South Carolina § 44-53-365 - Theft of controlled substance; penalty.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-53-365 — Theft of controlled substance; penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-53-365. Theft of controlled substance; penalty.
(A) It is unlawful for a person to take or exercise control over a controlled substance, the immediate precursor of a controlled substance, or ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine belonging to another person or entity with the intent to deprive the person or entity of the controlled substance, the immediate precursor, or ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine.
(B) A person who knowingly and intentionally violates subsection (A):
(1) for a first offense, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than five years or fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both; and
(2) for a second or subsequent violation, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned for not more than ten years or fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or both.
HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 365, SECTION 1, eff September 26, 2002; 2005 Act No. 127, SECTION 3, eff June 7, 2005.
Editor's Note
Section 44-53-160(B) authorizes the Department of Public Health, formerly the Department of Health and Environmental Control, to add, delete, or reschedule a substance as a controlled substance when the General Assembly is not in session, and Section 44-53-160(C) requires the department to make such changes to conform to federal law. For a complete and accurate list of controlled substance schedules, please visit the department's website at https://dph.sc.gov/professionals/healthcare-quality/drug-control-register-verify/controlled-substance-schedule
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 44-53-365
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-53-365 cover?
Section 44-53-365 ("Theft of controlled substance; penalty.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 44-53-365?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-53-365" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 44-53-365 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.