Experienced Rapid City Drug Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with felony or misdemeanor drug charges, you need to call an experienced drug defense attorney immediately to help you with a variety of state and federal charges. Andrews Law Office, LLC, in Rapid City, South Dakota, will provide you with the step-by-step guidance you need throughout your case at the state or federal level. Whether you crossed state lines with marijuana or you were in possession of drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamines, opioids, heroin or mushrooms, attorney Paul Andrews can build a solid defense for you. In addition to general state and federal criminal defense, he has considerable experience with felony drug charges. The consequences for your charge may vary greatly depending on the amount in possession. Meet with attorney Andrews to discuss your drug charges as soon as possible.
Challenging Any Felony Drug Charge In South Dakota
South Dakota has strict penalties for drug crimes, including possession, trafficking across state lines, purchase, manufacturing and sale. Any drug charge is serious. However, there are some differences if you face charges related to the case’s specific details, including previous criminal charges, possession or use of a weapon:
- Possession/Use: Being found in possession of or using illegal drugs can result in serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment. For example, possessing a small amount of fentanyl can result in a Class 4 felony, which may lead to up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. Even possession of psilocybin mushrooms, classified as a Schedule I substance, can result in a Class 5 felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Distribution: Distributing or selling illegal drugs, regardless of quantity, can lead to severe criminal charges and extended prison sentences. For instance, selling opioids like oxycodone can be charged as a Class 4 felony, which carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. Distributing smaller amounts of drugs such as mushrooms can still result in a Class 6 felony, with up to 2 years in prison and fines up to $4,000.
- Trafficking: Engaging in the transportation or large-scale distribution of illegal drugs is considered a significant offense and can result in lengthy prison terms and substantial fines. Trafficking fentanyl, for example, is treated as a Class 3 felony, with penalties including up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $30,000. Trafficking larger quantities of opioids or psilocybin mushrooms can result in even harsher penalties.
- Manufacturing: The production or cultivation of illegal drugs is a serious crime that carries heavy penalties, including significant prison time and fines. Manufacturing fentanyl is considered a Class 2 felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison and fines up to $50,000. Similarly, growing psilocybin mushrooms can lead to Class 4 felony charges, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
- Paraphernalia: Possession or sale of items used to consume or manufacture drugs can lead to criminal charges and penalties. For example, owning a syringe used for injecting opioids can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor, which may lead to up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. Selling paraphernalia intended for drug use, such as a mushroom grow kit, can also result in similar penalties.
- Conspiracy: Agreeing or planning with others to commit drug-related offenses can result in charges that carry severe penalties, even if the defendant did not complete the intended crime. For instance, conspiring to distribute fentanyl can result in a Class 4 felony, with potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. Conspiring to manufacture opioids or psilocybin mushrooms can lead to similar felony charges and penalties.
Even though medical marijuana is now available in South Dakota, other cannabis uses remain criminalized. Regardless of the circumstances of your arrests and the severity of your charges, your rights are worth protecting. Attorney Paul Andrews has built a reputation for thorough criminal defense for drug charges at the local and federal levels. As an experienced trial attorney, he can offer an insightful review of your case.
Plenty Of Reasons To Turn To Andrews Law Office, LLC
If you are charged with a drug crime and are considering calling attorney Andrews, you are thinking clearly. With former federal, prosecutorial and big-firm experience, attorney Andrews stands out in the Rapid City, South Dakota region. Originally from Boston, he has been practicing criminal defense in South Dakota for years. His sole-practitioner practice offers him the opportunity to work directly and exclusively for individual clients. He is both personable and aggressive. He will take time to get to know you while fighting for the most favorable outcome attainable in your drug crime case. Above all, attorney Andrews focuses on results. This may include keeping you out of jail, preventing a conviction and ensuring that you have promising options.
Committed To Your Legal Defense Against Drug Charges
Despite what your experience may have taught you, you have many rights in the criminal justice system. Those rights safeguard you against overreach by police and prosecutors, but they are not automatically respected. It takes the skilled advocacy of a dedicated attorney to secure your rights. Schedule an appointment for your free first consultation with attorney Paul Andrews today by calling 605-638-9728 or completing this online form.
Notable Results
“DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES DISMISSED – An out-of-state motorist was stopped on Interstate 90 by a Sheriff’s Deputy who searched his car and found illegal drugs. Paul filed a Motion to Suppress the evidence based upon the Deputy’s lack of probable cause to search the car and the unreasonably long detention of his client at the scene while a K-9 unit was called. After Paul filed this Motion, the State Attorney’s Office dismissed all charged against Paul’s client.”