Columbia Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Columbia Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking charges are serious criminal allegations, and you may be wondering what to expect during your case. A Columbia drug trafficking lawyer can help you understand the legal process. Drug trafficking crimes are handled differently from simple drug possession charges in South Carolina. Drug trafficking charges can carry harsh punishments, including up to several years in prison and high fines.

About the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been helping people with their criminal defense and Personal Injury legal needs in the Columbia, Sumter, Camden, Orangeburg, and Florence area since 1996. We understand firsthand how overwhelming legal troubles can be.

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is conveniently located near the Richland County Court of General Sessions. We’ve assisted countless families with their legal issues over the years. Whether it’s a criminal defense case or a personal legal matter, we know how to handle each client with care and pay attention to your specific needs.

Drug Trafficking Cases in Columbia, SC

Drug trafficking charges are based on the type and amount of the controlled substance with which you are caught. Someone in South Carolina can still be charged with drug trafficking if there is no evidence that they were selling the drugs.

Code § 44-53-370 of South Carolina’s statutes deals with crimes involving controlled substances. These include trafficking charges related to substances like crack cocaine, heroin, meth, or prescription drugs. Drug trafficking charges depend on the type and amount of drugs that you are arrested for possessing. Often, drug trafficking charges stem from traffic stops, home searches, or ongoing investigations.

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, in 2024, there were reports of 61,678 cases of crimes, of which 18,150 involved drugs. Drug trafficking was involved in 18,029 of those cases. 98.3% of drug trafficking cases involve seven different types of drugs.

Determining Drug Trafficking Charges

Possession charges take the intent of the individual into consideration. Drug trafficking charges are mostly based on the amount of drugs that you are found in possession of. Drug trafficking does not require that you be caught selling the drugs, only that you were in possession of a certain quantity. Police officers can use numerous different factors to help them build a drug trafficking case.

The packaging of drugs, a scale, large amounts of cash, or phone records can be used to help the prosecution make their case. However, these things are not always necessary to seek drug trafficking charges.

Potential Penalties of a Drug Trafficking Conviction

Drug trafficking convictions come with heavy penalties. Often, these charges come with mandatory minimum prison sentences. Judges typically don’t have much leeway when it comes to sentencing someone convicted of drug trafficking. Individuals can face large fines, lose their assets, and gain a criminal record. A drug conviction can make it difficult to land jobs, rent an apartment, or get accepted to school.

If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you will most likely serve jail time. The judge will determine how long you will have to serve based on the type and amount of drugs.

When to Hire a Drug Trafficking Lawyer

If you are facing serious drug charges, it is imperative that you hire a drug trafficking lawyer. Drug trafficking charges are usually the result of lengthy investigations. The police may use search warrants, wire taps, surveillance, and lab results to help them build a case. Once you have been charged with drug trafficking, you should speak with a Columbia drug trafficking attorney right away.

There are many legal issues that can be brought up in these cases. A lawyer can help to determine if your search was legal or if your rights were violated when you were arrested. Some common issues in drug trafficking include possession, knowledge, and control. It is important to have a firm understanding of how these issues apply to you.

The Process of a Drug Trafficking Case

The initial court appearance for someone arrested on drug charges usually happens soon after the arrest or formal indictment. Bond hearings will be held after the defendant’s first appearance, where the defendant can argue he/she should be released on bond.

Discovery will be exchanged by both parties, where police reports, lab reports, witness statements, etc., will be revealed. During pre-trial motions, either party can file motions to suppress evidence or make other requests to the judge.

Your Columbia drug trafficking case will normally be filed in the Richland County Court of General Sessions, which is located at 1701 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

FAQs About Drug Trafficking Law

What Amount of Drugs Is Considered Trafficking in SC?

The amount of a drug considered trafficking in South Carolina depends on the drug in question. Each controlled substance has a different amount that qualifies as trafficking in South Carolina. If you have more than that amount, you can be charged with trafficking even if there is no evidence of selling or distributing.

What Evidence Is Needed for Drug Trafficking?

Proof of drug trafficking can be as easy as the amount of drugs found in your possession. Other types of evidence include baggies, scales, cash, text messages, or surveillance. The police will need lab testing to prove what the substance is and how much of it there was. They will use this in combination with officer observations and witness statements.

What Is the Penalty for First-Time Offenders of Drug Trafficking in South Carolina?

Consequences for first-time trafficking offenses include lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. First-time offenders are subject to mandatory minimum prison sentences. Drug trafficking is based on the type and amount of the drug you are convicted of trafficking. So, even first-time offenders will most likely be facing years in prison, little chance of parole, and a struggle to find jobs and housing once released.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking?

In South Carolina, there are statutory mandatory minimums for drug trafficking. This means that a judge cannot lower your sentence below that minimum sentence; even if convicted at the lowest level of drug trafficking, you face far more prison time than you would for simple possession. An attorney can let you know if your charges are subject to minimum sentencing.

Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you have been charged with drug trafficking, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you in the upcoming legal process. Contact us today for a consultation.