Two Men in Florence, SC Arrested for Drug Charges
On Friday, May 2nd, narcotics investigators arrested two men from Florence, SC on drug charges, including possession of marijuana, and intent to distribute.
After months of undercover investigations, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office obtained search warrants for the homes of Edward Lee Gullatte III, 25, and Samuel Smith, 26. Deputies found almost 8 pounds of marijuana, which had a street value of $32,000, as well as about $24,000 in cash. They also found tools for distribution.
Florence police department narcotics investigators assisted with the operation.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center pending a bond hearing. According to a press release from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation for drug charges is on-going, and more arrests are possible.
Drug Charges, Including Distribution and Possession, in South Carolina
Distribution, possession with intent to distribution, and the manufacturing of any drugs are all in conjunction with the same statute, with penalties that may differ based on the associated drug. However, South Carolina has some of the toughest drug laws in the country, and even minor drug charges can leave a stain in your personal record.
Possession with the intent to distribute will be determined based on weight. A finding of greater than one ounce of marijuana or one gram of cocaine will take you from a simple possession charge to possession with intent to distribute.
In order to make a conviction, the prosecution must prove this intent to distribute which can be shown in a variety of ways. Evidence such as baggies, packaging of the drug and any statements made by the defendant that were recorded can be used, combined with the weight of the drug in question, to prove intent to distribute.
The penalties can significantly increase depending upon:
• The type of drug,
• the quantity of drugs,
• whether your case is brought in State or Federal court,
• your prior criminal record, or
• if you are accused of a drug crime within proximity of a school, park, or childcare facility.
In SC, there are two types of possession charges:
• actual possession
• constructive possession
To be charged with actual possession, the drugs must physically be on you, i.e., in your pocket, jacket, purse, or hand; to be charged with constructive possession, the drugs can be found in your car or home.
If You Face Serious Drug Charges, the Strom Law Firm Can Help
The penalties for various drug charges are severe, including mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years for certain trafficking charges. South Carolina has some of the stiffest penalties in the nation for drug crimes.
The criminal defense attorneys of the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, South Carolina, know the laws, court procedures and strategies used by government prosecutors to secure drug charges convictions, and can use that knowledge to defend your case and to help you avoid lengthy mandatory minimum sentences. We offer free, confidential consultations, so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us today. 803.252.4800.
