet drug lawyers at Swilley Law Firm, LLC. We have the knowledge, skills, and determination to provide the strong defense you need and fight tirelessly to protect your freedom and future. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can make a difference for you.
