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Marijuana trafficking drug charges are some of the most serious criminal offenses in South Carolina. The penalties for marijuana trafficking can range from fines and jail time to life imprisonment, depending on the amount of marijuana involved. In South Carolina, a person can be charged with marijuana trafficking if they knowingly possess or transport more than 10 pounds of marijuana.
The consequences of being convicted of a drug trafficking charge for marijuana in South Carolina can be severe. It is important to understand the penalties and the consequences before entering into any criminal negotiations.
The penalties for marijuana trafficking can vary depending on the amount of marijuana involved. For example, if you are found guilty of trafficking 10 pounds or less of marijuana, you could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the amount of marijuana is between 10 and 50 pounds, the penalty is up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. If the amount is more than 50 pounds, the penalty is up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
In addition to the criminal penalties, a conviction for marijuana trafficking can also have a serious impact on your life and criminal records. Your arrest may show up on background checks performed by potential employers, landlords, and other entities. It can also make it difficult to obtain certain professional licenses or get approved for loans.
Contact Touma Law Group today at 864-618-2323 and speak with our knowledgeable drug trafficking lawyers for more information!
What is Trafficking Marijuana in South Carolina?
Individuals convicted of drug trafficking of illegal substances such as marijuana face strict penalties. The state defines trafficking as the sale, delivery, transportation, or possession with intent to sell 10 pounds or more of marijuana.
South Carolina also considers the cultivation and distribution of less than 10 pounds of marijuana to be illegal. Depending on the amount of marijuana involved, a person can be sentenced to between 5 and 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. In addition, penalties for drug trafficking and distribution of marijuana may result in a suspension of the individual's driving license for a maximum of six months.
Must Read: How to get drug trafficking charges dismissed in South Carolina?
It is important to remember that even if you are not caught with marijuana in your possession, you may still be charged with constructive possession if the state believes that you were selling or transporting it.
What Are the Requirements For a Trafficking Charge in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, a trafficking charge is broadly defined as the transportation, sale, manufacture, or possession with intent to distribute or deliver a controlled substance. Under state law, marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug and its potential penalties are very severe. For trafficking in any amount greater than 10 pounds of in drug weight of marijuana, the charges can be classified as a felony.
For an individual to be charged with trafficking marijuana in South Carolina, the following three elements must be met:
• The accused must knowingly possess, distribute, manufacture, transport, or deliver marijuana;
• The amount of marijuana involved must be greater than 10 pounds; and
• The intention of the accused must have been to sell or distribute the drug.
Required Thresholds and Penalties for Trafficking Marijuana in SC
Trafficking marijuana in South Carolina is a serious crime, and those who are convicted of it will face harsh penalties. Under state law, marijuana trafficking is defined as the possession of 10 pounds or more of marijuana. The weight threshold for trafficking in other states may vary, but in South Carolina, it is an important factor that determines the penalty associated with a conviction.
- The charges for drug trafficking of marijuana in South Carolina vary, if the amount is 10 pounds or less, the penalty can be up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- For amounts between 10 and 50 pounds, the penalty can be up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
- For amounts greater than 50 pounds, the penalty can be up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
In addition to the criminal penalties, individuals convicted of drug trafficking in South Carolina may also face other consequences. For example, their arrest or conviction for drug trafficking may show up on background checks performed by potential employers, landlords, and other entities. It can also make it difficult for them to obtain certain professional licenses or get approved for loans.
Differences Between Trafficking Charges and Possession Charges in South Carolina?
There are distinct differences in marijuana trafficking charges and possession charges in South Carolina. Simple possession of marijuana for personal use is classified as a misdemeanor and can result in a maximum of 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $200.
Possessing more than 10 grams of marijuana is classified as possession with intent to distribute, which carries harsher penalties, including up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Marijuana trafficking is considered much more serious than possession in South Carolina. It is classified as a felony offense, with penalties ranging from 5-25 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000 depending on the amount of marijuana involved. Additionally, those convicted may lose their driving license for up to six months.
When does drug trafficking become a federal charge?
Drug trafficking offenses become federal drug trafficking charges when the drug involved is considered a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. This means that if someone is caught transporting, selling, or distributing an illegal drug like marijuana, they can face federal charges rather than just state charges.
These penalties are often more severe than those associated with state-level charges and may include large fines, lengthy prison sentences, and asset forfeiture.
Federal law treats trafficking and personal use of marijuana the same; any amount is illegal. Convictions can lead to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10 million. In South Carolina, those accused of trafficking may be able to negotiate a plea deal.
Call Touma Law Group Today!
If you or someone you know is facing marijuana drug trafficking allegations in South Carolina, it is important to contact a drug crime defense attorney as soon as possible. The Touma Law Group is a criminal defense firm that specializes in defending individuals charged with drug offenses. Their experienced drug crime attorneys have a record of success in aggressively defending those facing marijuana trafficking charges.
The Touma Law Group understands the consequences of being convicted of trafficking in marijuana drug crime and can provide you with the dedicated representation you need to protect your rights and fight for a favorable outcome. Contact Touma Law Group today for a free consultation.