A Missouri methamphetamine possession charge has the potential to change your life dramatically. Whether it’s the first time you used the drug or if you think you may have a drug problem, you are facing serious penalties. Having represented numerous clients against similar charges, I may be able to help.
The arrest and criminal charge merely mark your entrance into the criminal justice system. Your job is to avoid ending your experience in the system with a prison sentence. As an aggressive criminal defense attorney, I can work to assist you in avoiding the most severe penalties.
Missouri Meth Possession Laws & Penalties
Under Missouri law, possession of methamphetamine is classified as a Class C Felony, carrying up to 7 years in prison and fines reaching $5,000. Some defendants do end up serving jail time for this charge, though few are ever sentenced to the maximum penalty.
The likelihood that you will go to prison for your offense depends largely on the facts of your case as well as your criminal history. The prosecutor considers these factors and more when pursuing a conviction, as the judge also considers them when determining a sentence.
Can I Fight A Possession Charge?
Fortunately, you have options. By working with a local defense lawyer you can build a defense strategy to possibly even avoid jail time altogether. Our job is to ensure your rights are protected and to get you the best results possible—what this means for one defendant will be different from the next.
For one person, a positive result may be a plea agreement to avoid jail time. For another, it could be a dismissal of the charges. The first step in knowing for certain what you’re up against is contacting an attorney for a consultation.
Missouri Drug Courts
Some counties have drug courts available specifically to help people accused of crimes like methamphetamine possession who may have a drug problem. These courts focus on rehabilitation and are treatment-centered. You can avoid jail time with a drug court program, but the program is not easy.
Contact us today to see if your case might qualify for a drug court.
Plea Bargains
The majority of meth cases in Missouri end in a plea agreement. This is where you agree to plead guilty to at least a portion of the charges against you in exchange for a more lenient sentence. If this is the best route for your particular case, we will work tirelessly to ensure you get the most favorable plea bargain possible.