Unlawful Sale, Distribution, or Purchase of Methamphetamine Precursors
June 9, 2021
METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGES
Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Also known as meth, blue, ice, and crystal, among many other terms, it takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.
For more than ten years now the Midwest, and especially Missouri, has been battling against Meth in one way or another. Previously, meth labs busted by the police became so common that it was deemed no longer news worthy. However, due to the influx over the past decade of large amounts of cheap meth from Mexico the incidence of local labs has decreased to a mere fraction of those older numbers.
Additionally, with the increased focus by the Federal and State governments on the Opioid Crisis, more addicts are turning to meth for their highs. As a result of these developments, Missouri has taken a "tough on crime" approach with respect to meth charges. Local prosecutors are rarely lenient when it comes to prosecuting defendants accused of selling, distributing or purchasing any methamphetamine precursor drugs.
The Missouri Narcotic Drug Act defines a methamphetamine precursor drug as, "any drug containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, or any of their salts, optical isomers, or salts of optical isomers."
PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL SALE, DISTRIBUTION, OR PURCHASE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER METHAMPHETAMINE PRECURSOR DRUGS IN MISSOURI INCLUDE:
A class A misdemeanor criminal record.
A possible jail sentence of up to 1 year in the county jail, a fine up to $2,000 or a combination.
If you are granted probation, it will be for a period of not less than 6 months and up to 2 years, either Supervised or Unsupervised.
Additional costs include costs for probation, Court Costs and the costs associated with Random Drug Testing.
As part of probation you could also be ordered to complete a certain number of hours for Community Service.
In addition to these conditions, you may also be ordered to participate in a substance abuse offender's course.
Some prosecutors and courts will also order you to undergo a drug evaluation and to complete treatment as directed by your probation officer. This will also include added costs.
Due to increased focus by local prosecutors on the destructive side effects of methamphetamine products, if you are charged with the sale, distribution or purchase of over-the-counter methamphetamine precursors you will need an experienced St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney to represent you in court.
Anthony Bretz has been representing criminal clients in the St. Louis area for over 10 years and understands the serious consequences that his clients face with drug charges.
You need a qualified and highly trained defense attorney on your side watching out for you. Don't add to your mistake by hiring the family attorney because he is a friend. Hire the right attorney, one who knows the penalties, one will fight for you and one who knows how to win. Contact us now to make sure you have someone one your side you can trust.