Drug Possession Defense Lawyers in Charleston
If you have been charged with the possession of controlled substances, you owe it to yourself to get skilled legal representation. The prosecutors and police investigators will try to find any way they can to make you appear as guilty as possible. You’ll need aggressive Charleston drug possession defense attorneys to protect your rights, guard you against making mistakes, and strengthen your case.
Murphy Crantford Meehan is ready to fight for your defense, regardless of whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you. We will fight to protect your rights and your future.
Our firm has over 50 years of collective legal experience. Our criminal defense team knows Charleston and South Carolina law inside out. We have used our knowledge and skills to represent clients facing various criminal and drug charges, and we can fight for you, too.
Are you a first-time offender? Our Charleston criminal defense lawyers may be able to keep you out of jail and keep charges off your record with a pre-trial intervention. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for Drug Charges?
Drug possession charges can negatively affect your life in many ways. You may face fines and jail time, as well as community service, mandatory drug rehabilitation, or probation. A criminal record can also affect your employment opportunities or education if you are enrolled in college. If you face felony drug charges or charges of possession with intent to distribute (PWID), the punishments can be severe.
You need the help of our drug possession defense lawyers serving Charleston. Our firm can help you understand the case against you and provide knowledgeable, personalized representation at every stage. We can:
- Attempt to have your possession charges dismissed or reduced
- Argue for fair bail and help you post bond
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Look for potential legal challenges to the prosecution’s case
- Ensure the protection of your rights and fair treatment while in law enforcement custody
- Negotiate a plea bargain
- Represent you at trial if necessary
What Are Some Effective Drug Possession Defenses?
Our lawyers can help you develop a defense strategy based on the evidence in your case. Common defenses against drug possession charges include:
Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens from unlawful search and seizure. Law enforcement can only search an individual’s person or property under certain circumstances. For example, if police pull you over and you have drugs in plain sight, they can conduct a search. However, an officer cannot open and search the trunk of your car without your permission, probable cause, or a search warrant.
We may be able to argue that police did not have the right to search or that their reason for searching did not qualify as probable cause. Evidence obtained in an illegal search and seizure is not admissible in court.
No Possession
Our drug crimes attorneys may be able to argue that you were not actually in possession of the drugs. This defense includes proving the drugs were not actually on your person or that you did not have control or access to the drugs.
If your arrest occurred in another party’s vehicle or on another party’s property, we could argue that the drugs did not belong to you or that you were not aware of their presence.
Finally, if your charges involve medications prescribed to you, we can include this in your defense.
Chain of Custody Issues
Chain of custody defenses rest on the argument that the drugs (evidence) were not properly secured after a seizure. Our attorney may challenge whether the drugs in evidence are the same as those taken from the defendant.
We can also look at the crime lab analysis of the drugs for errors and discrepancies.
Entrapment
When authorities harass or threaten a suspect into committing a crime, it is entrapment. Buying drugs from or selling drugs to an undercover officer is not necessarily entrapment. An entrapment defense can be complex. We can help you determine if entrapment may be a factor in your case.
Why Should You Choose Murphy Crantford Meehan to Handle Your Case?
Who you choose to defend you against drug possession charges can significantly affect your case and how you feel about navigating the legal process. With your finances, freedom, and more on the line, you want to work with an effective legal team you trust.
Murphy Crantford Meehan has represented clients in South Carolina since 1995. We have defended individuals against a wide range of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to felonies. We know what it takes to build a solid case and will aggressively stand up for you and your rights. We prepare every case as though it will go to court and have the trial experience to defend you before a judge or jury if needed.
We know this is a stressful time, so we will also do everything possible to relieve your anxiety. We will work collaboratively with you, answer your questions, provide frequent case updates, and offer support at every step.
Drug Possession Offenses in Charleston That We Handle
If you face charges of possession of drugs in Charleston, it is important to have a Criminal Defense Attorney advise you. Some common drug possession charges we assist with are:
- Possession of cocaine
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of meth
- Possession with intent to distribute cocaine (PWID)
- Possession with Intent to distribute marijuana (PWID)
- Possession with Intent to distribute meth (PWID)
We can also help if you face charges for another drug-related offense, including:
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug trafficking
- Drug conspiracy crimes
What Should You Do If You Get Arrested for Drug Possession?
Getting arrested is frightening, and you may not know what to do if confronted by law enforcement. First and foremost, you should remain calm and not become argumentative or aggressive. Be as polite and cooperative as possible, but understand you have rights. You can and should:
Remain Silent
You do not have to answer an officer’s questions or submit to an interrogation. You should state that you wish to remain silent.
Refuse to Consent to a Search
You do not have to agree to have your person, vehicle, or property searched without probable cause or a warrant. If officers perform a search you do not believe is lawful, do not become confrontational. Let them search and allow your lawyer to challenge it later.
Refuse to Give a Written Statement
Your right to remain silent extends to written communications. You do not have to put anything in writing. Whatever you do, do not sign a written statement or confession.
Contact a Lawyer
Contacting a lawyer immediately upon arrest can benefit your case. Your lawyer can communicate on your behalf, advise you of your rights, and help you understand your legal options.
Communicate Honestly with Your Attorney
Our team is here to help, and we can do that most effectively if you are honest about what happened. Attorney-client privilege protects communications between you and your legal representative so you can speak freely.
Contact us now
It is very important if you are charged with any of these crimes that you fully know your rights and what penalties you face if found guilty. Our lawyers are top-rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review rating. Both William and Jerry are also graduates of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College. We take on each criminal defense matter and will see it all the way through.
Please contact us today for a free, confidential consultation if you are charged with a drug possession offense in Charleston, South Carolina.
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