Facing a drug manufacturing or possession with intent to distribute (PWID) charge in South Carolina?
These are serious felony offenses that carry mandatory prison time, high fines, and a permanent criminal record. Even if you were not caught selling drugs, law enforcement can charge you with PWID based solely on the quantity in your possession. But being charged does not mean you are guilty. Chambers Law is committed to challenging the prosecution’s case to protect your future.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
What Is Drug Manufacturing & PWID?
South Carolina law distinguishes between simple possession, possession with intent to distribute (PWID), and drug manufacturing:
- Simple Possession: Small amounts of drugs for personal use
- PWID (Possession with Intent to Distribute): Larger amounts that suggest intent to sell
- Drug Manufacturing: Producing, growing, or processing illegal substances
Even if no sales were made, the state can charge you with PWID or manufacturing based on:
- The amount of drugs in your possession
- The presence of scales, baggies, cash, or firearms
- Statements from informants or undercover officers
Penalties for Drug Manufacturing & PWID in South Carolina
The penalties for PWID and drug manufacturing depend on the type of drug and prior convictions:
Marijuana PWID & Cultivation
- First offense: Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine
- Second offense: Up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine
- Third offense: Up to 20 years in prison, $20,000 fine
Cocaine & Crack PWID
- First offense: Up to 15 years in prison, $25,000 fine
- Second offense: Up to 30 years in prison, $50,000 fine
- Third offense: Mandatory 25 years in prison, $50,000 fine
Heroin, Methamphetamine, & Fentanyl PWID
- First offense: Up to 15 years in prison, $25,000 fine
- Second offense: Up to 30 years in prison, $50,000 fine
- Third offense: Mandatory 25 years in prison, $50,000 fine
Manufacturing & Drug Labs
- Operating a meth lab: Up to 15 years in prison, $25,000 fine
- Manufacturing Schedule I or II drugs (LSD, MDMA, cocaine, heroin): Up to 30 years in prison, $50,000 fine
- Manufacturing near a school, park, or playground: Additional penalties apply
Because PWID and manufacturing are felonies, a conviction cannot be expunged and will remain on your record permanently.
How We Defend Against PWID & Drug Manufacturing Charges
How We Defend PWID & Drug Manufacturing Charges
At Chambers Law, we build aggressive defenses to challenge the state’s case. Common defense strategies include:
- Illegal search and seizure: Were your Fourth Amendment rights violated?
- Lack of intent to distribute: Was the drug amount misclassified?
- Possession vs. ownership: Were the drugs actually yours?
- Faulty lab testing: Can the state prove the substance is illegal?
- Entrapment: Were you set up by law enforcement?
We thoroughly investigate every case, challenge weak evidence, and fight for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options.
Can You Expunge a PWID or Drug Manufacturing Charge?
Expungement is only possible for first-time offenders in diversion programs:
- Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): First-time, non-violent drug offenders may qualify for dismissal and expungement.
- Conditional Discharge: Some first-time simple possession charges may be eligible.
- Drug trafficking, PWID, and manufacturing convictions cannot be expunged.
How Chambers Law Can Help
Depending on the facts of your case, we explore legal strategies such as:
- Pre-Trial Motions: Challenging illegal searches and arrests
- Plea Bargaining: Reducing felony charges to lesser offenses
- Diversion Programs: Seeking alternative sentencing if eligible
- Trial Defense: Fighting for an acquittal if necessary
Even if the evidence seems overwhelming, we find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to seek the best possible outcome.
