Cayce Possession of Controlled Substance Lawyer

Time is of the essence if you or someone you know was recently accused of crimes related to possession of controlled substance. Understanding potential penalties and other consequences for your freedom and reputation upon a conviction is crucial.

A Cayce possession of controlled substance lawyer could walk you through the potential consequences, and how to prepare a defense strategy for protecting your rights.

Since the stakes are high for anyone who could have a criminal record as a result of the possession of controlled substance charge, this situation should be taken seriously and discussed with a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Statewide Classifications of Controlled Substances

South Carolina divides controlled substances into five different schedules; each one with a varying category about the level of potential abuse and addiction, medical value, and danger.

Schedule I includes the most dangerous drugs, whereas, schedules II, III, IV, and V decrease in the probability of abuse and overall dangerousness and increase in recognized medical uses. South Carolina Laws Annotated 4-53-190 and beyond outline the various types of substance possession charges.

Any kind of controlled substance could be taken seriously by police officers and prosecutors. It might lead to an immediate arrest, putting the accused person in the difficult situation of figuring out their next steps on their own.

Controlled Substance Possession Penalties

Without a valid prescription, it is illegal in South Carolina for a person to possess a controlled substance. Low-level controlled substance charges are a misdemeanor, which carries jail time of up to six months and fines of up to $1000 or both.

Possession of cocaine is a misdemeanor, and for a first offense, this leads to a fine of up to $5000 and up to three (3) years in prison or both. Second offenses are felonies with higher fines and prison time.

A possession of controlled substance violation could also be changed to a distribution offense with longer prison terms and stiffer fines if a defendant possessed more than certain specified amounts such as 2 grams of heroin or 1 gram of cocaine. Depending on the weight (amount) of the controlled substances, you could be charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute or Trafficking charges. It is best to seek help from a tenacious attorney to learn about the charges and the consequences of a conviction.

Speak with a Cayce Possession of Controlled Substance Attorney Today

Anyone who is facing the serious and life-changing consequence of any drug possession charge could benefit from speaking with a Cayce possession of controlled substance lawyer who is familiar with the criminal justice system and the possible defense strategies available to you.

Early involvement from your criminal defense lawyer is important for protecting your rights since you might not know what to do when you have been arrested. Police officers are trained to get you to cooperate and to provide as much information as possible when you are brought in on suspicion of controlled substance charges.

You could feel more confident about your ability to respond to these charges and how to handle the process when your lawyer has walked you through it.