In South Carolina, the possession of drugs is a serious offense that can earn you a hefty fine or jail time, depending on the type of drugs found in your possession. The legalization of different drugs varies from state to state. Several states across the United States have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana. South Carolina is not one of those states, and ranks number eight on the list of states with highest marijuana possession arrests.
If you use marijuana or other controlled substances in Columbia, South Carolina, you need to find the best attorney for drug charges. Fortunately, you can now get reliable Columbia, South Carolina drug crime lawyer services from a reputable law firm like Strom Law. There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer for your drug use or possession case.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Drug Charges
Unfortunately, the chances of getting jailed for drug possession or use in South Carolina are very high when you appear in court to answer charges without a qualified lawyer to represent you. An experienced drug crime attorney knows how to get drug possession charges dropped so that you don’t end up in jail or pay a heavy fine.
They’ll help you to argue your case effectively in court for the best outcome. Here are other important reasons why you should hire a drug crime attorney for your case in Columbia:
Professional Legal Assistance
Your lawyer’s main role is to help you understand the gravity of your drug possession case by interpreting the existing drug laws for you. Once you’ve understood what the law says about the use or possession of controlled substances, you’ll be able to find strong arguments to convince the jury not to convict you.
Make sure you find a lawyer who is well-versed with the narcotics laws in South Carolina and has many years of experience handling similar cases. Check their portfolio and reviews by previous clients to be sure they have the expertise to advocate on your behalf. They should have already handled similar cases successfully.
Deep Knowledge of the Court System
Aside from understanding the law prohibiting drug possession and use in South Carolina, your attorney should be fully familiar with the court system. Because you’re not a qualified drug crime attorney, there are important aspects of the court system you aren’t familiar with. Therefore, you’ll jeopardize your case if you decide to represent yourself in court.
But with a reputable lawyer who specializes in drug crime cases, your chances of winning are higher. These experts have walked through the corridors of justice long enough to understand the important steps you need to take to defend yourself successfully. Your lawyer also understands the different types of drug charges leveled against you and how to defeat them. If you’re called to the stand to answer questions from the prosecutor, your lawyer will be there to advise you on what to say and how to behave.
Guidance
In some cases, there’s nothing you can say or do to convince the court to drop the drug charges. In such instances, the best thing is to plead guilty and ask the prosecutor to offer you a plea deal. Your drug crime attorney will advise you on the steps you need to take to get the best deal out of it.
Most plea deals are based on your cooperation with the prosecutor in gathering evidence and prosecuting the case. The prosecutor might ask you to provide information about other drug-related crimes that you may have knowledge of or become a state witness as a prerequisite for a plea deal. You’ll need proper guidance from your attorney on how to navigate your options.
Saving Your Life
Some drug charges could have major effects on your life because you may have an extensive prison sentence–this means losing your job and staying away from your family. But a lawyer will use all the knowledge and experience they’ve acquired over the years to ensure this doesn’t happen. If they recommend a plea deal as the best option for you, they’ll advise you on what to do to have your penalties reduced significantly.
Relationship with the Prosecutor
If your drug crime attorney has an impressive law practice or years of experience, they’re likely to have a relationship with the prosecuting attorney in Columbia. They can use their influence to get you a more positive outcome. If your lawyer and the prosecuting attorney are friends, they’ll have an easy time negotiating for your release.
In Summary
Battling drug charges in court is a complex and risky undertaking that requires someone with knowledge of the law and the court system. This is why you should contact Strom Law right away for a qualified and experienced drug crime attorney in Columbia, South Carolina.
