Punishment for possession of meth or distribution of meth can be severe, and penalties vary state-by-state. The results can range from fines and court-ordered rehabilitation to lengthy jail or prison terms.
A lot depends on how much meth you have at the time of your arrest, as well as your intent.
Properly prescribed meth can be beneficial to a person’s health, whereas crystal meth serves no such purpose. Getting caught with meth can not only put a glaring mark on your legal record, but it can cost you greatly in financial and social terms. A drug record can prevent you from getting a stable job. In addition, if you are a parent, you could risk losing custody of your child.
Meth use and addiction are a widespread issue in the U.S. and contribute to turning many lives upside down. If you are struggling with meth and are afraid of where it may lead you, then reach out to us at 706-480-8733 for professional guidance.Â
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Punishment for possession of meth or distribution of meth can be severe, and penalties vary state-by-state. The results can range from fines and court-ordered rehabilitation to lengthy jail or prison terms.
Why is Crystal Meth So Dangerous?Â
Crystal Meth is methamphetamine converted to a powdered or crystallized form. Smoking, snorting, or injecting are a few common ways to take it.
As opposed to other drugs like marijuana or opiates, meth is entirely artificial chemicals. The production of meth itself is a hazardous process involving toxic, and sometimes explosive, substances. Meth can also have a range of poisonous ingredients in it, including household cleaners and even battery acid.
Furthermore, meth use is highly damaging to the central nervous system. It can cause
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mental side effects like depression and paranoia.
- SeizuresÂ
- Overdosing can also be deadly.
However, these are just the bodily symptoms you face if you are an addict. The legal ramifications can be just as ominous.
You may be asking, “Can you get arrested for being high on meth?†The answer is yes. In addition, this also depends on the state in which you’re under arrest. Several states do allow an arresting officer to charge you for merely exhibiting symptoms of being on meth. Even circumstantial evidence can land you in trouble.
Meth is dangerous, and there are several ways in which you can be in trouble for using or attempting to distribute this substance.
Crystal meth is a controlled substance and is considered a Schedule II drug. For instance, these are defined as:
Drugs, substances, or chemicals…with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.
However, it’s important to note that crystal meth falls under the same category and range of penalties as pharmacy meth. It does not consider that crystal meth, manufactured illegally, often contains highly toxic and dangerous ingredients.
The Penalties for Possession
You do not want to face being under arrest with meth in your possession. Having even the tiniest amount on your person can land you in jail.
Meth possession charges are complex and wide-ranging. However, it isn’t straightforward because they vary by state and jurisdiction. What results in probation in one area may land you jail time in another. Even for a first-time offense, some states consider meth possession a felony.
For example, in Georgia, first possession offenses are automatically considered a felony with mandatory jail time. Second offenses and beyond are a minimum of five years in prison if convicted. Also, you will be dealing with significant fines in all cases.
Besides outlawing meth possession and manufacture, most jurisdictions make it illegal to possess the chemicals used to manufacture meth (known as “precursors”). It is also illegal to possess the paraphernalia used in the manufacturing process, such as scales or balances.
Your state may have separate drug courts that handle cases involving illegal substances. The idea of these courts is to rehabilitate—rather than punish—offenders. This rehab may include attendance at a facility, educational classes, therapy, or all the above.
Even if you are lucky enough to have a more lenient state, rehabilitation is no joke. It involves constant monitoring and requires frequent drug testing to ensure you are not using meth or other substances.
In addition, when receiving punishment for possession of meth, your defenses before a judge are limited. If caught with a large amount, you can argue that it was only for personal use, but that only goes so far. It is best to contact a criminal defense lawyer if you may be facing charges.Â
Call us today and we can help you fight against the addiction. Do not wait. Start getting help now.Â
The Penalties for Trafficking
If you are caught manufacturing, distributing, or selling meth, you can face a drug trafficking charge. You might even automatically face trafficking if you have a lot of drugs on your person.
All charges for meth trafficking fall under federal jurisdiction. The DEA lays out the penalties as such:
For quantities of 5–49 grams pure or 50–499 grams mixture:Â
- First Offense: Not less than five years, and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual.
