Is Possession Anabolic Steroids Illegal in South Carolina?
No, and if If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with the crime of possession of steroids in South Carolina, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights. The criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC handle all criminal charges, practicing in courts throughout South Carolina, and we provide an aggressive and proactive defense to every client we represent.
Federal and most state laws say that the sales of anabolic steroids, possession of steroids, or possession of steroids with intent to sell, are all classified as felonies.
Any person who is convicted of the sale of steroids, or possesses steroids illegally with intent to sell, maybe punished with up to five years in prison under federal law. That same individual could face up to 10 years of punishment, depending on their state’s law.
Anabolic steroids are steroid hormones related to testosterone. They increase the synthesis of protein in cells, which, in turn, results in the buildup of cellular tissue in the muscles. Anabolic steroids also aid in the development of masculine characteristics, such as vocal cords and body hair.
Almost every state has specific laws placing anabolic steroids in the controlled substance category. Distribution charges in South Carolina are classified as a felony; possession charges are usually classified as a misdemeanor unless the amount is 100 doses or more.
Steroid manufacture, steroid distribution, dispensing of steroids, and possessing steroids with the intent to manufacture steroids, distribute steroids, or dispense steroids are all federal felony drug crimes.
Are bodybuilders allowed to use steroids?
No, not without a prescription.If you have been arrested for possession of anabolic steroids, getting a criminal defense attorney could help you attain the best possible results. Our criminal defense attorney understands the laws, and may be able to settle penalties & fines and offer her expertise.
Under South Carolina Law It is unlawful for any person who is not a practitioner, pharmacist, or veterinarian to knowingly or intentionally possess anabolic steroids as defined in this article unless the steroids were obtained directly from, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order of, a practitioner while acting in the course of his professional practice. It is unlawful for any person who is not a practitioner, pharmacist, or veterinarian to knowingly or intentionally prescribe, dispense, deliver, or administer anabolic steroids to a person. Any person who violates this article with respect to:
(1) prescription, dispensation, delivery, or administration of an anabolic steroid, or delivery of an anabolic steroid to a person for human use without any purpose other than a valid medical purpose, or the sale or delivery of an anabolic steroid to a person for human use without a valid prescription, or the prescription, dispensation, delivery, or administration of an anabolic steroid to a person by any person who is not a practitioner, pharmacist, or veterinarian, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished as follows:
(a) for a first offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed five years or fined in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars, or both;
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed ten years or fined in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars, or both;
(2) possession of ten or fewer dosage units of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished as follows:
(a) for a first offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed six months or fined in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars;
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed one year or fined in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars, or both;
(3) possession of more than ten but fewer than one hundred dosage-units of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished as follows:
(a) for a first offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed one year or fined in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars, or both;
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed two years or fined in an amount not to exceed three thousand dollars, or both;
(4) possession of more than one hundred dosage-units of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished as follows:
(a) for a first offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed five years or fined in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars, or both;
(b) for a second or subsequent offense, imprisoned for a term not to exceed ten years or fined in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars, or both.
Each individual case is distinctive and important factors include the number of steroids involved and your prior criminal record. Steroid sellers face more severe penalties than steroid buyers. In federal court, the amount of steroids involved is extremely relevant under the United States Sentencing Guidelines and South Carolina law.
Being arrested or investigated for a crime can mean many things. What it does not mean is that you are guilty or that you have no rights. For experienced drug defense attorneys who will fight for you whether the case involves drug possession, misdemeanor or felony drug trafficking, or murder charges — call or contact us in Columbia, South Carolina, today.
