South Carolina has strict laws regarding the possession, distribution and trafficking of cocaine. Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance according to South Carolina law. That means cocaine is rated highly for potential dependence and abuse. Even possessing a small amount of cocaine can lead to criminal charges.
Cocaine possession
Possessing cocaine is one of the drug offenses in South Carolina. It’s a misdemeanor to have less than one gram of cocaine, and it’s punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Having more than one gram of cocaine is a felony. Having between one and 10 grams of cocaine can result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Possession of more than 10 grams of cocaine could mean a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Distribution
Distribution of cocaine is a felony that involves selling, delivering, or transferring cocaine to someone else. Although it’s generally done on a small scale, punishment for distribution depends on how much cocaine is involved.
Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 is possible for distributing less than 10 grams of cocaine. Punishment increases up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for distributing 10 to 28 grams of cocaine. And for more than 28 grams of cocaine, it’s possible to get up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Trafficking
Trafficking cocaine is a felony and large-scale operation that involves transporting, distributing or selling large amounts of cocaine.
Trafficking between 10 and 28 grams of cocaine is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. And trafficking between 28 and 100 grams of cocaine can lead to up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
The most severe punishment is for trafficking more than 100 grams of cocaine. That has a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a fine of up to $200,000.
Possessing, trafficking or distributing cocaine can lead to severe legal consequences. These consequences include time in prison, hefty fines and a criminal history that will have a long-lasting effect.