Drug Charges in a College Dorm: Know the Risks

On Behalf of The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC | Aug 12, 2025

Dorm life at Coastal Carolina University often gives students their first taste of independence. Peer pressure and the nature of college parties have led many young adults to experiment with illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, mushrooms, and prescription pain medications. Some students fall prey to drug use or distribution due to academic and financial stress, but making these choices comes with significant risks.

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Conway, S.C., or are facing potential disciplinary charges at your university, confidentially contact the experienced college drug crimes attorneys at Brad C. Richardson, LLC. Call (843) 488-4321 or connect with our criminal and disciplinary defense team online.

Drug Crimes Commonly Seen in Conway College Housing

Living independently on campus is a new experience for most college students. Although illegal drugs are prohibited in all circumstances, especially in college dorms, it’s not uncommon for students to encounter roommates, upperclassmen, and even RAs making light of drug use. South Carolina has not legalized recreational or medical marijuana or edibles. Regardless of what you’re told, college defense lawyers commonly see on-campus students charged with the following state and federal drug crimes:

Simple possession
Drug dealing (possession with intent to distribute)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Illegal drug manufacturing (growing marijuana plants)
Trafficking controlled substances
Obtaining drugs by fraud or deceit
Transporting illegal substances

Not only do these crimes carry severe criminal penalties in Conway, especially if another student overdosed on drugs you provided, but they may also derail your education.

Potential Penalties and Academic Risks Associated with S.C. Drug-Charges

Even a first-time offense can have lasting consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. Students may face disciplinary hearings, lose scholarships, and suffer long-term damage to their academic standing and reputation.

College police officers and administrators are often the first to uncover drug crimes on campus. This usually results in both academic and criminal penalties.

Disciplinary Proceedings

Most colleges have strict student housing policies regarding illegal drug use and possession. Drug charges in Conway college dorms often result in the offender getting kicked out of student housing without a refund. In severe cases –such as when school authorities suspect drug dealing– the student might be immediately dismissed from the university and referred for criminal charges.

With the proper legal representation, first-time offenders for minor drug crimes – such as simple possession of marijuana – might avoid academic dismissal and criminal charges by agreeing to leave campus or undergo drug treatment.

Criminal Penalties for Drug Crimes

The criminal penalties associated with college drug charges depend on various factors, including the nature of the substance, prior offenses, and aggravating factors. Some crimes, such as trafficking LSD, carry penalties up to 15 years in prison and a $25,000 fine for a first-time offense (S.C. Code § 44-53-370).

Getting First-Time College Drug Offenses Expunged in South Carolina

With the right college drug crimes defense lawyer on your side, you might get certain first-time offenses removed from your criminal record through expungement. Discuss protecting yourself from getting kicked off campus or federal drug charges with an experienced student crimes attorney.

Dedicated College Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers in Conway, S.C.

Do not let a common college mistake change the course of your life and career. Get help fighting or expunging dorm room drug charges in Conway by contacting the student criminal defense attorneys at Brad L Richardson. Call (843) 488-4321 or connect with our South Carolina student housing violations team online today.