If you have been accused of trafficking a controlled substance, it is essential to understand that your freedom is at risk. These charges carry steep penalties that could keep you behind bars for years if convicted. The good news is that you have the right to fight back with the help of a seasoned drug defense attorney.
You have rights when you are accused of wrongdoing. The United States Constitution protects throughout the criminal justice process, and having the support of a Spartanburg drug trafficking lawyer gives you the best chance at success. Call Ellis Hinton today to speak with our team of diligent legal professionals with former federal prosecuting experience.
In Spartanburg, the crime of drug trafficking is different compared to how the federal government defines the offense. On the federal level, this charge relates exclusively to transporting controlled substances over state lines. There is also no need for the government to establish that the accused planned on selling or distributing large amounts of the illicit substance.
In the state, this offense is based entirely on the amount of drugs possessed by an individual. The threshold amount varies from one drug to the next. In some cases, having as little as a few ounces will lead to trafficking charges. With other drugs, you could have several pounds without being charged. Some example thresholds include the following:
Understanding these cut-off points is important, given the heightened penalties that come with this offense. A drug trafficking attorney in Spartanburg can provide insight into when this offense applies.
Determining the potential consequences of a conviction for drug trafficking in Spartanburg can be difficult without a lawyer. This is because the penalties depend on the type and amount of drugs in question.
The specific substance involved impacts possible sentences on its own. For example, a case involving 10 pounds of marijuana can lead to between one and 10 years in prison. However, being found guilty of having the minimum amount of cocaine to qualify as trafficking results in at least three years of incarceration.
These penalties only increase when the volume of drugs goes up. A person convicted of trafficking between 100 and 1,000 pounds of marijuana could spend up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
The criminal history of the accused is also relevant. First-time offenders will typically face lighter penalties than those with prior drug convictions on their record, but this could add substantial prison time in some situations.
It is important to remember that these penalties are not automatically applied the moment you are arrested. The state must convict you of the crime before you can be sentenced, and a conviction is never guaranteed. A strong defense could let you walk away from this process with a clean record.
Being accused of a drug offense is a serious situation that carries substantial legal implications. Given the high stakes, attempting to resolve these cases on your own is never in your best interest.
Contact a Spartanburg drug trafficking lawyer with our firm to discuss your options. Our reliable criminal defense attorneys are based in Greenville, servicing SC and beyond.
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