Serious Possession of Cocaine and Marijuana Lawyers in Greenville
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our possession of cocaine and marijuana lawyers in Greenville have successfully defended clients in drug crimes cases throughout South Carolina, because we know the consequences of a conviction and what it can mean to your personal and professional livelihood.
Our Greenville County defense lawyers also know that there are many different scenarios in which our residents can be arrested for drug crimes, and each detail of their arrest is important to how the charges will be filed by the solicitor’s office — and, more importantly, what the severity of those charges will mean to their futures.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with possession, possession with intent to distribute, distribution, or trafficking cocaine or marijuana, contact our experienced drug crimes defense attorneys in Greenville today to schedule a consultation to learn about your rights and legal options before your first court date arrives.
Is Possession of Marijuana Illegal in Greenville, South Carolina?
Whether you call it marijuana, weed, or pot, it is all illegal in the State of South Carolina.
If you are caught with marijuana or drug paraphernalia like a pipe, bong, or even roach clips without the drug inside you can be charged with possession of either product.
You can be charged with simple possession of weed or marijuana in South Carolina after being caught with at least 28 grams of marijuana, which is the equivalent of one ounce.
The penalties for a misdemeanor simple possession of marijuana or possession of drug paraphernalia can result in up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
When Can I Be Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana in Greenville, South Carolina?
Possession of marijuana that weighs more than 28 grams but fewer than ten pounds may result in marijuana possession with intent to distribute (PWID) charges.
Simply put, the law enforcement officials who arrested you believed you intended to do more with that amount of marijuana than consume it for personal use.
Other signs you may be intending to sell the product may include how it is packaged, whether you have scales or measuring tools to break it into smaller amounts to distribute more easily.
The penalties for PWID marijuana are felony charges that will be based on whether you have any previous offenses.
They include:
- First Offense: Up to five years jail time, and fines up to $5,000
- Second Offense: Up to ten years jail time, and fines up to $10,000
- Third Offense: Five to 20 years jail time, and fines up to $20,000
If you are facing possession with intent to distribute marijuana charges in South Carolina, contact our experienced Greenville criminal defense attorneys today, so we can assess your circumstances and outline any potential weaknesses in the solicitor’s case against you, so together we can pursue the best outcome for your unique charges.
When Does Possession with Intent to Sell Marijuana Become Trafficking Charges in Greenville, South Carolina?
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana may quickly increase to felony marijuana trafficking charges when you are caught selling or transporting large quantities of the drug.
These charges are also based on the amount you are arrested with, and whether you have any previous offenses.
The following penalties reflect the possession of marijuana in weights of 10-99 pounds:
- First Offense: One to five years jail time, and fines up to $10,000
- Second Offense: Five to 20 years jail time, and fines up to $15,000
- Third Offense: 25 years jail time, and fines up to $25,000
The following penalties reflect the felony possession of marijuana in weights over 99 pounds, whether it is your first offense or not:
- 100 – 1,999 pounds: 25 years jail time, and a fine of $25,000
- 2,000 – 9,999 pounds: 25 years jail time, and a fine of $50,000
- 10,000 pounds or more: 25 – 30 years with a mandatory minimum of 25 years jail time, and a fine of $200,000
Marijuana trafficking charges are very serious and require an experienced criminal defense attorney in Greenville, South Carolina to pursue the best outcome, and our drug crimes attorneys in Greenville are available today to discuss your case.
What are the Charges for Possession of Cocaine in Greenville, South Carolina?
Possession of cocaine in Greenville, South Carolina is the least severe charge associated with the drug type.
However, the charge of possession is subjective, based on our drug laws.
- Actual possession of cocaine is the act of having physical control of the drug on your person.
- Constructive possession of cocaine only requires that you knew it existed and could control where it was, even when it was not on your person and was in the car you were driving.
What are the Penalties for Possession of Cocaine in Greenville, South Carolina?
Like marijuana possession, cocaine possession penalties are outlined by weight and according to the number of offenses the person has.
For cocaine possession charges of up to one gram, they include:
- First Offense: Up to three years in jail, and a fine of up to $5,000
- Second Offense: Up to five years in jail, and a fine of up to $7,500
- Third or Any Subsequent Offense: Up to 10 years in jail, and a fine of up to $12,500
When the amount of cocaine possession is one gram or more, the charges can cross the threshold of possession with into to distribute, it is charged as a felony, whether it is your first offense or not, and the penalties also increase dramatically.
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine penalties in South Carolina include:
- First Offense: Up to 15 years of jail time, and fines up to $25,000
- Second Offense: Five to 30 years jail time, and fines up to $50,000
- Third or Subsequent Offense: Ten to 30 years jail time, and fines up to $50,000
Trafficking Cocaine is a Felony in South Carolina
If you are caught in possession of ten grams or more of cocaine in South Carolina, you will be charged with trafficking.
As outlined with the other possession of cocaine and marijuana charges, drug offenses are graduated offenses, which means each time a person is convicted of a drug case, the penalties may increase.
They include felony trafficking charges for possession of ten to 28 grams of cocaine:
First Offense: Three to ten years jail time, and a fine of $25,000
Second Offense: Five to 30 years jail time, and a fine of $50,000
Third or Subsequent Offense: 25 to 30 years jail time, and a fine of $50,000
As the weight of cocaine in your possession increases, so will the penalties, potentially leading to a life sentence in jail.
Contact Our Greenville Possession of Cocaine and Marijuana Defense Lawyers at the David W. Martin Law Group for a consultation Today
If you have been arrested for possession, possession with intent to distribute, or trafficking cocaine or marijuana in Greenville, South Carolina, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Greenville at the David W. Martin Law Group today by calling (803) 590-1958 to review your case with our experienced lawyers who are here to help you fully understand your charges and all potential solutions that are available for your defense.
