Drug Possession Attorney in Myrtle Beach

Protecting Your Rights After a Drug Arrest in Myrtle Beach

A drug possession charge in South Carolina can affect every part of your life. You may be worried about jail, a permanent criminal record, and what this means for your job or school. The situation often feels urgent, especially when you have a court date in or near Myrtle Beach and are unsure what will happen next.

T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. is a criminal defense law firm based in Myrtle Beach, led by Attorney T. Kirk Truslow. For 30 years, he has defended people accused of crimes in South Carolina state courts and in federal court. He has handled numerous jury trials and appeals, and he is committed to exploring every strategy that may protect his clients’ rights and futures.

If you are looking for a drug possession attorney in this area who takes these cases seriously, our firm is here to listen to your story and help you understand your options. We are available 24/7 to discuss your legal needs, and you can contact us as soon as you or a loved one is arrested or learns of a pending charge.

Contact a dedicated drug possession attorney in Myrtle Beach who offers the insight of 30 years of experience. Call (843) 212-1116 or connect with us online to schedule your free consultation. T. Kirk Truslow is available 24/7 to stand by your side and protect your rights.

Understanding Drug Possession Laws in South Carolina

South Carolina’s drug laws are primarily governed by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (S.C. Code § 44-53). These statutes classify drugs into five "Schedules" based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. The specific charge you face is typically determined by the type of drug found and the weight of that substance.

Simple Possession vs. PWID

In many cases, the state differentiates between having a small amount of a drug for personal use and having an amount that suggests you intended to sell or distribute it.

• Simple Possession: This is the most basic charge, typically applied when the quantity of the drug is below a specific threshold. For example, possessing less than one gram of cocaine or methamphetamine is generally considered simple possession.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID): Under South Carolina law, if you possess a certain amount of a drug, the law creates a "rebuttable inference" that you intended to sell it. For marijuana, this threshold is more than one ounce; for cocaine or methamphetamine, it is more than one gram.

Drug Schedules and Classifications

A Myrtle Beach drug possession lawyer must understand how these schedules influence your case:

• Schedule I: Drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, such as Heroin, LSD, and MDMA (Ecstasy).
• Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse but some medical use, such as Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and certain prescription opioids like Oxycodone.
• Schedules III-V: These include various prescription medications, such as anabolic steroids and certain anti-anxiety or cough medications.

Penalties of Drug Possession Convictions in Myrtle Beach

The penalties for drug possession in South Carolina are structured to escalate with each subsequent offense. Mr. Truslow fights to minimize these impacts, which include:

• Incarceration: Simple possession of marijuana (1st offense) can lead to 30 days in jail. However, possession of Schedule I or II narcotics like heroin or cocaine can result in up to 2 years in prison for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can lead to 5 or even 10 years.
• Fines: Total costs often reach thousands of dollars after court surcharges and fees are applied.
• Driver’s License Suspension: A drug conviction can result in a mandatory suspension of your driving privileges for up to six months, even if a car was not involved in the incident.
• Permanent Criminal Record: This can prevent you from obtaining professional licenses, securing student loans, or clearing a background check for a new job.
• Professional and Personal Reputation: The stigma of a drug arrest in a tight-knit community like Myrtle Beach can be devastating.

What To Do After A Drug Arrest in South Carolina

After a drug arrest in or around Myrtle Beach, people often feel pressure to act quickly, but they may not know what steps are truly helpful. Early decisions can affect both the strength of your defense and your stress level as the case moves forward. Taking a few practical measures can help protect your rights while you seek legal guidance.

Key steps to protect yourself after a drug arrest:

• Stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent instead of trying to explain or argue with officers.
• Clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions about the alleged drugs or where they came from.
• Avoid discussing details of the arrest or the charges with friends, co-workers, or on social media, because those statements can later be used in court.
• Keep all paperwork you receive, including bond documents and any notice of a court date at the Horry County courthouse or another court serving your case.
• If a family member is in custody, consider contacting a lawyer to discuss bond hearings, first appearances, and how to communicate with your loved one responsibly.

You do not need to have every fact or document organized before reaching out to a drug possession lawyer. Our firm can help you understand what will likely happen at upcoming court appearances and what information will be useful to gather over time. We are available at any hour to talk about your situation and to discuss possible next steps.

Why Clients Choose T. Kirk Truslow

Attorney T. Kirk Truslow has devoted his career to criminal defense, and clients often take comfort in knowing that their lawyer has decades of experience handling serious allegations. For 30 years, Mr. Truslow has represented individuals in a wide range of criminal cases, from drug charges to complex federal matters and multi-day murder trials.

Clients also choose T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. because of the firm’s approach to strategy. Rather than pushing quick plea deals, the firm works to analyze the facts and law carefully before recommending a course of action. For someone charged with drug possession, this can mean identifying possible motions to challenge evidence, exploring alternatives that may reduce long-term impact, or preparing for trial when that is in the client’s best interests.

Another factor is accessibility. The firm offers 24/7 availability to discuss legal needs, which can be important when an arrest happens at night or on a weekend. We strive to explain the process in plain language, keep clients informed as their cases move through Horry County or federal court, and provide realistic expectations without empty promises.

How Our Firm Handles Drug Possession Cases

When clients turn to T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. after a drug arrest, the firm focuses on understanding how the encounter with law enforcement unfolded and how evidence was obtained. Drawing on 30 years of criminal defense, trial, and appellate experience, Attorney T. Kirk Truslow closely reviews traffic stops, searches, warrants, and consent issues to determine whether constitutional violations may weaken the prosecution’s case.

The firm also evaluates how alleged substances were handled, tested, and documented, including chain of custody and laboratory procedures. Mr. Truslow’s experience with complex trials informs a thorough, non-routine approach to every case. By identifying weaknesses, considering alternatives such as diversion, and carefully weighing trial versus negotiation, the firm avoids rushed plea decisions and pursues informed strategies tailored to each client.

Mr. Truslow does not believe in taking the easy route. His firm is built on a foundation of aggressive, results-driven representation. His approach includes:

• Challenging the Search: Many drug arrests in Myrtle Beach happen during traffic stops or searches of homes and hotel rooms. We scrutinize the warrants and the officer’s justification for every search.
• Attacking Constructive Possession: If drugs were found in a vehicle with multiple passengers, the state often tries to charge everyone. We fight to prove that you were not in control of those substances.
• Forensic Review: We examine the chain of custody and the calibration of the lab equipment used by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or local forensic labs.
• Bilingual Advocacy: To better serve our diverse community, we offer legal services in both English and Spanish. This ensures that every client fully understands their rights and the strategy we are employing.

Talk To A Drug Possession Attorney in Myrtle Beach About Your Case

At T. Kirk Truslow, P.A., Attorney T. Kirk Truslow draws on 30 years of criminal defense experience, including extensive trial and appellate work, to evaluate each case on its own facts. Our firm works to exhaust appropriate legal avenues instead of rushing clients into quick decisions, and we are available at any time to answer questions about an arrest or upcoming court date.

To discuss your situation with a criminal defense attorney in Myrtle Beach, call (843) 212-1116 or reach out online now.