Columbia Campus Drug Offense Lawyer

Controlled substance charges occur quite often on college campuses, specifically at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. The opioid epidemic is a hot button and a real dangerous issue. For a student being charged with a controlled substance charge, not only would they have to face criminal charges, but they might also have to deal with the student disciplinary code of conduct violation.

When someone is in possession of marijuana, or there is an allegation of alcohol in a place where it was either prohibited or an area where there is a minor, law enforcement will generally conduct a search and seize of any controlled substances. The police can search their dorm room or search their vehicle at the traffic stop. If they find pills or other controlled substances that are not lawfully prescribed to that person, the student will be charged.

If you are a student accused of committing a drug offense, an experienced student defense lawyer could help your case. Immediately following an arrest, students should reach out to a diligent Columbia campus drug offense lawyer. They could investigate the incident and build a defense to fight the charges.

Consequences of a Drug Charge

Students could face severe consequences if convicted of a narcotics offense. It may be a simple possession of marijuana charge, but on the criminal side, it is a misdemeanor offense that carries up to 30 days in jail.

On the student conduct side, the student conduct process on campus for most drug violations:

  • Will cost a $350 fine
  • Require random drug screenings
  • Require a one-on-one intervention
  • Place the student on conduct probation
  • Require a letter be sent to a parent or guardian
  • Could result in suspension or expulsion

Most of the time, the controlled substance charge is a misdemeanor offense that carries up to six months in jail, but could result in a greater penalty depending on the type of substance, which is separate from the Office of the Student Conduct Office at the University of South Carolina.

The more severe drugs such as cocaine or heroin will be treated more seriously by the University and by law enforcement. Whether the drugs are illegal, or whether the student is in lawful possession of a prescription drug, is important. It is best to seek help from a knowledgeable Columbia campus drug offense lawyer to learn about mitigating the consequences.

The Most Common Drug-Related Charges Seen On Campus

The most common drug-related charges seen on campuses are:

Students in possession of large amounts of either marijuana or controlled substances could get charged with possession with the intent to distribute the drug, but that is based solely on the weight of the drugs. They seize other evidence like scales, pill crushers, and etc.

The Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs

The use of performance-enhancing drugs or banned substances for athletes does occur. Athletes have to be careful about which over-the-counter supplements they take because they can have illegal substances that have been banned in them.

The misuse of a prescription stimulant could be treated as a performance-enhancing drug. It depends on whether it is on the NCAA banned list of substances. There are very few stimulants that are not banned according to the NCAA list. A Columbia campus narcotics offense attorney could help students determine which substances may be restricted on the NCAA list.

Reach Out to a Columbia Campus Drug Offense Attorney Today

Students who have been accused of a drug offense should find an experienced student defense attorney who will know what questions to ask, what evidence to obtain, and what independent investigation needs to be done.

A seasoned Columbia campus drug offense lawyer will be able to help build the best strategy for defending the client and defending the client’s academic career. The attorney will help them by advising on what next steps to take and building a strategic plan of defense that hopefully would keep them from being found responsible. Call today to learn about what may be possible in your case.