There is no questioning how seriously law enforcement officials in South Carolina treat drug crimes. Anyone found involved in a drug crime in any way could face serious penalties according to state law. An individual who stands accused of this type of activity is likely to benefit from the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows and understands how the system works and will do everything possible to achieve an optimal result for the client.
Recently, several people were arrested following a standard traffic stop. The officer on duty claims to have smelled marijuana in the accused’s car and proceeded to perform a search of the vehicle and its occupants. Both the driver and the passenger were allegedly found to have drugs and were arrested. After their arrests, authorities obtained a search warrant for their home in which the authorities claim to have found marijuana, cocaine, heroin, weapons and drug manufacturing equipment. Three more people were arrested at the home.
Each of these individuals is facing a variety of drug charges. It is unknown if any court dates have been scheduled in any of their cases. It is also unknown if any of these individuals have been released from custody or if they are still being detained by law enforcement officials.
State law regarding drug crimes calls for a number of potential penalties for those accused and convicted on drug-related charges. These typically include jail or prison time and/or the payment of hefty fines. While this latest drug bust resulted in the arrests of five individuals, each of the accused may be facing different charges of varying degrees of severity. Each has the right to defend him or herself in a South Carolina criminal court and seek the best resolution for his or her individual circumstances.
Source: myrtlebeachonline.com, “Traffic stop becomes big-time drug bust”, Josh Bell, July 31, 2015