Drug Offenses

The potential criminal drug charges you may face differ based on which type of illicit substance was involved. Essentially, South Carolina splits controlled substances into five ‘schedules’, or classes, of drug:

• Schedule I. Schedule I drugs are subject to the most severe forms of punishment under the law. These drugs are considered highly addictive and not acceptable for treating medical conditions. Schedule I drugs include heroin, ecstasy, LSD, mephedrone, Quaaludes, and marijuana.
• Schedule II. Schedule II drugs are still considered highly addictive and are heavily regulated, but are generally accepted for use in treating various medical conditions. Schedule II drugs include opiate-based painkillers like morphine and hydrocodone, and  stimulants including Ritalin and Adderall. Street drugs like cocaine and PCP are also included in this category.
• Schedule III. These drugs are thought to have only a moderate potential for addiction when compared to Schedule II, and are widely accepted for use in treating medical conditions. Anaesthetics and sedatives are included in this category.
• Schedule IV. A low addiction potential and common usage in medical care are the two qualifications necessary to be labeled Schedule IV. Clonazepam (and other releated depressants), Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin, Darvocet and weight-loss-style stimulants are often included in this category.
• Schedule V. Widely used in the medical community, Schedule V drugs have a very low potential for dependence.

Since the potential criminal charges and outcomes of a case involving different schedules of drug may differ widely, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible.

When you meet with a legal representative from Bluestein Attorneys, we’ll not only get to know the facts of your case, we’ll also get to know you. Working with a legal representative may help you to explain the unique circumstances of your situation in a court of law.