Drug Possession

Drug Possession Defense Lawyer 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 an aggressive Charleston drug defense lawyer to protect your rights, guard you against making mistakes, and strengthen your case.

Having a drug defense attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of drug possession charges.

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 prevent you from going to jail and keep charges off your record with a pre-trial intervention. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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(843) 376-4030

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, jail time, 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. Possessing a controlled substance can lead to serious legal consequences. A drug crime can have severe implications, including potential jail time, fines, and long-term impacts on employment and reputation. It is crucial to have experienced criminal defense attorneys to handle such cases effectively. 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 drug possession defense lawyers in Charleston can help you develop a defense strategy based on the evidence in your case. It is crucial to have a strong defense strategy for any drug offense. Common defenses against drug possession charges include: Our firm can help with various drug-related offenses and provide a robust defense.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens from unlawful search and seizure. Under certain circumstances, law enforcement can only search an individual’s person or property. 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. Navigating the criminal justice system can be complex, and having a skilled attorney is crucial to protect your rights and ensure legal procedures are properly followed.

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 prescription drugs, we can include this in your defense.

Chain of Custody Issues

Chain of custody defenses rests on the argument that the drugs (evidence) were not properly secured after a seizure. Our drug possession attorney in Charleston may challenge whether the drugs in evidence are the same as those taken from the defendant. The presence of illegal substances can complicate the chain of custody, making it crucial to challenge any discrepancies. 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. Misdemeanor drug charges can also be defended using entrapment if the circumstances fit.

Why Should You Choose Murphy Crantford Meehan to Handle Your Case?

Who you choose to defend 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. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys specialize in drug defense and have a proven track record of success. 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.

Our law firm knows this is a stressful time, so we will 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.

TESTIMONIALS

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 charges our Charleston drug possession defense attorney assists 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)

Handling South Carolina drug laws can be complex, but our firm is here to help you understand and manage these legal challenges.

We can also help if you face charges for another drug-related offense, including:

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. A drug charge can have severe implications, including potential jail time and hefty fines, so it is crucial to follow the advice provided. A drug conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, which can significantly impact your life, including challenges in finding housing, employment, and restrictions on firearms ownership. Seeking legal representation is essential to avoid this outcome. 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. Remaining silent is crucial when dealing with state and federal courts to avoid self-incrimination.

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 drug possession defense lawyer in Charleston 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.

Our Drug Possession Defense Lawyers in Charleston Can Fight for You

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 to get the compensation you deserve.

Our firm has extensive experience in handling various drug offenses and is committed to providing a strong defense for our clients. Please contact us today for a free, confidential consultation if you are charged with a drug possession offense in Charleston, South Carolina. We can help with a wide range of drug-related offenses and provide expert legal representation.

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