Meth Possession Laws in Missouri

Missouri might not be the first State to come to mind when considering where to take a vacation with the family, but it does have the unfortunate distinction of being tops in one category - methamphetamine abuse. So great is the concern over crystal meth addiction, that the Federal government has instituted a task force which actively tracks twenty-eight States classified as being high intensity drug trafficking areas. (HIDA) The list of states include: California, Washington State, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oregon, Ohio, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Alabama, Nebraska, W. Virginia and Kentucky.

Of the twenty-eight listed States, California and Missouri are rated number one and two respectively.The State of Missouri is the biggest surprise on the list, but records show that State local and Federal law enforcement agencies seize and destroy the largest amount of illegal methamphetamine from the mid-west state. Some have given Missouri the unofficial nickname “the meth capital of the world”.

Regardless of the street name used possession of "meth" "speed" or "ice" ends with a criminal arrest and serious drug charges. A drug possession lawyer is needed to guide the offender through the legal process. Possessing even a tiny amount of crystal amphetamine could lead to an automatic enforcement of 3 years in jail. Fortunately most local and State enforcement agencies realize that successfully completing a drug program has greater far reaching results than does a jail term.

A first time offender usually faces a misdemeanor charge and probation dependent on the successful completion of a drug treatment program. As is the course with all drug related charges, the local municipalities and State laws determine the limits and categories for meth possession. Low level or first time offenders can usually stay within the confines of State laws.

It has been estimated that the economic cost to State and local governments handling meth addiction costs from $16.2 billion to $48.3 billion. Being addicted to meth involves more than just the physical symptoms of addiction, often crime and criminal activity follow drug use which further impacts on the expenses of local law enforcement agencies. Agitation, confusion, violence, and paranoia are often associated with the abuse of this drug. Police officers are often called to assist out of control users.

In general terms, methamphetamine possession is against the law. It is classified as a Type A drug which can trigger an automatic jail sentence, if the court so desires. Arrests can range from possession for personal use, (perhaps ¼ gram of meth or under) a misdemeanor charge, to possession with intent to sell which crosses over to Federal law violations.

In California a person arrested with under half a gram will usually receive probation. In Florida a three year minimum sentence is required for possession of half a gram.

Drug courts specialize in combining treatment and criminal justice. They recognize that the most effective method for breaking the cycle of drug addiction and crime is treatment and not imprisonment. The prosecutor, drug user, and the court work together to set up a treatment program that will break the cycle of addiction and restore a drug-free existence to the defendant.

The desired result is a completion of the program followed by a reduced charge or sentence, perhaps with complete dismissal of all charges in a best case scenario.

All fifty States are serious about meth addicts getting involved in a drug treatment program. Punishment is a deterrent but what is needed most is treatment that puts an end to the addict’s graving for the adrenaline rush and the long-lasting effect regular meth use provides.

Serious health issues come into play with regular use of methamphetamine. Dangers associated with overdosing are a constant threat. Personality disorders and brain damage can occur. It is important to undergo drug treatment to recover from this addiction. Agencies and organizations are eager and ready to help anyone with a meth problem.

Of course the arm of justice will come down hard on anyone charged with possession with the intent to distribute. The court also has no tolerance for anyone selling meth to juveniles. Setting up a meth lab endangers the lives and health of anyone unfortunate enough to live in close proximity of the lab, the Federal government takes a tough stand against offenders who maintain meth labs or even store any ingredients used to manufacture the drug.

Types of attorneys to be consulted are dependent upon charges faced and whether or not property is seized. Most professional searches center around the following terms.

• Forfeiture defense attorney
• Criminal defense attorney
• Drug charge defense attorney
• Meth crimes defense attorney

Attorneys will assist in Federal seizure issues and rights and need to be well aware of the penalties for Federal offenses. Stricter enforcement and automatic prison terms apply when Federal laws are broken. A life sentence can be issued for manufacturing and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine.

Assistance for the hard-core defendant will be minimal, but lawyers and the court systems want to help those who have not measured up to the destructive level of the drug supplier. While Mexican cartels have been credited with the majority of meth production, there still exists meth labs operating inside the USA which are targeted by law enforcement. As long as meth remains as addictive and inexpensive as it currently is, the need for knowledgeable drug possession attorneys will persist.