Protect Your Future with a Proven
Drug Charge Attorney in Summerville, SC
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Summerville, South Carolina, the stakes can be extremely high. Penalties can include hefty fines, imprisonment, a criminal record, and a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.
The specific penalties depend on the type of drug, the quantity involved, whether the charge is for possession, possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, or manufacturing, and whether you have prior offenses.
Here are some of the potential consequences:
1. Criminal Penalties
- Misdemeanor Convictions: For less severe drug offenses, such as possession of small amounts of marijuana, you might face misdemeanor charges. Penalties can include fines, community service, mandatory drug education programs, and jail time (usually up to 30 days for a first offense).
- Felony Convictions: More serious drug offenses, such as possession of controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, or drug trafficking, are charged as felonies. Felony convictions can result in substantial prison sentences, ranging from several years to life imprisonment, along with hefty fines.
2. Permanent Criminal Record
- A drug conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can have long-term effects on your ability to secure employment, housing, education, and loans. It can also damage your personal and professional reputation.
3. Loss of Civil Rights
- A felony drug conviction can lead to the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, the right to own or possess firearms, and eligibility for certain professional licenses.
4. Impact on Immigration Status
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, a drug conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation, denial of re-entry into the United States, or the inability to obtain citizenship.
5. Effects on Child Custody and Family Relationships
- A drug conviction can adversely affect your child custody rights, especially if the offense involved controlled substances. Courts may consider a drug conviction as evidence of unfit parenting, which can result in loss of custody or visitation rights.
6. Financial Consequences
- Besides fines imposed by the court, a drug conviction can lead to significant financial burdens, including legal fees, costs associated with mandatory drug treatment programs, and the potential loss of income due to incarceration.
7. Difficulty in Sealing or Expunging Records
- In South Carolina, the ability to expunge a drug offense from your criminal record is limited. Charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal can be expunged, but many convictions, particularly felonies, are typically not eligible for expungement.
Given these severe consequences, it’s crucial to seek legal representation if you’re facing drug charges in South Carolina. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, explore defense options, and work toward minimizing the impact on your life.
When everything is on the line, you need a drug charge attorney who understands the complexities of drug-related cases and is committed to defending your rights with determination and skill.
WAYS our firm HELPs
- AVOID CONVICTION
- REDUCED CHARGES
- LESSER SENTENCING
- DIVERSION PROGRAMS
- EXPUNGEMENT
- DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS
Why Choose Our Firm to Handle Your Drug Charge Case?
When facing drug charges, selecting the right drug defense attorney could be your most important decision. Here are compelling reasons why you should trust our firm to represent you:
1. Extensive Experience in Criminal Defense
Russell Hilton has dedicated much of his career to criminal law, including defending those accused of drug-related offenses. With thousands of cases handled in General Sessions Court, including everything from simple possession to more serious drug charges, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge and courtroom experience to every case.
2. Personalized and Direct Communication
We understand that facing drug charges is an incredibly stressful experience. That’s why we prioritize clear and direct communication with our clients. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll receive straightforward answers to your questions and concerns. Russell is committed to being accessible and responsive, ensuring you are never left in the dark about the status of your case.
3. Strong Track Record of Success
While everyone’s case is different, our firm’s reputation is built on a history of favorable outcomes for our clients. We’ve successfully negotiated reductions in charges, secured dismissals, and achieved not-guilty verdicts in cases like yours. Our goal is to minimize the impact of these charges on your life, helping you move forward confidently.
4. Local Insight and Understanding of South Carolina Law
Born and raised in South Carolina, our attorney has a deep understanding of the local legal landscape and the unique challenges facing those accused of drug crimes in Summerville and the surrounding areas. We use this knowledge to craft a defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.
5. Commitment to Your Defense
At our firm, we don’t just see you as a case number; we see you as a person who deserves a robust defense. Russell is passionate about fighting for justice and ensuring clients receive quality representation. Whether negotiating with prosecutors or advocating for you in court, we’re committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
Take Action Now – Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’re facing drug charges in Summerville, SC, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you have an experienced drug charge attorney on your side, the better your chances of a positive outcome.
Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and outline the next steps. Your future is too important to leave to chance—let us work for you.
Common Questions About Drug Charges in South Carolina
What are my chances of not going to prison for a drug possession charge in South Carolina?
However, possession of controlled substances like cocaine or heroin can result in felony charges, with significantly harsher penalties, including the possibility of longer prison sentences. Having a skilled drug defense attorney can improve your chances tremendously and help reach a resolution that avoids a prison sentence.
Can a drug possession charge be reduced or dismissed?
What should I do if I’m arrested for drug possession?
TESTIMONIALS
Timely returned call
time, Mr. Hilton phoned me back on Sunday after I had left a message for a return call late Saturday. Explained all options and possible out comes prior to court. Then in court he negotiated an outcome that I would never have been able to achieve with out his representation. Thank You, FW
LE – Client
Sharp, Experienced and Diligent
LE – Client
3 STEPS to speak with a
Drug Charge Lawyer in Summerville, SC
1. Schedule an Appointment
Call (843) 376-5524 or send us an email to setup a time to come into our office or for a telephone meeting.
2. Discuss Your Situation
3. Decide to Work Together
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WITH A drug charge LAWYER?
Get a free case review
SERVING CHARLESTON & THE SURROUNDING AREAS
Russell D. Hilton, Attorney at Law, LLC is located in Summerville, SC. We serve areas in South Carolina (SC), Berkeley County, Dorchester County , Charleston County , North Charleston, Goose Creek, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, Moncks Corner, Hanahan, Walterboro, St. George , Colleton County, Orangeburg County, Santee, Holly Hill, Eutawville, and surrounding areas. We provide representation for criminal law, dui defense, juvenile defense , drug charges , personal injury law and accident law.