Charleston Drug Crime Defense Lawyers
Last updated on July 20, 2026
Drug crimes can range in severity based on the type of drug in question, the amount of drugs that were found, as well as prior convictions for certain types of drugs. At Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, we aggressively defend clients in Mount Pleasant, the city of Charleston, Charleston County and the surrounding communities who have been accused of a drug crime and are facing charges of possession, manufacturing, distribution or trafficking.
Types Of Drug Charges We Handle
We represent juveniles, college students and adults accused of drug crimes. We handle:
Drug Possession
Drug possession refers to having illegal and controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine or methamphetamine on your person, in your home or in your vehicle.
Possession of a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to 30 days in jail, while possession of other drugs, such as cocaine, can result in felony charges carrying up to three years in prison if you have a prior conviction.
Drug Manufacturing, Distribution And Possession With Intent
These charges involve the illegal production, preparation, sale or possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. It also includes growing marijuana and making methamphetamine. A person may be charged with manufacturing marijuana even if he or she is growing just one plant because this particular charge is not necessarily dependent on the weight of the drug.
In comparison, even if you are merely a drug user as opposed to a seller, you could be charged with possession with the intent to distribute because the law allows the trier of fact to infer intent to distribute based on the possession of a certain weight of drugs. If you have a prior conviction for the same type of drug, then you may be facing mandatory minimum prison sentences for your new distribution, manufacturing or possession with intent to distribute charge.
Drug Trafficking
The most serious category of drug charges is trafficking, which pertains to the illegal possession, transportation or sale of large amounts of drugs. If convicted of trafficking over a certain threshold, like 10 grams of heroin, individuals may face mandatory minimum prison sentences.
Trafficking charges are felony offenses that can carry penalties of 25 years or more, depending on the amount of drugs involved as well as your prior criminal history.
DUI Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs can be defined as operating a vehicle while impaired by controlled substances such as prescription drugs or marijuana.
In Charleston, DUI drug offenders face penalties similar to those for alcohol-related DUIs. A conviction can result in fines, license suspension, mandatory drug treatment and up to 30 days in jail for first-time offenders. You may face an additional drug charge if you have drugs on your person or in your vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest. Repeat DUI offenders face harsher penalties as well.
The goal in all criminal defense cases is to minimize the penalties or work toward having your case dismissed, but the strategy behind the criminal defense process is tailored to each case. For people charged with drug trafficking, this may include getting the charges reduced and/or negotiating for the shortest sentence. For first-time offenders with substance abuse issues, we may argue for diversionary programs and rehabilitation instead of jail time.
In all cases, we will use our experience as former drug prosecutors turned longtime defense attorneys to work hard to protect your rights, especially given that law enforcement and the judicial system are under pressure to reduce drug crimes.
Options For First-Time Drug Offenders In Charleston County
If you are a first-time drug offender in Charleston County, you can look into the Pretrial Intervention (PTI) for relief. This diversion program puts you under protection from prosecution. However, receiving this privilege means participating in a series of requirements and abiding by all the program’s rules, such as:
- Completing community service
- Paying the assigned restitution amount
- Attending counseling or educational sessions
- Providing urine drug screens
If you are facing a severe charge or struggle with substance use disorder, you may qualify for Charleston County’s Adult Drug Court program. This involves attending self-help meetings, weekly court appearances, random drug testing and treatment sessions. Expect to work with the drug court staff, who will monitor your recovery for 15 months at a minimum.
Illegal Search And Seizure In South Carolina
One of the most important parts of a drug crime defense is examining the search and seizure issues in your case. Did law enforcement officers have probable cause to search? If they did not, we may be able to argue that any evidence seized during the search may be inadmissible. As former prosecutors, our criminal defense attorneys know and understand how to challenge South Carolina’s search and seizure laws. We have successfully prosecuted and defended countless drug cases, which means we know all of the right arguments to make for your case. We have an eye for determining when police officers violate our clients’ constitutional rights.
Why Hire Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, For Drug Crime Defense
Here’s why you should choose us:
- Awards and accolades: Adam Young has been selected to the Super Lawyers list as a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Charleston, a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 as well as an AV preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. Likewise, since entering private practice, Kelley Young has been continuously selected to Rising Stars in criminal defense.
- Extensive experience: Adam and Kelley Young began their legal careers as prosecutors at the 9th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Charleston, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the prosecution’s strategies. Kelley is also a former magistrate judge for Charleston County.
- Trust signals: The firm has earned a reputation for strategic and aggressive trial advocacy.
Choosing Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, means entrusting your case to attorneys who combine legal experience with a client-centered approach.
Common Questions We Encounter About Drug Charges
We answer questions that we frequently receive about drug charges.
Will a drug possession charge ruin my enrollment at the College of Charleston or The Citadel?
Yes, a drug possession charge can jeopardize your academic future. The College of Charleston takes drug charges seriously; you can face probation for a first-time offense, but possession of harder drugs or intent to distribute can result in an immediate suspension or expulsion. As for The Citadel, its military code of conduct can trigger expulsion. If you are facing a drug charge, swift legal intervention is a must to protect your criminal record and academic future.
Can a drug charge in Mount Pleasant or Charleston be dropped without jail time?
Yes, the courts can drop a drug charge without jail time. First-time possession can qualify for a conditional discharge, which places you on a noncustodial probation period.
As former prosecutors, we know exactly how the courts evaluate first-time offenders. We leverage that insider perspective to negotiate with the state, structure compliance and secure program admissions.
What happens if an officer finds drugs in my car during a traffic stop on I-26 or Highway 17?
A law enforcement officer can arrest you if they find drugs inside your car’s glove compartment or trunk. Under South Carolina’s law on constructive possession, an officer can arrest you even if you do not own the car or share ownership with another person.
We are more than happy to address your concerns and discuss them in detail during appointments.
Contact A Drug Crimes Defense Attorney For A Free Consultation
Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case. To schedule your free appointment, please call 843-619-7755 or reach out to us using our online form.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
