Facing drug charges in Florence can be a frightening and life-altering experience. A conviction could lead to severe penalties that impact your freedom, finances, and future. In this trying time, you need a knowledgeable drug possession lawyer on your side fighting to protect your rights. At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, our seasoned criminal defense lawyer have successfully represented many clients in Florence and surrounding areas who were accused of drug-related offenses. We are committed to providing aggressive advocacy to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Drug Laws and Penalties in South Carolina
South Carolina imposes harsh penalties for drug crimes. The specific charge and potential sentence depend on factors like the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. For example, possession of marijuana carries lighter penalties than trafficking cocaine or manufacturing methamphetamine. Here is an overview of common drug charges in our state:
- Simple possession (personal use amount)
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug distribution or sales
- Drug trafficking
- Manufacturing controlled substances
Even a misdemeanor drug conviction can result in jail time, heavy fines, and a criminal record that affects housing, employment, and professional licensing. Felony charges carry even more severe, life-changing consequences like long prison sentences and crippling fines.
The stigma of a felony can make it very difficult to find a job, secure a loan, or pursue higher education.
Potential Defenses Against Drug Charges
At Swilley Law Firm, our Florence drug possession lawyers take an individualized approach, carefully examining every detail of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We look for any mistakes or improper conduct by police that may enable us to get evidence thrown out, charges reduced, or your case dismissed. Some common defense strategies include:
- Challenging probable cause for the traffic stop or search
- Proving illegal search and seizure that violates your 4th Amendment rights
- Demonstrating break in the chain of custody of drug evidence
- Arguing that drugs belonged to someone else
- Showing drugs were planted by police or informants
- Raising doubt about the intent to sell or distribute
- Negotiating reduction to a lesser offense
- Seeking alternative sentencing that avoids jail
Our extensive experience enables us to spot issues others may miss. We have a deep understanding of South Carolina drug laws, police procedures, and how local prosecutors and judges handle these cases. Trust our Florence drug possession lawyer to explore every possible angle to fight your drug charges.
Pretrial Intervention and Drug Court Programs
In some cases, we may be able to help you avoid a permanent criminal conviction through a diversion program. For first-time, nonviolent offenders, Pretrial Intervention (PTI) or Drug Court may be an option. These programs emphasize treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration.
PTI is available for those with no prior record facing certain drug charges. After making an application, you may be accepted if the prosecutor’s office agrees. You must abide by conditions such as random drug tests, substance abuse treatment, and avoiding new arrests. Upon successful completion, your charges are dismissed.
Drug Court is an intensive supervision program for those with substance abuse issues. Participants receive comprehensive treatment services and appear frequently before the Drug Court judge. They advance through phases as they maintain sobriety, address their addiction, and demonstrate changed behavior. Graduates will have their charges dismissed and can have the charges expunged from their record.
Not everyone is eligible for these alternatives, but when appropriate, the Swilley Law Firm will work to get clients into a diversion program.
We help many people battling addiction to get the treatment they need.
Why You Need a Skilled Drug Possession Lawyer
Law enforcement aggressively pursues drug cases. Experienced police and prosecutors will use every resource to secure a conviction. You need an equally experienced drug possession attorney to protect your rights.
Drug cases can be highly technical, requiring analysis of police conduct, lab test results, witness statements, and more. A lawyer not well-versed in this complex area can miss important issues.
Your freedom is too important to entrust to an overworked public defender or general practice lawyer who dabbles in criminal law.
Our decades of combined experience mean we can anticipate the prosecution’s tactics and build a solid defense strategy. We have earned a reputation in Florence for providing exceptional representation and client service.
Our team understands the stress a criminal case puts on the accused and their loved ones. We share with clients our personal cell numbers, so you can always reach us with questions or concerns. We keep you informed at each stage and include you in important decisions in your case. You will work directly with your attorney, not get passed off to paralegals or junior associates.
While we cannot promise a specific result, our drug possession lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf. We are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Our skilled litigators use proven trial techniques to sway judges and juries. We Are Always Here for You.
If you have been charged with a drug offense in Florence, do not wait to seek experienced legal representation. These are serious charges that put your freedom and future in jeopardy. Contact the experienced attorneys at Swilley Law Firm, LLC today to arrange a confidential consultation with one of our dedicated drug possession attorneys.
We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and discuss a strategy for fighting the charges.
Remember, you have a limited time after an arrest to make important decisions, so call now to get started on your defense.
