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Charleston Drug Trafficking and Sales Lawyers

Charleston Drug Trafficking and Sales Lawyer

Strong advocacy for defendants charged with serious drug crimes in Charleston

Drug trafficking and sales charges are very serious criminal charges. A conviction will mean lengthy prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we’ll assert all your defenses starting with arguing that the search and seizure of the drugs was illegal. Our Charleston drug trafficking and sales lawyer has 30 years of experience as both a criminal defense lawyer and a former prosecutor. Call us as soon as possible so we can review what happened, assert your defenses, and fight for your freedom.

“Remember, an arrest is not a conviction.”    -    Attorney Hough

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What is drug trafficking?

At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we handle all types of drug crimes, including possession, manufacturing and distribution, and trafficking and sales. The crimes are related, so it’s important to hire a lawyer who understands the similarities and the key differences.

Drug trafficking crimes are based on the amount (or weight) of the drugs and the type of drugs. Drug trafficking doesn’t require that you transport, sell, or distribute the drugs. If you’re in possession of the drugs and the amount/weight criteria are met, you could be charged with drug trafficking.

In South Carolina, you can be charged with drug trafficking if you are in actual or constructive possession of more than:

  • One gram of cocaine
  • One hundred milligrams of alpha- or beta-eucaine
  • Four grains of opium
  • Four grains of morphine
  • Two grains of heroin
  • One hundred milligrams of isonipecaine
  • Twenty-eight grams or one ounce of marijuana
  • Ten grams of hashish
  • Fifty micrograms of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or its compounds
  • Fifteen tablets, capsules, dosage units, or the equivalent quantity of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
  • Twenty milliliters or milligrams of gamma hydroxybutyric acid or a controlled substance analogue of gamma hydroxybutyric acid

If you possess a lesser amount, you could still be charged with simple possession or manufacturing and distribution.

An example: Trafficking in marijuana

Drug trafficking crimes are generally defined under South Carolina Code § 44-53-370(e). This law provides that any person who commits the following can be charged with “trafficking in marijuana,” which is a felony. Here is the definition:

Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, cultivates, delivers, purchases, or brings into this State, or who provides financial assistance or otherwise aids, abets, attempts, or conspires to sell, manufacture, cultivate, deliver, purchase, or bring into this State, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession or who knowingly attempts to become in actual or constructive possession of:

  1. ten pounds or more of marijuana is guilty of a felony which is known as "trafficking in marijuana.”

The penalties are as follows:

  • First offense. One to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
  • Second offense. Five to 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
  • Third offense. A mandatory prison term of 25 years and up to $25,000 in fines

The penalties are much more severe for amounts over 100 pounds.

Why am I being charged with trafficking when I never sold or distributed drugs?

South Carolina assumes that people who possess drugs for their own personal use only possess small quantities. The law assumes that if you have very large quantities of certain drugs, you’re more than just a user—you’re a drug dealer or supplier.

At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we work to dismiss drug trafficking charges, obtain acquittals, and negotiate plea bargains. Our Charleston drug trafficking and sales lawyer understands the key factors that can help you.

In addition to your legal defenses, whether you have drug paraphernalia like baggies, scales, or other drug distribution items might hurt you.

Factors that can help your defense include if you can explain why you have large amounts, you were marginally over the limit, and any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.

What defenses do you assert for Charleston drug trafficking charge defendants?

There are numerous defenses that we assert for any type of drug offense.

Some of the defenses that our Charleston drug defense lawyer may assert in drug trafficking cases include:

  • The search and seizure of the drugs violated your Fourth Amendment Constitutional rights.
  • The amount of the drugs is less than claimed.
  • The chain of custody of the drug evidence was broken – the government can’t account for who had access to and control of the drugs from the time they were seized until the time of your trial or any suppression hearings.
  • You didn’t possess the drugs.
  • The police did not have grounds to stop you.

As a former government prosecutor, our Charleston drug trafficking and sales lawyer understands how strong or weak the government’s case is. As a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, he’s ready to assert your defenses for any type of drug including:

  • Cocaine and crack
  • Ecstasy and club drugs
  • Heroin
  • Meth
  • Marijuana
  • Stimulants, opiates, and depressants
  • Illegal prescription drugs and pills

When does drug trafficking become a federal charge?

Drug trafficking charges can be tried in state court, or you could be charged with violating federal drug trafficking laws. Federal crimes are tried in federal courts, where the rules and procedures are different. The jury pool is different. The penalties are often more severe than in state court. Our Charleston drug trafficking and sales lawyer understands these differences. He’s just as comfortable and skilled in trying cases in federal court as he is in state court.

In addition to drug trafficking charges, federal drug cases may also include other crimes such as violations of RICO. Many federal drug trafficking cases involve repeat offenders, injuries to other people, and the use of a weapon.

Attorney A. Randolph Hough previously worked as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, meaning he’s qualified to represent you if you are facing federal drug charges.

Federal drug trafficking laws are set forth in 21 U.S.C. § 841.

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. also aggressively defends clients against other criminal charges, including assault, arson, kidnapping, and charges against college students. We also handle drunk driving defense.

Do you have a Charleston drug trafficking and sales lawyer near me?

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. reviews your defenses at our Charleston office located at 171 Church St #160. Our Charleston drug defense attorney also meets clients who are in custody, by phone, and through video.

We’ll answer all your questions and guide you calmly and clearly through the criminal litigation process.

1720 Main St. Suite 105
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Phone: (803) 219-2740
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171 Church Street, Suite 160
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 507-4558
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Speak with an accomplished Charleston drug trafficking and sales charge lawyer now

You need a defense lawyer with the experience to defend clients before juries in both state and federal courts. You need a defense lawyer who has 30 years of experience and who’s advised more than 2,000 defendants. Attorney Hough is respected by prosecutors, law enforcement, the local legal community, and former clients. At The Law Office Offices of A. Randolph Hough, we fight for you. To schedule a consultation, call our Charleston drug trafficking and sales defense lawyer or fill out our contact form today.