Changes in Policing Policy Land Two Arrests on Drug Charges in Five Points
After promising to refocusing their policing efforts in Five Points, the Columbia Police Department has landed two arrests on drug charges over the weekend of September 6th.
On Friday, September 6th, police reports say that an officer told 28-year-old Timothy Love, Jr to stop running down Pavilion Street around 11 PM. When he didn’t stop, police pursued him briefly. Love reportedly hid behind two vehicles to deter the chase, and when officers didn’t stop, he ran into the street. During the chase, Love threw a bag that contained cocaine onto the ground. A second bag was found in the parking lot, near where Love briefly hid, which tested positive for marijuana.
Love was arrested on drug charges and other criminal charges, including two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of marijuana, failure to stop on police command, pedestrian under the influence of alcohol and drugs upon a highway, and littering.
About an hour later, early on Saturday morning on Harden Street, a Columbia police officer discovered marijuana, cocaine, and more than $1,200 when searching a suspect. Kelly Cokley, 24, was arrested on drug charges including two counts of possession of marijuana, and manufacturing /distributing cocaine.
Both suspects were transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing for their drug charges.
Possession and Trafficking Drug Charges in South Carolina
To convict you for possession with the intent to distribute or sell drugs in South Carolina, the prosecution must prove that you had possession of a specific quantity of drugs. You may also be charged with drug distribution if the drugs even appeared to be packaged for distribution. These are very serious drug charges.
Under South Carolina law, the following amounts are sufficient to be charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs:
- Marijuana: one or more ounces
- Crack Cocaine: one or more grams
- Heroin: two grains
- Cocaine: one or more grams
The penalties for a conviction on drug charges in South Carolina are severe. Your rights, freedom, and future are at stake.
Penalties for drug trafficking (depending upon the drug, the arrest, and your record) can include:
Trafficking Marijuana: more than ten pounds, but less than one hundred pounds
- First offense: One to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines;
- Five to 20 years in prison and $15,000 in fines for a second offense trafficking charge;
- 25 years in prison and $20,000 in fines for a third or subsequent offense.
Cocaine Trafficking: Depending upon the amount, penalties for trafficking less than one hundred grams:
- First offense: three to ten years in prison and $25,000.00 in fines;
- Second offense: five to thirty years in prison and a $50,000.00 fine
- Third offense or subsequent offense: twenty five to thirty years in prison and a $50,000.00 fine.
If you are charged with trafficking over one hundred grams of cocaine your possible conviction can result in up to thirty years in prison and a $200,000.00 fine.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Charges, from Possession to Trafficking
The trafficking and possession drug charges lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients, providing aggressive representation grounded in our years of experience building and interpreting the laws of South Carolina. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800
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