context: We conclude that the mandatory nature of SS 44-53-370(e)(2)(a)(l) is clear under the plain meaning of the words employed, notwithstanding the fact that the word "mandatory" is only used to describe the sentence for a third and subsequent offense.
citation_a.signal: cf.
citation_a.identifier: 279 S.E.2d 606, 607
citation_a.parenthetical: finding statute describing possible prison term as "not less than ten years nor more than twenty-five years" prescribes a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years
citation_a.sentence: See State v. Wilson, 315 S.C. 289, 294, 433 S.E.2d 864, 867 (1993) (stating the precise quantity of drugs involved in trafficking in cocaine in violation of § 44-53-370(e)(2), “is pertinent, not to the classification of trafficking, but to the minimum penalty proscribed (sic)”); cf. State v. De La Cruz, 302 S.C. 13, 16, n. 4, 393 S.E.2d 184, 186, n. 4 (1990) (noting Johnson case “dealt with a mandatory minimum sentence”); State v. Johnson, 276 S.C. 444, 446, 279 S.E.2d 606, 607 (1981) (finding statute describing possible prison term as “not less than ten years nor more than twenty-five years” prescribes a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years).
citation_b.signal: see
citation_b.identifier: 315 S.C. 289, 294
citation_b.parenthetical: stating the precise quantity of drugs involved in trafficking in cocaine in violation of SS 44-53-370(e)(2), "is pertinent, not to the classification of trafficking, but to the minimum penalty proscribed (sic)"
citation_b.sentence: See State v. Wilson, 315 S.C. 289, 294, 433 S.E.2d 864, 867 (1993) (stating the precise quantity of drugs involved in trafficking in cocaine in violation of § 44-53-370(e)(2), “is pertinent, not to the classification of trafficking, but to the minimum penalty proscribed (sic)”); cf. State v. De La Cruz, 302 S.C. 13, 16, n. 4, 393 S.E.2d 184, 186, n. 4 (1990) (noting Johnson case “dealt with a mandatory minimum sentence”); State v. Johnson, 276 S.C. 444, 446, 279 S.E.2d 606, 607 (1981) (finding statute describing possible prison term as “not less than ten years nor more than twenty-five years” prescribes a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years).