How might your life change if you become a drug offender? What defense can qualified drug crime attorneys in Jefferson City, MO, provide you? Find out here.
Jefferson City, Missouri, is known throughout the USA for having one of the strictest drug laws. For example, Missouri's drug possession laws are much more rigid than many other states. Offenders should fully understand the responsibility imposed on them for drug offenses. You should not take the consequences lightly if brought before the law. It is better to seek the help of drug offense lawyers, drug possession lawyers, and drug trafficking lawyers in Jefferson City, MO, on time.
The severity of the offender's penalties will depend on the type of controlled substance they possess and can range from fines to lengthy prison sentences. At the same time, most drug possession offenses are Class D felonies.
Drug Possession
Illegal possession of drugs is one of the most typical criminal charges in Jefferson City, Missouri. Even a tiny amount of illicit drugs in a person's possession or prescription drugs without proof of a prescription can lead to an arrest.
Depending on the class of controlled substance and its amount, the penalties for the crimes vary as follows:
- Possession of up to 10g (first offense) drugs is a misdemeanor. There will be no Incarceration, but you'll face up to $500 in fines.
- Possession of up to 10g (second offense) or up to 35g of drugs is a misdemeanor. Offenders can face up to one year of incarceration and $2,000 in fines.
- Possession of more than 35g to up to 30kg of drugs is a felony. Offenders can face up to seven years of incarceration and $10,000 in fines.
- Possession of more than 35g to up to 30kg of drugs has often been charged as intent to distribute, which is a much more serious offense.
Drug Trafficking
The classification of the crime depends on the number of drugs too.
Drug trafficking in Jefferson City, MO, is a felony under any circumstances and threatens with a significant term of imprisonment:
- Possessing or bringing more than 30 but less than 100 kg of drugs into the state threatened with 3 - 10 years of incarceration and $ 10,000 in fines.
- Distributing, manufacturing 30 - less than 100 kg, possessing or bringing into the state 100 kg or more of drugs or 500 plants or more threatened with 5 - 15 years of incarceration and twice profit in fines.
- Distributing or manufacturing 100 kg or more of drugs threatened with 10 - 30 years or life imprisonment and twice the profit in fines.
To Sum Up
Fines and imprisonment are not the only negative consequences of a drug conviction. The effects can follow you in the social sphere for the rest of your life because you may lose eligibility for specific jobs, professions, government benefits, or scholarships. Some housing options will become unavailable to you.
However, your arrest does not mean you will get a conviction. There are several ways to defend in criminal drug cases:
- Illegal search and seizure
- Unlawful traffic stop
- Unreliable witness identification
- The substance is not a controlled substance and many others.
You need to know your options. To minimize the effects of your offense:
- Seek help from the drug offense lawyers at Loraine Law Center.
- Call our office at (573) 995-4077 and consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
- Avoid discussing your offense with anyone before meeting with an attorney.