South Carolina Distribution Crimes Law Firm
Arrests on drug crime charges are not always as straightforward as they seem. Distribution, or possession with intent to distribute (PWID), may fall under the same statute as manufacturing crimes and simple possession, but is often more complicated. Different techniques are often used in distribution cases, specifically the use of confidential informants, audio or video surveillance and eyewitnesses.
And just because you may be seen on videotape making a sale or are found with an illegal narcotic in your possession, it does not mean that you are automatically guilty of drug distribution. By challenging the motivation of informants, credibility of witnesses and police procedures, the Lexington drug distribution attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard J. Breibart, LLC, will build a strong defense and protect your rights throughout the entire process. For a free consultation to discuss your drug possession or distribution charges, contact our office online or call 866-645-8743.
Possession with Intent to Distribute in South Carolina
To be charged with possession with intent to distribute, all that must be proved is that you had in your possession a certain quantity of a scheduled drug or that the drugs were packaged in such a way that would suggest sale — even if you weren't intending to sell them. To be charged with drug distribution under South Carolina law, you must be found to possess at least:
- 1 gram of cocaine or crack
- 1 ounce of marijuana
- 2 grains of heroin
- 15 pills of ecstasy or LSD
- 20 milligrams or milliliters of GHB
It doesn't matter if you were not planning on distributing or selling the drugs — simply having these amounts within your possession creates an inference that you intended to distribute, thus elevating the penalties for simple possession. Depending on the scheduled narcotic, first offenses involving distribution in South Carolina can result in anywhere from a year in jail to more than 30 years in prison. These penalties for possession with intent to distribute are harsher for subsequent drug offenses and even further elevated if the alleged act occurred within a half-mile of a school.
Defending Against Drug Distribution Charges
Your right to due process requires that every element of a crime must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt before you can be found guilty. Our narcotics distribution lawyers take every step to create a reasonable doubt — from challenging search and seizure processes to determining whether entrapment or illegal surveillance may have been involved in your arrest. To learn more about how our drug defense attorneys can defend you against your drug trafficking or distribution charges, call 866-645-8743 or contact our office online. We represent client throughout the region, from West Columbia to Charleston and all other places in the state.
