Possession or Purchase of Solvents to Aid Others
June 9, 2021
SOLVENTS
Solvents are essentially any substance that can be used to break down another substance. For example, the substance of water is a solvent when used in connection with the substance sugar, as sugar dissolves in water.
Under Missouri law, it is illegal to smell or inhale a solvent for the purpose of intoxication. Intoxication in this sense encompasses a broad array of effects, such as dizziness, stupefaction, euphoria, or any effects which alter the user's sensory perceptions of vision, hearing or mental processes.
Missouri law bans the use of any solvents for this purpose but the Missouri Legislature specifically lists the following: toluol, amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, cyclohexyl nitrite, ethyl nitrite, pentyl nitrite, and propyl nitrite and their iso-analogues.
The potential penalties for possession or purchase of solvents to aid others in violation of Missouri's Controlled Substances Act are:
A class B misdemeanor criminal record.
A jail sentence of up to 6 months.
A fine of up to $1,000.
A combination of both a jail sentence and a fine.
Probation for not less than 6 months and up to 2 years, either Supervised or Unsupervised.
Costs for probation.
Court Costs.
Random Drug Testing and the Costs.
Community Service.
This charge specifically applies to aiding or inducing others to violate RSMo. Sections 579.097-579.099.
You will be charged with a class E felony for any additional offenses beyond your first. As such, it is important that you have a skilled criminal defense attorney working on your behalf. Limiting your exposure to potential felony charges begins with a stout defense for a misdemeanor charge. Contact Anthony Bretz today to discuss your case. Don't wait to start protecting your rights. Call us now.