The State of South Carolina takes a tough stand against drugs, and many related charges are felonies. Even a misdemeanor conviction, however, can carry serious jail time and derail your plans for your future. If you are facing a drug crime charge, you need an experienced South Carolina drug crime defense attorney backing you up.
The Drug Classifications in South Carolina
The severity of the drug charge you face will be based on the classification of the drug in question, which is addressed by schedules that range from I to V, from most to least dangerous. These schedules break down as follows:
- Schedule I drugs have a high potential for dependence and abuse with no accepted medical use, such as LSD, peyote, and heroin.
- A schedule II drug also has a high potential for dependence and abuse, but also has medical uses that are accepted in the profession, such as Adderall, methadone, and cocaine.
- Schedule III drugs serve a medical purpose and pose a more moderate risk concerning dependence and abuse, such as testosterone, ketamine, and codeine.
- A schedule IV drug serves a medical purpose and poses a lower risk concerning dependence and abuse, such as Valium and Xanax.
- Schedule V drugs serve a medical purpose and pose a very low risk of dependence or abuse, including specific narcotic preparations, such as Motofen and Lyrica.
The lower the drug schedule and the greater the quantity of the drug involved, the more serious the criminal charge will be, which translates to more serious legal penalties.
Marijuana is in a Class of Its Own
Technically, marijuana is a Schedule I drug in the State of South Carolina, but it is treated as if it’s in a class of its own. Make no mistake, South Carolina has not legalized recreational marijuana – or even medical marijuana except under the most restrictive circumstances – but marijuana possession charges are treated differently.
The first offense for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor that carries fines of up to $200 and can potentially carry jail time, but does not necessarily. A second offense for the same amount remains a misdemeanor, but the penalties become more severe. When the amount of marijuana involved is more than an ounce, the crime is charged as a felony, which carries much stiffer consequences.
Seek Guidance from an Experienced Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
The experienced and savvy South Carolina drug crimes lawyers at Beasley Tomlinson Law have the drive and resources to tirelessly defend your rights in the face of a drug charge, and we encourage you to reach out. We serve the following areas: Greenville, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Easley, Simpsonville, Pickens, Greer, Duncan, Greenville County, Spartanburg County, Pickens County, and Florence County. Learn more about what we can do to help by calling us at 864-775-5787 or contacting us online today.
