Criminal Defense Lawyer | What You Need to Know About Marijuana Laws in South Carolina
In South Carolina, having one ounce or less of marijuana in your possession is a misdemeanor offense, which makes some people believe that personal marijuana usage is decriminalized in South Carolina. However, even misdemeanor drug offenses can carry a prison sentence and heavy fines. When you get in trouble for marijuana, you’ll still need a criminal defense lawyer and could even get your charges dropped by using one.
Possession Penalties in South Carolina
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana on your first offense can have a prison sentence of up to 30 days and a fine up to $200. Subsequent offenders can be fined up to $2,000 and a year in prison. Hash and concentrates are also misdemeanor offenses that can range from 30 days to five years in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. Paraphernalia is only a civil citation and doesn’t need a criminal defense attorney; however, for other offenses, a criminal defense lawyer is handling your case, you have a much better chance of getting these sentencing maximums reduced to the minimums.
Sales and Trafficking Marijuana Laws in South Carolina
The penalties for selling or trafficking marijuana are much greater than possession. Penalties including Jail sentencing up to 25 years for multiple offenses and between $5,000-$200,000 in fines. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is crucial to your case.
Cultivation
Cultivation, or plant growth, is also a felony offense with fines ranging from $5,000-$200,000 and 5-25 years in jail. Cultivation comes with mandatory minimum sentencing of 25 years for more than 100 plants. If you are caught cultivating marijuana, you need a criminal defense lawyer.
Often times, there will be other charges in addition to the marijuana possession, cultivation, or trafficking charges such as drugged driving. The laws are also completely different for people with medical marijuana prescriptions.
When you are charged or arrested for a marijuana offense, call the Law Office of Peter David Brownat 843-791-0099 to make an appointment to talk about your case.
