Drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug-related offenses in South Carolina.
A conviction carries mandatory prison time, massive fines, and a felony record that can destroy your future. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and law enforcement often overcharges individuals based on drug quantity alone. But being charged does not mean you are guilty. At The Law Offices of Trent Chambers, P.A., we fight to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your freedom.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
What Is Drug Trafficking in South Carolina?
Under S.C. Code § 44-53-370, drug trafficking is a felony charge based on the weight of the controlled substance, not necessarily the intent to distribute. This means you can face trafficking charges even if the drugs were for personal use.
The following drug amounts can result in trafficking charges:
- Marijuana: 10 lbs or more
- Cocaine: 10 grams or more
- Heroin: 4 grams or more
- Methamphetamine: 10 grams or more
- Fentanyl: 4 grams or more
- Prescription Opioids (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc.): 4 grams or more
Even if you had no intent to sell, South Carolina law treats these weight-based charges as serious felony offenses.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in South Carolina
Drug trafficking carries mandatory minimum prison sentences, meaning a judge cannot give you probation or a reduced sentence below the legal minimum.
Marijuana Trafficking Penalties
- 10–99 lbs: 1 to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine
- 100–1,999 lbs: 25 years in prison, $25,000 fine
- 2,000+ lbs: 25 years mandatory in prison, $50,000 fine
Cocaine Trafficking Penalties
- 10–27 grams: 3 to 10 years in prison, $25,000 fine
- 28–99 grams: 7 to 25 years in prison, $50,000 fine
- 100+ grams: 25 to 30 years in prison, $200,000 fine
Heroin, Meth, and Fentanyl Trafficking Penalties
- 4–13 grams: 7 to 25 years in prison, $50,000 fine
- 14–27 grams: 25 years mandatory in prison, $100,000 fine
- 28+ grams: 25 to 40 years in prison, $200,000 fine
For repeat offenders, penalties increase significantly, with life in prison possible for multiple convictions.
How We Defend Drug Trafficking Charges
At Chambers Law, we know that drug trafficking cases are often based on questionable evidence. We fight aggressively to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case, including:
- Illegal search and seizure: Were your Fourth Amendment rights violated?
- Lack of possession: Were the drugs actually yours?
- Entrapment: Did law enforcement set you up?
- Weight issues: Can the state prove the correct drug quantity?
- Coerced confession: Were you pressured into making a statement?
We carefully analyze police reports, lab testing procedures, and witness statements to find weaknesses in the case.
Federal vs. State Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking can be prosecuted at both the state and federal level. Federal charges often apply if:
- The arrest involved large quantities of drugs
- The case involved interstate or international drug transport
- There is evidence of organized crime or conspiracy
Federal drug trafficking carries harsher mandatory sentences and is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. If you are facing federal charges, we fight to reduce the case to a state-level offense where penalties are often less severe.
Can You Expunge a Drug Trafficking Conviction?
No. Drug trafficking convictions cannot be expunged under South Carolina law.
However, if your case is dismissed or you are found not guilty, you may be eligible for expungement. Our goal is to fight for a dismissal or reduced charge so you don’t have to live with lifelong consequences.
Options for Resolving a Drug Trafficking Charge
Depending on the facts of your case, we explore legal options such as:
- Plea Bargaining: Negotiating a reduced charge to avoid mandatory prison time
- Pre-Trial Motions: Challenging evidence and filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Trial Defense: If necessary, we aggressively fight your case in court
Every drug trafficking case is unique. We develop a custom defense strategy based on the facts of your case.
