Greenville State Drug Crimes Attorney

South Carolina prosecutes drug crimes harshly, with extensive prison sentences and steep fines. This is not to mention the damage that a drug crime charge will have on your reputation. Whether you are facing a simple possession charge or have been accused of drug trafficking, you need reliable representation to combat such charges.

At Ryan Beasley Law, we provide skilled counsel for defendants charged with state drug crimes. If you are facing a charge for a drug-related offense, now is the time to give our legal team a call.

Drug Classifications

South Carolina classifies drugs based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety in treating conditions when under medical supervision.

Schedule I

These drugs have no acceptable medical use, a high potential for abuse, and a lack of safety in medical treatment. Heroin, diampromide, and morpheridine fall into this category of drugs.

Schedule II

The drugs classified as Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse, currently accepted medical use with restrictions and the potential for psychological or physical dependence.

Schedule II drugs include Fentanyl, cocaine, Methadone, Dextropropoxyphene, and Pentobarbital.

Schedule III

The substances listed in Schedule III have less potential for abuse than the drugs listed in Schedule I and II. Schedule III drugs have a currently acceptable medical use. Abuse of these substances carries a low to moderate risk of physical dependence but a high risk of psychological dependence.

Schedule III drugs include benzphetamine, codeine, and LSD.

Schedule IV

A Schedule IV substance has a low potential for abuse, acceptable use in medical treatment, and limited physical or psychological dependence. Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, barbital, and triazolam.

Schedule V

Schedule V drugs have a low potential for abuse, acceptable medical use, and the lowest risk of physical or psychological dependence. Schedule V drugs include ethylmorphine, Lyrica, and opium.

Types of Drug Charges in Greenville, SC

Different categories of drug possession charges are the following:

Simple Possession

An individual may be charged with simple possession if drugs are found in your home or vehicle, signifying that it is for personal use. Most drug possession offenses are misdemeanors, with penalties varying based on the substance itself and if you have any prior offenses.

Possession with Intent to Distribute or Sell

The quantity of drugs in a person’s possession is a clear indicator that the individual intended to distribute or sell them. Besides the amount in the defendant’s possession, there may be further evidence (such as baggies or scales) indicating that the person intended to sell the substance.

Penalties will range based on the drug and quantity, with fines as high as $30,000 and a prison sentence of 30 years.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is the illegal transportation of an illicit substance. Penalties will range based on the type of drug, quantity, and prior history of drug trafficking. In South Carolina, if you are found trafficking 28 grams or more of heroin, you will be sentenced to between 25-40 years in jail and potentially fined $200,000.

A Drug Crime Attorney Serving Greenville, SC

Given the severe penalties that accompany drug crimes, you will want to take all measures to avoid a conviction. Whether you have been accused or formally charged with a drug offense, our Greenville, SC, drug crime attorney is ready to provide you with the guidance you desperately need. To schedule a meeting with a member of our legal team, call us at (864) 679-7777 or by completing our online intake form.