Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Columbia, SC
A drug crime conviction comes with serious consequences, many that will follow you for the rest of your life. South Carolina has some of the harshest penalties for drug offenders, including significant jail time, steep fines, and revoking of voting rights.
Even if you played a small part in a drug operation, you can still be prosecuted. Do not think that your punishment will only be the time you serve. Collateral consequences of a drug conviction include the inability to find employment, housing and even losing visitation rights.
I am Jonathan Harvey, a defense attorney with more than 40 years of criminal law experience, including experience as a state prosecutor. If you are facing a drug crime charge, I am committed to working with you every step of the way.
Drug Trafficking and Penalties
Drug trafficking is the possession, transporting, or distribution of illicit substances. Trafficking penalties will depend largely on whether you are being charged in state or federal court, the type of drug, the drug amount in your possession, and any prior convictions.
Penalties for a Federal Conviction
Although marijuana has been legalized and decriminalized, you may be charged with trafficking if you are in possession of, distributing, or transporting a significant amount. Below are the federal penalties for marijuana trafficking:
100 Kilograms to 999 Kilograms Marijuana Mixture or Marijuana Plants
- First Offense: Five to 40 years in prison. If death or serious bodily injury occurred, 20 years to life in prison. Individuals may be fined $5 million, and more than one person may be fined $25 million.
- Second Offense: 10 years to life in prison. If death or serious bodily injury occurred, life in prison. Individuals may be fined $20 million or $75 million if there is more than one person.
1,000 Kilograms or More of Marijuana Mixture or 100 or More Marijuana Plants
- First Offense: 10 years to life in prison. If death or serious bodily injury occurred, a minimum of 20 years in prison, but no more than life, individuals may be fined $10 million. $50 million if not an individual.
- Second Offense: 20 years to life in prison. If death or serious bodily injury occurred, life in prison. Maximum fine of $20 million for individuals, $75 million if other than an individual.
Penalties for a State Conviction
In South Carolina, drug trafficking is considered a felony offense. Anyone in possession of ten pounds or more of marijuana will be charged with drug trafficking in South Carolina.
South Carolina imposes the following penalties based on the following quantities of marijuana:
Ten pounds to 100 pounds
- First Offense: One to ten years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
- Second Offense: Five to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $15,000.
- Third or Subsequent Offense: Mandatory imprisonment of 25 years and a fine of $25,000.
100 pounds to 2,000 pounds or 100 to 1,000 Marijuana Plants
Mandatory imprisonment of 25 years and a fine of $25,000
2,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds or 1,000 to 10,000 Marijuana Plants
Mandatory imprisonment of 25 years and a fine of $50,000
With each increase in quantity, the prison term and fines increase substantially. Having dedicated counsel on your side is crucial to a successful case.
Do Not Delay: Contact Our Richland County Drug Crimes Attorney
A drug trafficking conviction comes with severe penalties that can damage your reputation and affect your ability to live a normal life. If you have been charged with a drug crime in South Carolina, contact my office today by completing the online intake form or by calling 803-779-3363 to schedule your case evaluation.