Greenville, SC Drug Crimes Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Greenville, SC

Both the U.S. government and South Carolina take drug charges seriously. Each has dedicated considerable resources to the war on drugs, and many times, individuals face charges and consequences that are disproportionate to their offenses.

If you or a loved one faces drug crime charges in Greenville, SC, hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and interests and obtain the most favorable outcome possible.

At Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC, we have helped many clients in Greenville and across South Carolina beat their charges for a variety of drug crimes, and we can help you too. To request a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation with one of our Greenville, SC drug crimes lawyers, contact our criminal defense law firm today at (864) 668-1661.

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Why Choose Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC for Your Greenville, SC Drug Crime Defense

Considering all that’s at stake, choose the right lawyer to defend you against drug charges in Greenville.

A few reasons to choose a drug crime defense attorney at Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC include:

• Our lawyers have extensive experience specifically defending clients against various drug charges, from simple possession to trafficking. We understand the intricacies of drug laws and know how to build a strong defense.
• Being based in Greenville, our attorneys are very familiar with the local court system, prosecutors, and judges. This allows us to tailor our defense strategies for the best possible outcomes.
• As a client-focused law firm, we provide individualized attention to each client. Our lawyers will take the time to thoroughly understand the unique circumstances of your case. We’re genuinely concerned about protecting your rights and future, and you can count on us to be there with you throughout the criminal justice process. For evidence of our dedication to stellar client service, read some of the top reviews we’ve received from our past clients.
• Our lawyers are committed to vigorously defending your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. We will challenge unlawful searches, seizures, and police procedures and leave no stone unturned in fighting the drug charges you face.
• When appropriate, our attorneys work to get clients into drug diversion programs, drug courts, or rehabilitation as an alternative to jail time. We explore all options to mitigate consequences. 
• Our law firm offers free confidential consultations. You can discuss the details of your drug case with an experienced attorney, who can advise you on the best path forward before you hire them.
• Our legal team keeps clients informed at every step and promptly responds to questions and concerns. We are accessible and will explain everything clearly and respectfully to help you understand what's happening with your case.

The drug crime defense attorneys at Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC bring local knowledge, experience, personalized service, and the resolve to effectively fight drug charges in Greenville. Our track record demonstrates our skills at obtaining dismissals, acquittals, reduced charges, and alternative sentencing for clients.

Reach out to us today for the help you need to get the best possible results for your drug crime charges in Greenville, SC.

What Are the Common Types of Drug Offenses in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, your drug charge could fit these categories:

• Drug possession: You might be charged with actual possession, simple possession, or constructive possession. This means that authorities found drugs on you, or in your car, home, or another place in your immediate vicinity.
• Possession with intent to distribute: If law enforcement officers find drugs in a sufficient quantity, they may assume that you intended to distribute or sell them.
• Manufacturing of drugs: This entails cultivating, producing, and/or preparing illegal drugs for distribution or personal use. In some cases, just having the chemicals necessary to make certain drugs can lead to drug charges.
• Drug trafficking: For a person to be charged with drug trafficking, the drugs must weigh a certain amount. 
• Drug conspiracy: This occurs when there is an explicit or implicit agreement between you and other people to engage in criminal activity, such as selling or distributing drugs in an open-air market.

You could face prosecution in state and federal district courts. A drug criminal defense lawyer in Greenville can improve your odds of beating your specific drug charge in both venues.

Types of Drug Cases We Handle

The drug crime defense attorneys at Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC handle many types of drug charges, including:

• Unlawful possession of prescription drugs
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of marijuana
• Prescription drug fraud
• Sale of drugs
• Sale of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, LSD, and other narcotics
• Drug distribution
• Possession with intent
• Drug manufacturing
• Trafficking in drugs

No matter the drug charges you face in Greenville or anywhere in South Carolina, the drug crime defense attorneys at Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC can help.

What Are Drug Schedules in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, as in all U.S. states, drugs are classified into schedules based on their accepted medical use and potential for abuse and dependency. South Carolina models its scheduling system after the federal Controlled Substances Act.

Here are the drug schedules in South Carolina:

• Schedule I: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Examples include heroin, LSD, and marijuana (despite being legalized in some states).
• Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, some accepted medical use, and the potential for severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include oxycodone, fentanyl, and cocaine.
• Schedule III: Drugs with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II substances, accepted medical use, and the potential for moderate to low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Examples include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and some barbiturates.
• Schedule IV: Drugs with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III substances, accepted medical use, and a limited potential for dependence. Examples include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien.
• Schedule V: Drugs with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV substances, accepted medical use, and limited potential for dependence. These typically include preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics, such as cough syrups containing codeine.