- Second Offense: Not less than ten years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.
For quantities of 50 grams or more pure or 500 grams or more mixture:
- First Offense: Not less than ten years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of up to $10 million for an individual.
- Second Offense: Not less than 20 years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of up to $20 million for an individual.
- Two or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment. Fine of up to $20 million.
However, you do not need to be handling massive quantities to get a lengthy prison sentence for selling meth. And considering that many trafficking cases result in a decade or more of incarceration, then you should ask yourself if it’s worth losing out on an entire chapter of your life for meth.
What Could Happen to My Child?Â
People who abuse meth may have children. Possession or distribution of meth automatically affects the life of your child.
Remember, if you under arrest, you may not have time to decide your child’s welfare or even be capable of making one.
If you get caught meth, Child Protective Services (CPS) may get involved. Children may have to go to protective services. However, they can be put with a capable family member. It is also possible you will lose custody of your child permanently, depending on the nature of the charge or conviction.
Again, if you should find yourself in a situation like this, it is best to contact a lawyer—or CPS—as quickly as possible to establish your rights. Reach out to us for assistance facing your addiction. We will help you save your life and your children.Â
Additional Consequences of Meth Abuse
It’s important to remember that even for lesser charges involving possession of meth or trafficking, you can anticipate a complete disruption of your life.
You may face significant fines, which can be financially disastrous. Add to this the difficulty of getting a stable job with a felony drug charge, and you’ve put yourself in an ugly position indeed.
Having a single drug conviction on your record can put a significant dent in your future job prospects. Many employers pre-screen candidates and will automatically disqualify anyone with a serious drug charge. It will limit the types of jobs you can get.
Furthermore, there are social implications.
Being labeled as a drug offender does not make you look good. It may cost you friends and result in people avoiding you while in public. Nobody wants to be labeled a druggie or a criminal, but it happens—whether it’s fair or unfair to you. Perception often wins out over reality.
What if I am an Addict?Â
Legally speaking, having a substance abuse disorder does not mean you aren’t responsible for your actions.
However, if your state has rehabilitation programs and you express a willingness to partake, you may be able to lessen or even avoid jail time. As always, this depends on various factors, including prior arrest records and your history with substance abuse.
Millions of people in the U.S. deal with substance abuse disorder, so you certainly aren’t alone.
A 2017 survey showed that “About 1.6 million people reported using methamphetamine in 2017. About 774,000 individuals reported using methamphetamine within the month before they took the survey from SAMHSA.”
Admitting you have a problem and seeking help for it is a massive step in the right direction. If you are thinking about using meth or being addicted, reach out to someone. There are programs available that offer therapy and rehabilitation in a variety of formats.
There are also community groups like Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) that allow addicts to interact with others who share their affliction. These groups can help you connect with someone who understands what you’re going through and give you an outlet to talk about your difficulties with meth.
Seek Out Help
You might feel that no one cares. Or that you are a loser because you’ve gotten involved with meth. Or even that you’re so engaged in it, you are beyond help. None of these things are true.
Recognizing your addiction issues can help you avoid all the dreadful penalties that come with a meth-related arrest. Call us at the number below to find out how you can start treatment and start living a better life. You won’t have to suffer the consequences if you decide to stop using and seek help right now.Â
Written by Christopher Dorsey
To speak with someone about your situation and get a free consultation, call Addiction Care Treatment Program at 706-480-8733 today!
Addiction Care Treatment Program – Call 706-480-733 to Find Help Immediately!
Resources
- https://www.campusdrugprevention.gov/content/drug-scheduling-and-penalties
- https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/crystal-meth-possession.htm
- https://www.drugpossessionlaws.com/georgia/#:~:text=Georgia%20Drug%20Possession%20Penalties%20%20%20Type%20of,prison%20and%20fines%20%202%20more%20rows%20
- https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/drug_of_abuse.pdf#page=30
- http://www.prisonerswithchildren.org/pubs/ipm/arrest.htm
- https://delphihealthgroup.com/methamphetamine/global-use-statistics/
