If charged with a drug crime, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys of Robert J. Reeves P.C. Rather than plead guilty, let us evaluate your arrest and see if the State can prove you guilty. After all, a drug crime charge is not the same as a conviction. Furthermore, our lawyers support NORML in their efforts to eliminate drug crime penalties for marijuana offenses. As a result, we focus our criminal drug crime practice on marijuana arrests.

SO WHY HIRE OUR MARIJUANA DEFENSE LAWYERS

• 27 years trial experience in both criminal and civil courts (RJR)
• Former York County South Carolina prosecutor (Zac Fry)
• Supporting members National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
• Personally available to clients by cell phone or direct email

HOW WE DEFEND DRUG CRIME CHARGES

Because most drug crime defenses involve police procedure, Zac Fry looks at the stop and then the search. Rather than focus on the drugs, we look to see if the police followed proper procedure. Consequently, if there are search and seizure issues, we file Motions to suppress or even dismiss cases. Due to this era of less privacy and government overreach, it is critical to protect your Constitutional rights. After all, the defense of your rights affects everyone’s rights. As a result, we fight tirelessly to make sure the State can prove you guilty. That’s our solemn promise to every client.

DRUG CRIME MARIJUANA PENALTIES

SIMPLE POSSESSION

While a misdemeanor, a judge can order up to 30 days in jail and up to $200 in fines for a first offense. Also, people visiting from States where marijuana is legal get in trouble here where it is still illegal. But here is the good news.  As a result of legislative grace, first offenses qualify for the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program. In addition, your charges are dismissed if completed. However, subsequent arrests for simple possession carry up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. See S.C. Code Annotated Section 44-53-37(d)(4).

POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE, DISTRIBUTION, OR MANUFACTURING

Because simple possession is relatively minor, many people think all marijuana charges are basically the same. Unfortunately, they are not. In fact, things quickly escalate if you have too much or try to sell even to friends. Rather, a first offense gets you up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Subsequent charges carry up to 10 years / $10,000 and 5-20 years / $20,000. In addition, criminal defense fees also increase dramatically. So never have more than half an ounce on you just to be safe. See S.C. Code Annotated Section 44-53-370(b)(2).

TRAFFICKING MARIJUANA

Because marijuana arrests depend on weight, you face the most serious charges at 10 pounds or more. However, at this level, you probably are a true drug dealer. Hopefully, you have a criminal defense lawyer on speed dial. Just so you will know, a first offense carries up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Subsequent arrests are substantially worse. In addition, all offenses that carry 20 years or more are not eligible for parole. Consequently, the best option if arrested for trafficking is to flee the country like in the movies. Just kidding. See S.C. Code Annotated Section 44-53-370(e)(1).

DISTRIBUTION WITHIN PROXIMITY OF SCHOOL

Lastly, it is a separate crime to buy or sell marijuana within a one-half mile of a school. In addition, this law applies to a public playground or park, trade school, or college or university. Furthermore, this charge is a felony and carries up to 10 years and up to $10,000. So consider your options carefully when buying weed to sell at the next fraternity party. Rather than risking a felony, just drink beer instead. See S.C. Code Annotated Section 44-53-445.