Defense Against Drug Charges
South Carolina has a strict legal system for people convicted of drug crimes, especially multiple convictions. Our goal is to protect your rights and provide the strongest defense possible.
We represent people accused of crimes involving marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, and heroin; as well as offenses involving prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals. We have successfully defended clients against charges of:
- POSSESSION
- POSSESION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
- DISTRIBUTION
- TRAFFICKING
- MANUFACTURING
- PARAPHERNALIA
If you or someone close to you has been charged with a drug offense, a drug-related conviction can affect your ability to find a job, earn income, be accepted to schools or colleges, and so much more. One mistake or wrongful conviction may end up following you the rest of your life.
Some Common Questions about Drug Related Crimes:
What if the drugs weren’t mine?
- Were you arrested because the police found drugs in a car that you were riding in and you didn’t know the drugs were there?
- Were you arrested for possessing drugs that belonged to someone else?
- Were you arrested for being in possession of drugs even though the police did not find the drugs on your person (in your pockets, in your purse, etc.)?
How much jail time can I get for a drug charge?
That depends on:
- The type of drugs in question
- The amount of drugs involved
- How the drugs were packaged (in one bag, in many different bags, etc.)
- Your previous criminal record
- Whether your case is being handled in State or Federal court
- Whether firearms were present during the alleged offense
- Was there a large amount of cash found with the drugs
What if my car, cash, or property has been seized during my arrest?
Understandably you need the items or cash seized by the police returned to you as soon as possible. You may be wondering when or if you will ever get your items or cash back. You may need the cash seized to buy food or pay rent, child support, medical bills, insurance, legal defense, and other bills. You may need your vehicle to drive to work or drive your children to school. You may be wondering if the police can just take your things. An attorney may be able to help you obtain some or all of the property seized by the police.
Traffic Stops
The police must have probable cause for a traffic stop.
If a prescription drug was found, do you have a prescription from a doctor for this drug?
How will a drug charge conviction affect my personal life?
You could face:
- School suspension or expulsion
- Loss of scholarship or affect student loans
- Possible loss of the custody of your children
Arnold Beacham is a former Solicitor and has tried many cases involving illegal drugs. He has firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors pursue these charges and how to maximize your chances of success in the justice system.