A Lawyer Can Fight Your Possession of Methamphetamine Charges
Possession of the dangerous and addictive drug methamphetamine can become a federal offense under certain conditions. When you’re facing federal possession of methamphetamine charges, you could be staring down decades in prison.
Mounting a strong criminal defense is vital here, as the right lawyer can make all the difference in how long you serve. The legal team at the Zoukis Consulting Group is ready to fight your charges in court and even consult with you on life in federal prison.
Don’t face these trying times alone. Call the Zoukis Consulting Group now for an expert legal defense.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine (colloquially known as “meth” or “crystal meth”) is a highly addictive drug that is one of several listed by the federal government under Schedule II. To meet schedule II criteria, a drug must:
- Have a high potential for abuse.
- Be an accepted medical treatment for very restricted uses.
- Show the potential to lead to psychological impairment and physical dependency.
Schedule II is one of five schedules, or classifications, that comprise the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of the 1970s.
Pharmacological Use
Albeit limited, there are medical conditions for which forms of methamphetamine are prescribed as pharmacological treatment. These include depression, exogenous obesity, behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.
Criminal Charges
Due to strict legislation against both possession of methamphetamine and its production, criminal charges relating to this drug are a grave matter. Meth laws have severe legal repercussions for individuals being prosecuted. If you are convicted, it’s important to find an experienced lawyer who specializes in meth possession as soon as possible.
Even the most minuscule amount of methamphetamine can result in fifth-degree felony charges, which equate to up to a year of prison time and can come with a fine of $2,500 attached.
Possession of methamphetamine in over 3 grams and up to 15 grams will result in third-degree felony charges, for which standard prison time ranges from 9 to 36 months. Additionally, a $10,000 fine usually applies. Having upwards of 15 grams of meth in your possession will result in first- and second-degree felony charges, depending on the amount. Sentences for first- and second-degree charges can mean over 20 years of prison time and come with heftier fines.
You should also note that there may be additional criminal charges depending on the arrest location. For example, if you are charged with meth possession near schools or children, it will result in further penalties. Any licenses you hold, including for driving and professional vocations, will be suspended after conviction. Moreover, if you have any prior convictions, the length of your sentence will automatically be increased.
Fighting Possession Charges
Methamphetamine has a strong potential to ruin lives. Not only is possession of this drug one of the most severely prosecuted against, but the aftermath of being convicted can permanently damage your reputation and ability to support yourself.
Besides negatively impacting employment, educational, and housing opportunities for you as a convict, it can also forever destroy or separate you from family and loved ones. It’s common, for example, to lose custody of your children after being convicted of possession. Lastly, there are the physical effects of meth to worry about, which can ultimately be fatal.
It is possible to defend yourself against meth possession charges with the aid of an adept lawyer. Depending on your case, it may be possible to fight the charge of possession or constructive possession (when the drug was somewhere you had access to, but not on your person).
Additionally, proving the substance is meth and/or that you deliberately possessed it knowing it was meth are essential factors in building your case. Finally, if any of your constitutional rights were violated in the process of pressing charges, a lawyer can further assist you in defending yourself.
Reducing Your Sentence
You will find that because meth is a drug under the CSA umbrella, the above penalties are the required mandatory minimum sentences. Crimes with a minimum mandatory sentence are extremely difficult to negotiate, which makes arming yourself with a proficient lawyer all the more necessary. There are two possible exceptions available to you to avoid the minimum sentencing.
- A “safety valve” exception exists for federal cases and is exclusively available for cases involving drugs such as meth. To use this exception, you must prove five things:
- That you do not have more than one past criminal history point
- That you did not utilize violence, any threat of violence, or a dangerous weapon in connection with your charge
- That your charge did not result in the death or injury of another person
- That you were not the leader of or engaged in the continuation of an organized criminal enterprise
- That you have given all truthful and relevant information you have to the government upon your sentencing hearing
- A “cooperation” exception may be available to you. This option entails that you assist law enforcement in their efforts to investigate criminal activities.
Fight Your Possession of Methamphetamine Charges
Given the extreme ramifications tied to violating crystal meth laws, it is crucial to have a good defense and support system at your disposal in the event of possession charges. The quicker you seek legal help, the more probable it is to improve the outcome of your case.
As experts in federal crimes, the lawyers at the Zoukis Consulting Group can assist you in every step of the process, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Published Feb 15, 2022 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on Jul 15, 2023 at 10:23 pm