Cocaine Charges Attorney Columbia, South Carolina
Protect your freedom by hiring a drug defense lawyer with a proven track record
State and federal law enforcement officials have taken a tough stance against people possessing or selling cocaine. Those efforts have increased in recent years as South Carolina has becoming a link in some international cocaine trafficking networks.
If you are charged with possessing or trafficking or any other cocaine-related charge, you could be fined thousands of dollars and spend years in jail. That's why it's critical that you take your drug charges involving cocaine seriously right from the start.
Even if you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, it's important that you have a lawyer representing you who understands the legal system, including many of the federal drug charges associated with cocaine-related crimes. Whether you're a college student or an older adult who needs an attorney for a cocaine charge, you can rely on Matt Bodman to stand up for you.
What are different types of cocaine charges in South Carolina?
Cocaine charges cover a wide range. Some of the most common charges we deal with at our law firm include:
For a free case evaluation, contact attorney Matt Bodman as soon as possible. We are conveniently located, downtown Columbia, S.C. office.
How can attorney Bodman help me with my cocaine charge?
A former South Carolina Assistant Solicitor, attorney Bodman spent five years prosecuting cases for the state before going into private practice in 2002. There's no substitute for such intense courtroom experience. Matt Bodman builds strong legal cases that consistently produce positive results for clients.
Attorney Bodman focuses on the details. He looks for the facts other lawyers sometimes overlook - inconsistent witness testimony, search warrants filled out incorrectly, or signs of evidence tampering. With attorney Bodman on your side, the scales of justice will tip in your favor.
"Your best interests will always come first at our law firm," Bodman said. "Your case is our priority."
Possession of Cocaine
In South Carolina, possession of cocaine carries severe penalties, even for small amounts of the drug. The penalties vary according to the amount of cocaine involved and if you have been previously charged with cocaine possession:
- Up to 10 grams (First Offense) - Up to $5,000 fine and up to 2 years in jail
- Up to 10 grams (Second Offense) - Up to $5,000 fine and up to 5 years in jail
- Up to 10 grams (Third Offense) - Up to $10,000 fine and up to 5 years in jail
If you have more than 10 grams of cocaine in your possession at the time of your arrest, you will automatically be charged with intent to distribute cocaine, even if you had no intention to do so.
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
This charge refers to the sale or distribution of cocaine, both serious crimes with serious consequences. In this case as well, the amount of the drugs involved and whether you have been previously convicted drug dealing can have dramatic implications. The penalties for intent to distribute cocaine in South Carolina include:
- Any amount - Up to $25,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison
- 10-28 grams - Up to $10,000 fine and 3-10 years in prison
- 28-200 grams - Up to $50,000 fine and 7-25 years in prison
- 200 - 400 grams - Up to $100,000 fine and 10-25 years in prison
- Over 400 grams - Up to $200,000 fine and 15-35 years in prison
- Any amount (Second offense) - Up to $50,000 fine and 5-30 years in prison
- Any amount (Third offense) - Up to $50,000 fine and 15-30 years in prison
South Carolina's drug laws have tougher penalties for distributing larger amounts of cocaine. The minimum amount of cocaine that needs to be transported or distributed to qualify as trafficking is 10 grams. The penalties for trafficking include:
- 10-28 grams (First Offense) - $25,000 fine and 3-10 years in prison
- 10-28 grams (Second Offense) - $50,000 fine and 5-30 years in prison
- 10-28 grams (Third Offense) - $50,000 fine and 25-30 years in prison
- 28-100 grams (First Offense) - $50,000 fine and 7-25 years in prison
- 28-100 grams (Second Offense) - $50,000 fine and 7-30 years in prison
- 28-100 grams (Third Offense) - $50,000 fine and 25-30 years in prison
- 100-200 grams - $50,000 fine and 25 years in prison
- 200-400 grams - $100,000 fine and 25 years in prison
- Over 400 grams - $200,000 fine and 25-30 years in prison
The penalties for cocaine trafficking listed above are for charges classified as felonies. A felony drug conviction in South Carolina can have very severe consequences, which is why you need an experienced attorney to protect your freedom if you or a loved one has been charged or is under investigation.
