Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or meth is a very dangerous drug and has created some very serious problems.  Because methamphetamine is such a dangerous drug, lawmakers have responded by making some tough laws to put people who make and use meth behind bars. 

For a first offense of possession of less than 1 gram of meth, a person would face a misdemeanor charge that carries a punishment of up to 3 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, or both.  For a second offense, a person would face a felony charge and up to 5 years in prison, up to $7,500 in fines, or both.  For a third offense, a person would face a felony charge and up to 10 years in prison, up to $12,000 in fines, or both. 

Possession of more than 1 gram of meth is a felony and a first offense is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.  A second offense carries a punishment of 5 to 30 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines.  A third offense brings the prison sentence up to 15 to 30 years. 

S.C. Code Section 44-53-375.