The illegal possession of drugs and other controlled substances is a criminal offense. In South Carolina, the law has separate provisions for distributing illegal substances to minors. The alleged offender must be 18 years old and above, while the age of the recipient should be below 18. If you are facing an accusation of distributing drugs to minors, what could be the penalties for the said offense?
Narcotic drugs, crack cocaine or LSD
There is a different set of penalties for an offender who distributes a narcotic drug, crack cocaine or LSD to minors. The punishment could be a fine of not more than $30,000, a maximum imprisonment of 20 years or both. Moreover, the courts may not grant them probation and may not suspend their sentence.
Other controlled substances
In addition, there are lower penalties for those who distribute to minors other controlled substances that are not narcotic drugs, such as crack cocaine and LSD. They could get a maximum fine of $10,000, imprisonment of 10 years at most or both.
Distributing drugs near schools and parks
Meanwhile, there are also penalties for distributing controlled substances within the proximity of schools and parks. First, the offender should have distributed, bought, sold or manufactured the controlled substance. If not, they must have illegally possessed it with the intent to distribute.
Second, the distribution took place within a one-half mile radius of the grounds of public or private schools, colleges and universities. Other covered locations are public parks and playgrounds.
Penalties for distributions near schools and parks
The punishment for distributing controlled substances near a school or park is a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years or both. If it involves the purchase of crack cocaine or another controlled substance, the penalty could be a fine of $1,000 at most, a maximum imprisonment of one year or both.
There are higher penalties if the violation involves distributing, selling, manufacturing or possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. There could be a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for 10 to 15 years.
Navigating a drug charge
Facing a drug charge is tough adversity. With legal guidance, you may dispute the evidence, challenge the accusation and deal with the many complexities of a drug charge.
