A drug crime conviction comes with more than severe penalties. It can have a long-lasting effect on a person’s quality of life. That is why you need to start protecting your rights as soon as possible.
Consult a highly skilled criminal defense attorney at Ellis Hinton, LLC, when you get arrested for a drug-related crime. An experienced Greenville drug lawyer can assess the situation, provide valuable advice, and make sure your rights are not being violated.
Without a competent drug lawyer in Greenville consulting you throughout the case, it is easy to make irreversible mistakes. Your legal professional can help with the following:
A lawyer helps break down the charges, explains legal jargon, and walks you through potential consequences. This is necessary to make educated decisions about further legal actions.
A skilled attorney can evaluate the evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the most efficient defenses. They can also uphold the client’s constitutional rights throughout the process.
You can hire a legal professional to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges. If the case goes to trial, a lawyer can present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge evidence.
Convictions can lead to a criminal record, which can impact employment, housing, and more. An attorney can work to minimize or eliminate these long-term effects.
One benefit of a lawyer is their access to forensic experts and other professionals who can challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Drug laws vary by state and jurisdiction. A Greenville drug attorney understands South Carolina laws and can use this knowledge to the client’s advantage. The faster an accused person can contact a lawyer, the easier it will be to develop a robust defense strategy.
Penalties for drug crimes in South Carolina differ depending on the crime as well as the type and amount of drug in question. For example, possession of less than 1 oz. of marijuana can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $200. Meanwhile, possession of heroin or LSD can lead to up to 10 years in jail.
Penalties for possession with intent to distribute can be as serious as 30 years in jail with a $50,000 fine. Meanwhile, drug trafficking could lead to life in prison and a $200,000 fine or more.
The severity of the penalty also depends on the person’s criminal record. Previous drug offenses can significantly increase prison time and fines. A determined drug lawyer in Greenville can leverage several defenses to reduce the charges.
Building a strong defense requires an in-depth investigation of the case, interviewing eyewitnesses, speaking with expert witnesses, exploring local legal nuances, and much more.
If you were arrested for a drug-related crime, consider working with a Greenville drug lawyer at our law office. Since any mistakes you make during the case could lead to a conviction, taking steps without legal counsel is ill-advised.
At Ellis Hinton, LLC, we have decades of experience fighting against drug charges. We are based in Greenville but service the entire state of South Carolina and beyond. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
(864) 775-5775 
