Methamphetamine Charges & Defense

Each legislative session of the Missouri Legislature sees new attempts to stem the manufacture and use of Methamphetamine, meth. Of course everyone knows it is illegal to produce or possess meth. But just like addicts are drawn to drugs, legislators cannot help but pass more laws.

Methamphetamine is known by many nicknames including meth, crank, speed, crystal, go-fast, glass, ice, strawberry quick and others. It is a highly addictive substance that affects the central nervous system. It stimulates the brain to release the new row transmitter known as "dopamine" and then it works to prevent the "reuptake" of the excess dopamine which results in a long-lasting high.

The manufacture and possession of methamphetamine is treated differently in the State and Federal courts. This is an important distinction that every practicing criminal lawyer should know.

In Missouri the possession, sale and manufacture of controlled substances is regulated by Chapter 195 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. These statutes cover the rules for meth, marijuana, cocaine, heroin or any other controlled substance. It also covers rules for the forfeiture of certain property used in drug trafficking.

Under current Missouri law (February 17, 2009) people can buy up to 9 grams of pseudoephedrine every 30 days. That amounts to about two 15 dose boxes of 24-hour Claritin D or six 24-dose boxes of Sudafed. In order to make such a purchase a buyer must go to a pharmacy and sign a log identifying themselves and the amount of the drug purchased.

It is a violation of Missouri law to possess any methamphetamine precursor with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Under the current law having only 24 grams of pseudoephedrine in your house can make a prima facie case of intent to violate that statute.

The state of Oregon recently placed pseudoephedrine on the list of drugs that require a prescription. They now claim that such a move virtually eliminated local meth labs in Oregon.

Statistics claim that Missouri has long led the nation in meth lab busts. The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 1487 busts in the year 2008. Currently Missouri has legislation pending that would require a doctor's visit and a prescription for many cold medicines that can now be purchased over-the-counter.

Possession of methamphetamine is a serious offense. The charge dealing with meth has to be handled by someone who has the experience and can get a good result. If you are faced with a drug charge the lawyers at Schoeneberg Marty L.L.C are prepared to help. Call now for free consultation that could keep you from going to jail for the rest of your life.