Yes. Using Fentanyl will impact your legal defense in a criminal case. If you’re facing Fentanyl-related drug crime charges, such as trafficking, possession, distribution, or manufacturing, they can significantly influence your potential penalties and how the court will handle your case.
Prosecutors and law enforcement are intensely focused on aggressively prosecuting Fentanyl crimes because South Carolina continues to face the devastating effects of the opioid crisis, and Fentanyl is a top factor in various drug offenses, arrests, and overdose deaths. That means if you’re charged with a Fentanyl crime, you will be facing an uphill legal battle that demands a strong defense strategy.
At Eppes & Plumblee, our drug charge defense lawyers in Greenville, SC, understand the gravity of your situation and are prepared to fight for your freedom.
South Carolina Law Handles Fentanyl Crimes Differently
State law handles Fentanyl crimes with heightened scrutiny and severity compared to other drugs within the same legal schedule, such as amphetamines and heroin. If you are found in possession of more than two Fentanyl grains or Fentanyl-related substances, you’ll be charged with a felony and can face up to five years in prison for a first offense, ten years for a second, and fifteen years for a third offense.
The law also provides distinct fentanyl trafficking offenses with harsh mandatory minimum sentences starting at just four grams, ranging from seven to 25 years for a first offense (four grams to not more than 14 grams), up to 25 to 40 years for 28 grams or more. What’s more, if someone overdoses on drugs that you knowingly shared or supplied, you could face severe charges, including involuntary manslaughter or even homicide in some cases.
A conviction under this statute can land you in prison for up to 30 years. These cases are emotionally complex and legally challenging. However, a seasoned Greenville, SC, drug crime attorney can investigate the facts of the incident, challenge how the drugs were linked to you, and argue that the situation isn’t as clear-cut as it seems.
Having an Experienced Attorney on Your Side is a Must
When you struggle with Fentanyl addiction and face charges related to it, it’s easy to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. To secure the best possible outcome for your case, a knowledgeable drug crime attorney in Greenville, SC, who understands the realities of Fentanyl addiction and how these cases are handled can guide you every step of the way. They will negotiate for alternative sentencing options that focus on treatment rather than punishment and shame, and they will help you navigate the criminal court system.
Unfortunately, drug addiction still carries a stigma that can negatively affect how the court perceives you and treats your case. Prosecutors and judges may also view you as a threat rather than as a person who needs help. They may likewise argue for sentences at the higher end of the statutory range due to fentanyl’s lethality. Don’t fret just yet; your Greenville, SC, drug crime lawyer can humanize your specific situation, gather and present evidence of your efforts to combat your fentanyl addiction, and advocate for the fairest outcome.
Let Our Drug Crime Lawyers Defend Your Future
Don’t let the stigma of fentanyl use ruin your life. Start building your defense today by scheduling your confidential case review with our drug crime attorneys in Greenville, SC. Contact Eppes & Plumblee online or at (864) 581-3450 for more information.