Fentanyl is an opioid drug that is often used in a medical setting as an anesthetic and pain reliever. In a medical professional’s hands, fentanyl can help to manage post-operative pain and chronic pain, especially in individuals who have built resistance to opioids. Although the substance has a legitimate medical purpose, repeated use can result in physical or psychological dependency. Under the current South Carolina drug schedule, fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, although fentanyl-related substances are classified as Schedule I drugs.
If you or a family member has been charged with a fentanyl-related offense, our Greenville defense attorneys are available to protect your rights. We can guide you through the classification of controlled substances in the Palmetto State and the importance of hiring experienced counsel.
Controlled Substance Schedule in Greenville, SC
The severity of a drug charge depends on the type of substance involved. In South Carolina, controlled substances are classified as being in one of five schedules. (Take note that fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II substance.)
Here is each drug category and common illegal substances in Greenville, SC:
- Schedule I: Highest risk of addiction, with no acceptable medical use
- Typical examples: Heroin, LSD, and ecstasy/MDMA (“Molly”)
- Schedule II: Highest risk of psychological and physical dependence, a high risk of abuse, but accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
- Typical examples: Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Adderall
- Schedule III: High risk of psychological dependence, with accepted medical use for treatment
- Typical examples: Anabolic steroids, Clortermine, and Benzphetamine
- Schedule IV: Low risk of abuse and limited dependence, with accepted medical use
- Typical examples: Diazepam, Barbital, and Phenobarbital
- Schedule V: Lowest risk of abuse and psychological or physical dependency, with widely accepted medical use
- Typical examples: Motofen, Lyrica, and cough medications with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters
The South Carolina Department of Public Health updates its controlled substance schedules periodically. In 2021, the state placed 10 fentanyl-related substances into the Schedule I category, in accordance with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s ruling. Given the potency of these fentanyl analogs, merely two milligrams is considered a lethal dose. Consequently, both the state and federal governments have been tightening up protocols when it comes to investigating and prosecuting fentanyl charges.
How Our Defense Attorneys Can Help
If you have fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance in your possession, there are a host of charges that you may be facing. An intent to distribute charge can come into play based on the amount of fentanyl in your possession and if you have any paraphernalia or packaging materials that would signify your intent to distribute.
However, if the prosecution presents weak evidence that demonstrates your intent, then our legal team will fight to reduce an intent-to-distribute charge to a simple possession charge. Knowing your rights is key to effectively combating fentanyl charges, which is what our drug charge lawyers seek to accomplish. At Eppes & Plumblee, our goal is always to negotiate the most favorable terms to help you avoid a lengthy prison sentence and steep fines.
Contact Our Greenville Drug Charge Lawyers Today
The seriousness of a fentanyl charge cannot be overlooked. If you are facing fentanyl charges, understanding your rights can help you obtain a more lenient sentence. Many defendants fear that hiring representation will be too costly, but, in reality, an experienced drug charge attorney can help you save thousands of dollars in fines.
At Eppes & Plumblee, our Greenville drug charge attorneys will conduct an independent investigation into your matter to determine the authenticity and legality of the collected evidence. We pride ourselves on finding any inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case to support our defense strategy. To learn more about our services or to schedule a confidential case review, contact us online or call (864) 581-3450.