Charleston Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug crime charges can have life-altering consequences, from hefty fines and prison time to a permanent criminal record. If you’re facing a drug charge in Charleston, South Carolina, get an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. 

At Hopkins Law Firm, our Charleston drug crime lawyers guide you through the legal process so you can make informed decisions every step of the way.

Our legal team brings decades of combined experience to your case. We provide aggressive legal representation for clients charged with drug crimes. 

Whether you’ve been arrested for drug possession, drug trafficking, or another drug crime, we know how to protect you against a conviction. To learn more, meet with one of our Charleston criminal defense lawyers and discuss your case. 

Why Choose Hopkins Law Firm?

The Charleston drug crime attorney you choose makes all the difference in your case. At Hopkins Law Firm, we believe legal representation is more than just a service—it’s a partnership.

Our criminal defense lawyers prioritize your case, giving you personalized attention, practical solutions, and principled legal guidance throughout your litigation. 

We know the Charleston courts, prosecutors, and South Carolina drug laws. Our criminal defense lawyers share FAQs and other resources with our clients. If you have legal concerns or questions at any point, we’ll address them immediately. 

Our attorneys have a track record of success and have defended our clients against a wide range of drug charges. On top of that, we care about you and your case and make sure that you understand your legal rights and options.

Allow us to fight tirelessly to protect your freedom and future. Contact us, and we can start building your legal defense strategy today.

Types of Drug Charges in South Carolina

South Carolina has strict drug laws, and criminal charges vary depending on the substance, quantity, and circumstances. Our drug crime lawyers in Charleston handle all types of drug charges, including:

• Drug possession: Being found with illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription
• Possession with intent to distribute (PWID): Possessing large quantities of drugs, suggesting intent to sell or distribute
• Drug trafficking: Transporting, distributing, or manufacturing drugs, often with harsh penalties
• Drug manufacturing: Producing controlled substances, such as operating a meth lab 
• Paraphernalia charges: Possession of items used to consume, produce, or distribute drugs
• Prescription fraud: Obtaining prescription medications through fraudulent means
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs: Ignoring South Carolina’s laws relative to impaired driving and operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs
• Exposing a child to methamphetamine: Producing methamphetamine in the presence of a child or exposing a minor to the manufacturing process or dangerous chemicals associated with it
• Money laundering related to the drug trade: Combining money from drug trade activities with legitimate businesses or transactions
• Drug conspiracy: Agreeing with other people to manufacture or distribute controlled substances, regardless of whether the act is completed

Consider how a criminal defense lawyer can help you fight charges in South Carolina. If you decide not to do anything after being charged with a drug crime, the prosecutor in your case will work hard to punish you to the full extent of the law.

On the other hand, if you have legal representation, you are well-equipped to defend against a drug conviction. 

What Will Happen if You Receive a Charleston Drug Crime Conviction?

Those convicted of a drug crime can be imprisoned and have to pay fines. Drug crime penalties increase if you are convicted of a felony instead of a misdemeanor. In addition, you are subject to steep penalties if you have repeat drug offense convictions.

In some drug cases, South Carolina provides alternatives to incarceration. These alternatives include:

• Drug courts: Provide drug treatment and supervision to eligible offenders
• Diversion programs: Require first-time, non-violent offenders to receive drug treatment and counseling and meet other program requirements
• Probation: Allows an offender to be released into the community under supervision, with conditions like drug testing or counseling
• Community service: Gives an offender an opportunity to perform unpaid work that benefits the community

In your case, Charleston drug crime lawyers can determine if these or other alternatives to incarceration are available. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution that allows you to avoid a jail or prison sentence. 

What You Need to Know About South Carolina’s Drug Schedule and Its Legal Implications on Your Case

Your drug crime attorney in Charleston can teach you about South Carolina’s drug schedule, which is used to classify controlled substances. South Carolina follows a five-schedule system (I through V). It classifies controlled substances based on their potential for abuse, dependency risk, and accepted medical use. 

Schedule I substances are the most dangerous. Heroin, ecstasy, and LSD are three drugs that fall into this category. If you are convicted of a drug crime involving a Schedule I substance, you can face a prison sentence of one year or longer and fines totaling tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Comparatively, Schedule V substances are considered the least severe. These substances can include Robitussin AC and other cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters. If you are convicted of any drug offenses involving these substances, you may be subject to imprisonment and fines.  

When Can You Be Charged with a Marijuana Crime in Charleston? 

Marijuana is illegal in South Carolina. As such, if you are found using, producing, or selling marijuana, you can be arrested for a drug crime. Charleston drug crime lawyers focus on delivering case results that truly matter to you. They can provide you with insights into South Carolina’s marijuana crimes, which include: 

• Possession
• Cultivation
• Sale 
• Distribution
• Possession of drug paraphernalia 

The penalties of a marijuana crime depend on whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony and if you have prior convictions. For a first misdemeanor conviction, you could face up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $200.

If you are convicted of a felony for the first time, you may receive a prison sentence of up to five years and a $5,000 fine. 

Discuss Your Case with Our Charleston Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Ultimately, drug crimes are incredibly serious. You’re worried about what will happen in the aftermath of your drug charge, but you’re not alone. Charleston drug crime defense attorneys will assist you with your legal matters. Your lawyer will put you in a position to achieve your desired case outcome. 

At Hopkins Law Firm, we stand with our clients. As your drug case moves forward, we will uphold our commitment to fairness, clarity, and compassion and treat you with respect.

Trust a criminal defense attorney from our team to help you with your case. Schedule a case consultation with us today.