The scheduling of drugs can change over time based on new scientific evidence or changes in patterns of abuse. For the most current information, consult a legal professional.

What Are the Criminal Penalties for Drug Offenses in Greenville, South Carolina?

As experienced drug offense attorneys in Greenville, we deal with many clients facing several criminal penalties. Sometimes, the law is reasonably clear, but often, things can become murky.

The criminal penalties you might face for a drug offense in Greenville, South Carolina could vary based on the drug, the offense, and how much of it you have.

For example, possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana may result in up to 30 days in jail and a minimum fine of $100. Larger offenses such as drug distribution and drug manufacture carry a jail time of up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

Trafficking of certain drugs, such as 28 or more grams of heroin, could result in a prison sentence between 25 to 40 years and fines up to $200,000.

A Greenville criminal defense attorney can assess your case and inform you of the possible penalties you could receive if convicted. They can also fight to help you avoid a conviction or help you reduce the level of charges you face.

What About Probable Cause and Search Warrants for Drug Crimes in Greenville, South Carolina?

If a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that you have drugs on you, the officer can search you for contraband. A police officer can search you even if you’re being arrested for something else at the time of the arrest.

However, to search your car or home, law enforcement officers must have your consent or possess a search warrant. Officers should not pressure you to give consent, but if you consent to a search and authorities find drugs in your home, you have limited legal rights and should seek the advice of an experienced drug crime lawyer.

A search warrant is a legal documentation that’s signed by a judge and gives law enforcement officers the authority to enter your property.

To obtain a search warrant, officers must:

• File the warrant request in good faith
• Provide reliable evidence for probable cause or sufficient grounds that a drug crime is taking place through an affidavit

The judge issuing the warrant should be neutral and detached from the suspect to avoid any conflicts of interest. The warrant must state the specific place officers want to search as well as the specific items to be seized.

When police officers effectuate a search warrant, they must knock on the door and announce themselves before they enter your home. 

Keep in mind that in certain circumstances, officers can perform a warrantless search. Such instances may include if the officer believes a crime is taking place or observes illegal activity. Officers may also conduct limited searches of a suspect’s outer clothing if they have a reasonable suspicion the person is engaging in unlawful activity.

How Can a Greenville Drug Charge Attorney Help?

A Greenville drug charge attorney can provide several critical services if you face drug-related charges, such as:

• Protecting Your Rights: An experienced attorney will work to protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process, including during questioning, searches, and arrests.
• Case Evaluation: Your attorney will thoroughly review the details of your case, including the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence against you, to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
• Plea Bargaining: In some cases, your attorney may negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges or secure a more favorable plea deal, potentially leading to reduced sentences or alternative sentencing options.
• Trial Representation: At trial, your attorney will present a strong defense on your behalf, challenging the prosecution's evidence and arguments.
• Sentencing Mitigation: If you are convicted on drug charges, your attorney will work to secure the most lenient sentence possible, potentially advocating for alternatives to incarceration, such as drug treatment programs or probation.
• Navigating the Legal System: Drug laws can be complex, and the legal system can be overwhelming. Your attorney will guide you through the process, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about your case.
• Protecting Your Future: A drug conviction can have lasting consequences, impacting your employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Your attorney will work to minimize these potential consequences and protect your future.

The government dedicates a ton of resources to prosecuting drug crimes. Thus, many people are caught up in large sting operations or overcharged.

Our experienced attorneys frequently represent clients facing drug charges for drug checks at Interstate 85 and other busts throughout the area. We also have extensive experience dealing with federal drug charges.

These charges demand a dedicated drug crime attorney who is familiar with government agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and federal court procedures. 

No matter your case, our defense team will explore all possible defense strategies, including the validity of traffic stops, searches, and seizure issues.

Our skilled attorneys can intervene with the prosecutor to get your charges dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense, or take incarceration off of the table.

Furthermore, the prosecutor needs to know if your criminal defense lawyer will take your case to trial if necessary. Our defense team has tried cases in many counties across South Carolina and we’ve successfully represented clients in several high-profile criminal prosecutions.

Contact an Experienced Greenville Drug Crime Lawyer Today

A felony drug conviction can result in prison time, and the public criminal record will damage your future. Drug charges in South Carolina can bring fear and stress, but a dedicated legal ally can get you the best possible outcome. Contact Fedalei & Reid Law, LLC at (864) 668-1661 for your free initial consultation about your drug crime case. Our tenacity, experience, and aggressive approach to your defense make us an ideal choice if you or a loved one face any type of drug charge in Greenville, or anywhere in the state.