Drug Trafficking Charges in South Carolina

Cocaine, Marijuana, and Heroin

Drug trafficking charges in South Carolina are among the most serious criminal offenses in the state. Unlike simple possession or distribution cases, trafficking charges are primarily based on drug weight and can result in mandatory minimum prison sentences, even for first-time offenders.

Under South Carolina law, you can be charged with drug trafficking if you are accused of possessing or conspiring to possess more than:

• 10 grams of cocaine or cocaine base
• 4 grams of heroin
• 10 pounds of marijuana

Because these cases often involve severe penalties and limited sentencing discretion, anyone accused of trafficking should speak with an experienced South Carolina drug trafficking defense lawyer immediately

What Is Considered Drug Trafficking in South Carolina?

Drug trafficking in South Carolina does not require transporting drugs across state lines. Instead, trafficking is defined by quantity or conspiracy, not movement.

You may be charged with trafficking if prosecutors allege that you:

• Possessed more than the statutory threshold weight of a controlled substance
• Had constructive possession of the drugs (control without physical possession)
• Conspired with others to possess or distribute a trafficking-level quantity

Importantly, a trafficking conviction can be based on conspiracy alone, even if no drugs were found in your actual possession.

South Carolina’s trafficking laws impose the harshest penalties of any drug offense in the state, often requiring lengthy mandatory prison sentences with no eligibility for parole

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in South Carolina

The penalties for drug trafficking offenses in South Carolina are extremely severe. Many trafficking and distribution charges are classified as:

• Violent offenses
• 85% crimes, meaning nearly the entire sentence must be served
• No-parole offenses

Sentencing depends on:

1. The type and weight of the drug
2. Whether you have prior drug convictions

In addition to prison time, trafficking convictions often carry substantial fines, which can reach $200,000 or more depending on the charge

Penalties for Trafficking in Marijuana

1 to 100 pounds

• First offense: Mandatory minimum 1 year, up to 10 years
• Second offense: Mandatory minimum 5 years, up to 20 years
• Third offense: Mandatory 25 years

100 to 2,000 pounds

• Mandatory minimum 25 years

2,000 to 10,000 pounds

• Mandatory minimum 25 years

10,000 pounds or more

• Mandatory minimum 25 years, up to 30 year

Penalties for Trafficking in Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, or Methamphetamine

10 to 28 grams

• First offense: Mandatory minimum 3 years, up to 10 years
• Second offense: Mandatory minimum 5 years, up to 30 years
• Third offense: Mandatory minimum 25 years, up to 30 years

28 to 100 grams

• First offense: Mandatory minimum 7 years, up to 25 years
• Second offense: Mandatory minimum 7 years, up to 30 years
• Third offense: Mandatory minimum 25 years, up to 30 years

100 to 200 grams

• Mandatory 25 years

200 to 400 grams

• Mandatory 25 years

More than 400 grams

• Mandatory minimum 25 years, up to 30 years

Penalties for Trafficking in Heroin

4 to 14 grams

• First offense: Mandatory minimum 7 years, up to 25 years
• Second offense or greater: Mandatory 25 years

14 to 28 grams

• Mandatory 25 years

28 grams or more

• Mandatory minimum 25 years, up to 40 years

Heroin trafficking offenses in South Carolina are often classified as violent, no-parole offenses, making them some of the most aggressively prosecuted drug cases in the state

South Carolina Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer

Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Lexington

South Carolina imposes some of the toughest drug trafficking penalties in the country. A single trafficking charge can lead to decades in prison, even for individuals with no prior criminal history.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with trafficking in cocaine, marijuana, heroin, or another controlled substance, you need an aggressive defense strategy from the very beginning.

The criminal defense attorneys at Thompson & Hiller Defense Firm represent clients facing serious drug charges throughout Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Lexington.

📞 Call (843) 444-6122 for a free consultation or contact us online to discuss your case and protect your future.