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Methamphetamine Laws in St. Louis and Missouri
Missouri has stringent laws regarding methamphetamine and St. Louis courts prosecute these cases fiercely.
Protect your rights and freedom with Combs Waterkotte. Contact one of our criminal defense lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP for a confidential consultation.
Some of the methamphetamine charges our St. Louis drug crimes lawyers take on include:
- Possession of Methamphetamine (RSMo §579.015): In Missouri, it is illegal to possess methamphetamine. The severity of the charge can vary depending on the amount in possession. Possession of a controlled substance is generally a Class D felony, but penalties can increase with larger amounts or other aggravating factors.
- Manufacturing Methamphetamine (RSMo §579.055): Manufacturing methamphetamine is a serious offense in Missouri. This includes producing, preparing, propagating, compounding, or processing methamphetamine, either directly or indirectly by extraction from substances of natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis. This crime is often charged as a Class B or C felony, depending on the circumstances.
- Distribution, Delivery, or Sale of Methamphetamine (RSMo §579.020): It is illegal to distribute, deliver or sell methamphetamine in Missouri. These offenses are generally treated as Class B or C felonies, with the severity depending on the amount of the drug involved and other factors like distribution near schools.
- Drug Trafficking (RSMo §579.065 and §579.068): Missouri has specific statutes for drug trafficking, which can apply to large-scale operations involving methamphetamine. These laws cover the distribution, delivery, manufacture or production of substantial quantities of controlled substances, including methamphetamine. The penalties for drug trafficking are particularly severe and can include lengthy prison sentences.
- Possession of Chemicals with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine (RSMo §579.110): Possession of certain chemicals with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine is also illegal in Missouri. The law also targets those possessing precursor chemicals commonly used in the production of methamphetamine.
- Child Endangerment (RSMo §568.045): If methamphetamine production or use occurs in the presence of a child, or if a child resides in a place where such activities are conducted, additional charges of child endangerment may be applied.
- Drug Paraphernalia (RSMo §579.074): Possession of drug paraphernalia related to methamphetamine use or production is also prohibited and can result in additional charges.
Penalties for these offenses can range from fines to imprisonment, and the severity often depends on the quantity of the drug, prior offenses and other circumstances like the involvement of minors. If you are accused of any of the above crimes or any others related to drugs and methamphetamines, call the criminal defense lawyers of Combs Waterkotte for a free consultation.
