Five major interstate highways run through South Carolina: I-95, I-26, I-77, I-20, and I-85. Frequently, state or federal officers will set up along these interstates to conduct drug interdiction stops. Oftentimes, these interdiction efforts unfairly target people based upon the way they look and not probable cause.  If you’ve been arrested in South Carolina during a traffic stop and search, the experienced interstate drug stop attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens are here to help you fight these charges.

South Carolina Interstate Drug Charges

Interstate stop and searches across South Carolina can lead to charges including but not limited to:

  • Possession of Drugs
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID)
  • Drug Trafficking
  •  Marijuana
  •  Methamphetamine
  •  Heroin
  • MDMA
  • Possession of a Weapon

If you’ve been charged with one or more of these, it’s critical to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who practices in South Carolina. The criminal attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens have experience defending a wide range of interstate drug charges and will walk through the specifics of your case and analyze every single aspect of your arrest to make sure that it was a lawful arrest under SC law.

Unlawful Vehicle Searches

If the police pull you over and search your vehicle without PROBABLE CAUSE, a WARRANT, or YOUR PERMISSION, then it may be possible to get any evidence against you dismissed or dropped entirely. Under South Carolina law, police can’t pull you over based on a whim or search your car without reason or warrant.

When Police Can Search Your Vehicle:

Police can only search your vehicle during a traffic stop if:

  • They have a warrant to search your vehicle.
  • Incriminating items are in plain sight.
  • You permit them to search your vehicle.
  • Public safety is at risk.

This remains the same for highway patrol, sheriff’s departments, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the use of detection canines.

How Can an Interstate Drug Stop Attorney?

The criminal defense attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens will thoroughly investigate the specifics of your case and use every tactic available under SC law to get your charges acquitted, dropped, dismissed, or redacted to a less serious offense.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, we believe that one moment shouldn’t define the rest of your life. If you’re facing criminal charges at the state or federal level from an interstate drug stop, contact our interstate drug stop attorneys ASAP. Schedule your free consultation at (803) 888-2200 or fill out our online form and an attorney from our office will be in touch.

Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas in this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Each case is different and evaluated based on its own particular facts and merits.

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