Many people convicted of drug crimes suffer from serious substance abuse issues. It is rarely as effective to send them to jail as it is to treat the underlying addiction. If you or a loved one has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, reach out to a trusted criminal defense lawyer.
What is Possession of a Controlled Substance?
Many people make the mistake of assuming drug possession is when you have drugs in your hand or on your body. In reality, possession simply means you have access to the drugs. For instance, if you get pulled over and your friend left a bag of marijuana in your backseat, you are considered “in possession” of those drugs. This scenario happens all the time, so be very careful what you let people bring in to your vehicle.
Whether you are caught with drugs in your pocket or the backseat of your vehicle, the important issue is the substance itself. You can be arrested for possessing many different drugs, even legal ones. If a friend gives you a few of their perfectly legal prescription Xanax tablets and you get caught, you could be facing a very serious possession charge.
Many people make the false assumption that getting caught with just a bit of marijuana isn’t a big deal. We passed a law to legalize medical marijuana, right? Those people are making a very serious and costly mistake. Possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana is indeed a misdemeanor in Missouri. It is wrong to assume a misdemeanor isn’t a big deal. You could be looking at fines of up to $500 and a lasting impact on your career and life.
What Do I Do If I’m Arrested for Possession?
Hopefully, at this point, you realize how serious the possession of a controlled substance can be. If you or a loved one are facing a possession charge, it is incredibly important that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. With the right defense, it’s possible to avoid any mark on your record and potential jail time. However, drug laws can be incredibly complex, and you need someone working with you from the beginning to build a successful criminal defense.
The team at MRD Lawyers has spent over two-decades prosecuting cases much like yours, and we know how the prosecution will attack your case. You need someone in your corner — let MRD Lawyers fight for you. Call us to make an appointment today at 417-448-0534 to learn more.