Drug Laws in South Carolina
What You Need to Know about Drug Laws in South Carolina
According to drug laws in South Carolina, defendants facing penalties can be punished with a monetary fine and mandatory minimum sentences of up to life in prison with no chance of parole, depending on:
- How much and what type of drugs were involved.
- If the case were brought in state or federal district court.
- How many prior drug offenses a defendant has.
Drug Offenses in South Carolina Carry Enhancements
If you are arrested and have a prior drug conviction, you potentially face a mandatory prison sentence in both State and Federal Court.
Most folks don’t realize that if they are convicted of any drug offense, their next drug offense charge regardless of the charge will be a second drug offense, even if the drugs or charges are totally different from their first offense.
For example, if you are 18 years old and you pay a fine for a Simple Possession of Marijuana charge, this would be your first “drug conviction”. Seven years later, at the age of 25, if you are charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, this is a second drug offense and you will be facing a mandatory minimum of five (5) to (30) years in prison with no parole.
Additional drug penalties include:
- Asset Forfeiture
- Impounding of your car
- Seizure of your home or property if drugs were found on the premises
- Seizure of cash
- Loss of business or professional licenses
- Restrictions on owning guns or firearms
Bubba Cromer served on the House Judiciary Committee, whose job it was to address many of the drug laws on the books today. Contact him today if you have been arrested.