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Heroin Charges in St. Louis and Missouri
Possession of a controlled substance, especially one considered a Schedule A drug like heroin, is a felony under Missouri law. In addition, in response to the explosion of heroin's availability on Missouri streets, state government has increased the punishments for many heroin-related crimes.
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Specific heroin laws in Missouri include:
- If someone is caught with any quantity of heroin in their possession, this is a class D felony charge. The maximum punishment for a class D felony in Missouri is seven years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Distributing (or selling) heroin in Missouri, or possessing it with the intent to sell it on, is a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000. If you are accused of distributing heroin to a minor (defined as someone under the age of 18, who is also two years younger than you) this crime is upgraded to a class B felony, meaning you may face 5 to 15 years behind bars.
- The harshest punishment related to heroin in Missouri is "distribution in a protected location". Missouri's definition of "protected locations" includes anywhere within 2,000 feet of a K-12 or vocational school, within 1,000 feet of a park or recreational area, or on the grounds of public/government-assisted housing. This is a class A felony, the strictest criminal penalty under Missouri law, carrying a minimum 10 years in prison if convicted.
The punishments for being convicted of a felony are not just limited to a prison sentence or a hefty fine, either. In Missouri, convicted felons are barred from holding elected office, owning firearms unless they are used strictly for hunting, and from voting in elections during the term of their conviction. They will also be required to disclose their status as a convicted felon when applying for jobs and housing, which oftentimes severely limits their opportunities to work and live the way they want.
