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Whalen Montalvo

Greenville Drug Charges

Defending Your Rights

A Greenville, South Carolina, drug charge is a serious matter. The implications, if convicted, are often impactful and long-lasting. Defending your rights is vital to protecting your future. A Greenville drug charge lawyer may be able to help you.

From a first-time offense to a record of past drug charges, a lawyer has the knowledge, skills, and experience crucial for criminal court. Multiple charges each carry their weight in terms of punishments. A lawyer can weigh the charges and provide the representation you need.

If you face Greenville drug charges, consider scheduling a free case consultation with a drug charge lawyer as soon as possible. Court dates are not something to miss but something you must prepare for.

Possible Greenville Drug Charges

Drug charges differ depending on the type and amount of drug in your possession. Any past drug convictions can also play a role in the outcome of new charges. Protecting your best interests with help from a drug charge lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina, is vital for your defense.

The elements of your offense, along with whether it is your first offense, can determine whether you receive a conditional discharge of your case. It is important to note that medicinal and recreational marijuana remains illegal in South Carolina. While possession charges involving small amounts are typically misdemeanors, it is still a crime.

More severe drug charges involving the following offenses are felonies. These types of charges generally have more severe penalties if you are convicted:

  • Possession: possession of specific quantities of a drug with the intent to distribute or small amounts for personal use
  • Distribution: to persons under the age of 18 or within proximity to a school or others for purchase or use
  • Manufacturing: the creation of an illegal drug for personal use or distribution
  • Trafficking: the illegal transporting or transacting of a controlled substance.

Some drug charges may involve federal and state courts. The complexity of federal and state laws makes your case too challenging to manage alone.

Drug use and drug addiction are serious problems throughout the United States. An arrest for drug charges can serve as a wake-up call to those needing help. At Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law, our job is not to judge but to help.

Presenting evidence of addiction or pursuing treatment can sometimes play a role in the outcome of a case. Addiction or no addiction, possession of hard substances such as cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, is something everyone must take seriously.

The circumstance involving your arrest is essential to your case. The more information you can provide your attorney, the better he can build your defense. Provide your attorney with as much information as possible as soon as possible.

Standing up to your drug charges is your right under federal and state law. You have a right to defend yourself, a right made easier with help from a drug charge defense lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina.

A Closer Look at Misdemeanors and Felonies

Each carries significant penalties

Drug charges involve either misdemeanors, felonies, or a combination of the two. Each type of offense comes with different penalties that can gravely impact your life.

  • A misdemeanor is a lesser criminal charge than a felony. However, a conviction may still result in jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and lost privileges. Possession of a small amount of marijuana is an example of a possible misdemeanor charge.
  • A felony is a more serious criminal charge involving a more severe criminal act. Manufacturing, distribution, trafficking, or possession of a specific type of drug can result in severe penalties upon conviction.

A drug charge can affect your employment, career, relationships, and finances. The stress of your court case can weigh heavily on you emotionally as you fear the outcome.

Any drug charge against you is worth a defense. Each case is different, and your outcome may not be like that of a friend’s similar case. Your attorney’s goal is to secure the best outcome for you based on any previous record and evidence.

Feeling comfortable with your attorney is crucial for your peace of mind. The ability to ask questions and to provide them with all necessary facts is vital for working together.

You need a strong drug defense attorney if you have Greenville drug charges. Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law help South Carolinians fight charges that may affect their future. Call today for a free, no-obligation case consultation.

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Why Choose Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law?

We seek the best outcome for your case

At Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law, we defend South Carolinians who face serious drug charges. Our understanding of criminal law and our experience has helped many through a frightening and unsettling time. Client testimonials are something we treasure as we treat everyone with respect throughout their case.

Attorneys James Whalen and Eric Montalvo put their criminal defense skills to work for you as soon as they take your case. Both attorneys have extensive civil and criminal law backgrounds that afforded them valuable learning opportunities.

Perhaps most importantly, James and Eric listen. Each attorney carefully listens to clients as they describe the circumstances relating to a Greenville drug charge. Their steady guidance and solid representation throughout your criminal proceedings let you know your case is in good hands.

Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law work tirelessly to secure the best outcome possible for your drug charge case. James, a Greenville native, and Eric, a Marine veteran, review the facts, build your defense, and stand by your side.

Drug charges are frightening and upsetting. You have a right to a defense. Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law are your Greenville, South Carolina, drug charge attorneys.

How We Can Help Your Drug Charge Case

We get right to work protecting your rights

The steps you take immediately following your arrest can significantly impact your future. At Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law, we get to work by meeting with you and learning more about the charges against you.

Once you contact us following your Greenville arrest, we immediately get to work in the following ways:

  • Meet with you to discuss your charges
  • Inform you of your rights and ensure others adhere to proper procedures
  • Arrange for your bail and arraignment
  • Negotiate for a plea deal for a less charge or a dismissal
  • Take your case to trial before a judge
  • File an appeal, if necessary.

Depending on the charges, your background, and court dates, a Greenville drug charge case can involve many twists and turns. Representing yourself is risky, and you may end up serving a harsher sentence or paying expensive fines.

Managing your case from the start is crucial for protecting your rights. Do not wait until just before your court date to seek out a Greenville defense attorney. If you face one or multiple drug charges, get help from Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law today.

Greenville Drug Charges: FAQs

Get more questions answered with a free case consultation

A Greenville drug charge attorney answers frequently asked questions regarding the legal process:

What if the police did not read my Miranda rights before my drug arrest?

Police are only required to read the Miranda rights after they arrest you and before they ask you questions. You have the right to remain silent — and should do so.

What if I am falsely accused of a Greenville drug charge?

Your attorney can investigate your arrest by reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and examining other evidence. Your attorney will then fight the charges in court.

What if my Greenville case continues to get delayed?

While delays are frustrating, they are common and something you and your attorney will get through together. However, unreasonable delays are protected by your Sixth Amendment right under the U.S. Constitution.

Should I accept a plea deal for my drug charge?

An attorney can guide you regarding the specifics of a plea deal and how it may affect your record. The ultimate decision on whether to accept the deal is your decision.

An arrest on drug charges is devastating as you face the possibility of a conviction. A free case consultation allows you to ask additional questions about your case.

Greenville Drug Charge Defense Attorneys

At Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law, we protect our clients by reminding them to refrain from actions that may help the prosecutor’s case. We also inform our clients of their federal and state rights.

Drug charges are complex cases. The types of charges and the details relating to them can profoundly affect your current life and future. Hiring an experienced Greenville drug charge defense attorney is critical for securing the best outcome possible.

If you face criminal drug charges, contact Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law today for a free case consultation: (864) 770-7710. Get a head start on the prosecution and your defense by reaching out to our office as soon as possible.

Defending your Greenville drug charges is your right. Whalen Montalvo Attorneys at Law will tirelessly work to protect you, advocate for you, and help you through this uncertain time.

James M. Whalen

I grew up right here in Greenville, South Carolina. Following highschool, I attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where I was an NCAA Scholar-Athlete for the Rhodes Lynx soccer program.

I completed my law degree at University of South Carolina School of Law, where I was on the mock trial team and an editor for the Journal of Law and Education. Following graduation, I served as a judicial law clerk for Senior Judge Robert H. Hodges, Jr. on the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. My experience in D.C. trial courts solidified my desire to become a trial lawyer.
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Get the best legal representation possible. Give the Greenville, SC attorneys at Whalen Montalvo a call today at (864) 770-7710 or use our online form.