Drug Charge Lawyer in Charleston

Aggressive Defense Against Drug Crimes in Charleston, Summerville, and Throughout South Carolina

Law enforcement officials take seriously any conduct involving controlled substances in South Carolina. Prosecutors will do what is necessary to attempt to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Depending on the specifics, an offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A conviction can carry lengthy terms of incarceration and high fines. If you face charges for any drug crime in South Carolina, you need a vigorous drug charge lawyer throughout your case. Attacking allegations in these matters can be challenging, but with a skilled Charleston drug crime attorney on your side, you can identify weaknesses in proof and build a compelling legal strategy to tell your side of the story.

At Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes, P.A., our South Carolina drug crime defense lawyers have handled criminal matters of varying complexity in Charleston, Summerville, and the surrounding areas. We know the law, and we know what it takes to get results. Our team will protect your rights in and out of court, seeking to secure the best possible legal outcome for you. We will be your advocates every step of the way. Recognizing that you may have several concerns about your case, we will be available to provide clear, straightforward answers.

When you are arrested in Charleston County or the surrounding Lowcountry, you may have questions about how local procedures work, from the bond hearing at the Charleston County Magistrate Court to appearances in the Court of General Sessions. Our drug crime lawyer will walk you through each phase, explain what to expect at every court date, and discuss realistic options tailored to whether your case is in municipal court, magistrate court, or circuit court. We also take time to review police reports, body camera footage, and any search or seizure that led to your arrest to determine whether your constitutional rights were violated.

Call (843) 790-0083 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

What To Do After a Drug Arrest in Charleston

After a drug arrest in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina, the steps you take in the first few days can have a major impact on your case. You may be booked into the Charleston County jail, given a bond hearing, and presented with paperwork you do not fully understand. Try to remain calm, avoid discussing the facts of your case with anyone in law enforcement, and remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney. Family members can help by gathering basic information such as the exact charges, the arresting agency, and your next court date.

Once you are in a safe position to do so, contacting a drug lawyer as soon as possible allows you to get guidance that is specific to your situation. We can explain how bond and pretrial release work in local courts, what conditions you must follow, and what not to do while your case is pending. We also encourage clients to write down their recollection of events, preserve text messages or social media posts that may be relevant, and provide the names of any witnesses who were present during the stop or search so that we can begin our investigation promptly.

Let us put our experience to work for you. Call us at (843) 790-0083 or contact us online today to speak with our Charleston drug crime attorney.

Drug Schedules in South Carolina Law

In South Carolina, controlled substances are separated into 5 categories (referred to as schedules), conforming to those enumerated under federal law.

The schedules are distinguished by the severity of the drugs and include the following:

• Schedule I: These substances have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Drugs in this classification include, but are not limited to, heroin, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, and psilocybin.
• Schedule II: Substances in this classification also have a high potential for abuse, but they are used for medical purposes under strict regulations. These drugs can also cause severe physical or psychological dependence. Examples include fentanyl, methadone, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.
• Schedule III: This group consists of substances with a high potential for abuse but less so than those in Schedules I or II. They may be used for medical purposes, and the risk of them causing physical or psychological dependence is low to moderate. Some of these drugs include, but are not limited to, benzphetamine, chlorphentermine, clortermine, and nalorphene.
• Schedule IV: Relative to the substances in Schedules I through III, the potential for abuse of drugs in this category is low, as is the risk of physical or psychological dependence. They may also be used in medical treatments. Included in Schedule IV are depressants, such as barbital and clonazepam, and stimulants, such as diethylpropion and phentermine.
• Schedule V: Compared to Schedule I through IV substances, these are considered the least dangerous drugs, with a low potential for abuse and limited risk of causing physical or psychological dependence. There is also an accepted medical use for them. In this classification are substances with limited amounts of narcotics such as codeine and opium.

Understanding the controlled substances schedules is important because laws refer to them to define prohibited conduct and enumerate penalties.

Types of Drug Crimes in South Carolina 

Nearly anything involving drugs is considered unlawful. The South Carolina Code of Laws lists various types of prohibited conduct. Because each has specific elements and penalties, we'll address the different drug laws in their own sections.