The illegal possession of drugs and other controlled substances is a criminal offense. In South Carolina, the law has separate provisions for distributing illegal substances to minors. The alleged offender must be 18 years old and above, while the age of the recipient...
Drug Charges
What are the requirements for drug court in South Carolina?
Individuals who violate controlled substances laws in South Carolina often have an underlying substance abuse disorder. People can very quickly become dependent on prescription medication or prohibited substances. They may then find themselves at risk of criminal...
Drug-induced DUI in South Carolina: What’s considered impairment?
Just like in other U.S. states, South Carolina prohibits people from driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. In fact, the state even has a law on driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration (DUAC). A person violates said law by operating a vehicle with...
The legal risks of tampering with drug and alcohol screening tests
Police officers aren’t the only ones administering drug and alcohol tests at traffic stops; workplaces might also conduct their own screening tests as part of an effort to maintain a substance-free environment. Faced with the risk of getting caught, some people might...
Is stealing another person’s illegal controlled substance a crime?
Controlled substances get their name because governments heavily regulate their manufacture, use and possession, usually for good reasons. These drugs are universally recognized for their risk for abuse and addiction. There are even specific classifications for these...
Why do successful, intelligent people start self-medicating?
There's a lot of social stigma related to substance abuse. People tend to imagine low-functioning people when they think about drug addiction in particular. However, the reality substance abuse is that it affects people from all backgrounds for a variety of different...
Can you share prescription drugs?
Getting a prescription for a drug can be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, if you have a friend you think could benefit from some of the same pills that you have, you might try to help them by sharing some of yours. As kind as this is, it could land both of you in...
The fine line between drug possession and possession with intent
There are multiple laws that limit what people can lawfully do with controlled or prohibited substances in South Carolina. The lowest-level charges relate to possession, and those accused of selling, manufacturing or trafficking such substances generally face more...
The significance of wrongful conviction when facing drug charges
South Carolina severely penalizes drug crimes. A drug crime conviction can come with hefty fines and days or even years of imprisonment, depending on the type and amount of the controlled substance. The convicted party could lose their professional license and driving...
What is constructive possession in drug cases?
Facing a drug charge is serious - even a case you believe is minor can land you into significant trouble. If you are caught with a controlled substance, you may face this charge. And, in some instances, you may be charged with this crime even when you don't have the...