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Charleston Prescription Drugs Lawyer

Charleston Prescription Drugs Lawyer

Tough defense strategies for defendants charged with prescription drug crimes in Charleston

People can be charged with prescription drug crimes for different reasons. Sometimes seemingly innocent acts like accepting a painkiller from a friend can lead to charges against both you and your friend. Other times, people obtain prescription drugs that weren’t approved by their physician or through acts of deception. A conviction can have serious consequences besides the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., our Charleston drug prescription defense lawyer is a skilled drug defense attorney who understands what defenses you can assert and how to contest the prosecution’s case. Call now to protect your freedom and assert your rights.

“Remember, an arrest is not a conviction.”    -    Attorney Hough

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What prescription drugs are illegal in South Carolina?

Doctors can prescribe drugs for their patients. Pharmacists have the professional obligation to fill and provide them to patients with a valid prescription. Patients in Charleston can legally possess drugs if they have a valid prescription in their name.

Generally, doctors don’t dispense drugs, and they can be charged with drug crimes if they improperly prescribe drugs. Pharmacists may be charged with drug offenses if they provide or distribute drugs without a valid prescription.

Most drug crimes in Charleston involve people who possess drugs without a valid prescription—usually through some form of deception or other illegal means.

At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., our Charleston drug prescription defense lawyer represents defendants in all types of drug crimes including illegal possession of the following drugs and medications:

  • Adderall
  • Ambien
  • Ativan
  • Codeine/codeine syrup
  • Fentanyl
  • Oxycodone
  • Percocet
  • Phenobarbital
  • OxyContin
  • Soma
  • Valium
  • Vicodin
  • Xanax

What are the different drug offenses in Charleston?

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. has 30 years of experience fighting for criminal defendants, and we’ve helped thousands of defendants obtain favorable results. Our Charleston drug defense lawyer is ready to help you if you’ve been charged with any of the following offenses:

  • Illegal possession of a controlled substance
  • Forging or altering prescriptions
  • Seeing multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions—"doctor shopping”
  • Stealing prescription medications
  • Prescribing controlled substances for criminal purposes
  • Manufacturing, distributing, or selling controlled substances

For example, under Section 44-53-40, it is illegal to obtain certain drugs or any pharmaceutical preparation, chemical, or chemical compound that is restricted by:

  • Fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge
  • Forgery or alteration of a prescription
  • Falsification in any manner of any record of sale required by law
  • Use of a false name or the giving of a false address
  • Concealment of a material fact
  • Other means

What are the penalties for prescription drug crimes in Charleston?

The penalties for illegal drug possession are quite severe, and if convicted, you will likely be imprisoned and assessed a large fine. If you’re convicted of a felony, you will find it hard to find work and a place to live, and you won’t be able to own a firearm.

The penalties for drug offenses are generally the same as for possession of any controlled substance. The most severe penalties are for Schedule I drugs, and the least severe penalties are for Schedule V drugs. The penalties increase if you have a prior record and according to the type of drug, the amount of the drug, if you possessed the drugs near a school, and other factors.

Even possession of a small amount of illegal prescription drugs is likely to result in prison time and large fines.

What defenses do you assert when someone in Charleston is charged with a prescription drug offense?

It’s critical that you speak with an experienced Charleston drug defense lawyer as soon as you’re arrested. Our Charleston criminal drug defense attorney asserts all available defenses to help you obtain a dismissal or acquittal of the charges. We also negotiate plea agreements to less serious charges.

For defendants who have a substance abuse problem, we’ll explore whether your case can be heard in a Charleston South Carolina drug court where the focus is on treatment instead of incarceration. Drug courts focus on treatment instead of incarceration if you have a substance abuse problem.

In addition to the defenses we assert in most drug cases, some of the specific defenses our Charleston prescription drug defense lawyer may assert include:

  • You had a valid prescription for the drugs.
  • Your physician made an honest mistake.
  • The government did not properly test the drugs.
  • The government can’t account for what happened to the drugs after they were seized.
  • Other defenses, depending on the charges.

Is it against the law to carry prescription drugs without the bottle?

Yes. You need to have a valid prescription to possess drugs, narcotics, or medications that otherwise would be illegal to possess. Prescriptions are usually on the label or the packet of information you get when you receive your medications from your pharmacist. If you leave home with any amount of your medication, you could technically be arrested unless you have the prescription with you.

Generally, if you can show that you have a valid prescription after any arrest, then with the help of our experienced Charleston drug prescription defense lawyer, the charges should be dropped. But you should not handle this issue on your own. You must review an arrest for carrying your medicine without a bottle or prescription information with our office to ensure the dismissal is handled correctly.

You don’t want a conviction on your record. In addition to jail time, you will have a criminal record. If you carry too much with you, you have a prior record, or other conditions apply, you might be charged with a felony, which could affect many aspects of your life, including employment, your ability to find a place to live, and your education.

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. also aggressively defends clients against other criminal charges, including assault, arson, kidnapping, and charges against college students. We also handle drunk driving defense.

Do you have a Charleston prescription drugs lawyer near me?

Our Charleston drug crime lawyer meets defendants at our Charleston Office located at 171 Church St #160. We also meet defendants in custody, by phone, and through video consultations.

Often, the prosecution’s case is not as strong as you might think. Our lawyer will assert all your possible defenses.

1720 Main St. Suite 105
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Phone: (803) 219-2740
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171 Church Street, Suite 160
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 507-4558
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Experienced advocacy for Charleston prescription drug defendants

Experience matters. Results matter. The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. has 30 years of experience fighting for criminal defendants. Our Charleston criminal defense attorney has earned the respect of clients, defense lawyers, and prosecutors for his advocacy skills, preparation, and persuasiveness in and out of the courtroom. He’s ready to represent you today. To schedule a consultation in Charleston, Knoxville, or Columbia, please call us or use our contact form now.