Forest Acres Drug Lawyer

In Forest Acres, controlled substances are categorized according to what the law calls “schedules.” In determining which schedule a substance should be placed in, the General Assembly of South Carolina has considered each drug’s potential for abuse, the state of scientific knowledge about the drug, its potential medical benefits, as well as a myriad of additional factors.

If you or a loved one have been charged with any type of drug offense, then it is imperative that you contact a Forest Acres drug lawyer immediately, so they could begin building you the most robust defense possible. A knowledgeable criminal attorney could help understand your legal rights and ensure that they are protected.

Schedule I

Schedule I substances are considered by the state to have a high potential for abuse and no medical benefit. Some of these drugs include heroin, morphine, LSD, and marijuana.

Schedule II

Drugs placed into Schedule II are considered to have a high potential abuse but also are believed by the state to possess some potential for medical use despite their risk for fostering dependence if abused. Some examples of Schedule II substances include opium, fentanyl, methadone, codeine, and amphetamines.

Schedule III

Schedule III narcotics include many common medical drugs. Some of these are described by concentration rather than by kind. For example, an amount of codeine which is equal to 1.8 grams per 100 milliliters is considered a Schedule III drug, while larger amounts could be considered a schedule II.

Schedule IV

Schedule IV drugs are believed to have a low potential for abuse as compared to other controlled substances and are currently used for medical treatments in the United States. Some of these substances include lorazepam, clonazepam, diazepam, and other commonly prescribed drugs.

Schedules and Penalties

It may seem intuitive that schedules would have internally common punishment schemes in which, for example, all schedule III substances would have similar recommended penalties for like offenses. Unfortunately for those attempting to understand Forest Acres drug law, however, this is not the case.

According to Forrest Acres law, many drugs have their own specific penalty structures. Furthermore, for some substances, a person found in possession of any amount over one gram could be charged with sale or distribution. A Forrest Acres drug law is notoriously nuanced, and a skilled attorney could provide more specific details about the severity of various controlled substances.

Marijuana Possession Less than One Ounce

Many states have recently followed a trend to decriminalize marijuana. While possession of this drug is illegal and labeled as a Schedule I substance in the state of South Carolina, it is sometimes still treated more lightly than other substances. For example, if a person receives their first charge for the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, it will be considered a misdemeanor and could result in imprisonment of no more than 30 days and a fine of no more than $200.

It is possible, however, for the court in Forrest Acres to enter a pretrial intervention program such as PTI which would require them to complete an approved drug abuse program. Successful completion of this program could result in a much more favorable outcome in a defendant’s case. A drug attorney could petition the court to allow their client to enter such a program.

Possession Cocaine

The possession of less than one gram of cocaine in Forrest Acres is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a $5,000 fine upon conviction. If it is a defendant’s first conviction, it is possible to petition the court to allow the defendant to be released under probationary supervision and the condition that they complete a drug treatment program and rehabilitation.

A second conviction for less than a gram of cocaine is a felony which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $7,500. A third conviction could result in 7 years imprisonment and a $12,500 fine.

Possession of more than one gram of cocaine establishes a prima facie case that a person intended to distribute, which could result in up to 15 years in a state prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Possession Methamphetamine

The possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine could result in up to 3 years in prison and a fine of $5,000. It is possible to be released under probationary supervision on the condition that a defendant completes rehabilitation and a treatment program, assuming it is their first offense. A second offense could result in 5 years imprisonment and up to $75,000 in fines. A third offense could result in 10 years in a state prison and a fine of $12,500.

As with cocaine, more than a gram could lead to a charge of distribution which would carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Speak with a Forest Acres Drug Attorney Today

Being charged with any kind of drug offense can be a frightening experience, but you do not have to go through it alone. A Forest Acres drug lawyer could look at all the aspects of your case and determine the best defense for you, negotiate with prosecutors, and try to mitigate any potential penalties you are facing. Do not delay in calling today.