Criminal Defense Services in Columbus, Ohio
Meth Possession Criminal Defenses
Criminal defense attorney Steven S. Nolder offers legal defense services for drug charges, including possession with the intent to distribute as well as distribution of methamphetamine in Columbus, Ohio. With decades of experience, Steven S. Nolder has represented more than 1,500 people in the US District Court of the Southern District of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has a career history full of successful results and dedicates his practice to protecting the rights of his clients.
What is Meth or Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug impacting the central nervous system, causing feelings of energy and euphoria. Meth use can cause skin sores and weight loss, as well as tooth decay and loss. Long-term effects of meth can include paranoia, mood swings, impaired thinking, and memory loss.
Federal Drug Laws for Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine.
Type and quantity of drugs drive the statutory penalties for all drug offenses in federal court. If you’re charged with either possession with intent to distribute or the distribution of methamphetamine and the quantity alleged in the indictment is 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Class A felony is charged. The statutory penalties are a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and the maximum is life imprisonment.
If you’re charged with either possession with intent to distribute or the distribution of methamphetamine and the quantity alleged in the indictment is 5 grams or more of methamphetamine or 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Class B felony is charged. The statutory penalties are a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and the maximum is 40 years.
Finally, if you’re charged with either possession with intent to distribute or the distribution of methamphetamine and no quantity is alleged in the indictment, you’re charged with a Class C felony. The statutory penalties would not provide for a mandatory minimum sentence and the maximum is 20 years of imprisonment.
If you’re convicted of either possession with intent to distribute or distribution of methamphetamine, it’s also important to know the United States Sentencing Guidelines punish this crime differently, depending on the purity of the drug. If the purity of the methamphetamine is at least 80% pure, it is known as “Ice” in the Guidelines manual. Ice is punished 10 times more severely than methamphetamine that is less than 80% pure. Stated another way, your base offense level for possessing 4 grams of Ice is the same as 40 grams of methamphetamine that is 79.9% pure. Most methamphetamine found on the streets today is Ice.
The Sentencing Commission’s 2021 Sourcebook revealed that in Fiscal Year 2021, methamphetamine was the most common drug for which sentence was imposed. 48% of all sentences imposed in Fiscal Year 2021 relied on the methamphetamine guideline. To put this in perspective, the second most common drug was powder cocaine whose guideline was used 16.6% of the time.
How Can Our Meth Possession Defense Lawyer Help?
For individuals who have been charged with possession with intent to distribute meth or the distribution of meth, hiring a criminal defense attorney like Steven S. Nolder can significantly help the situation. An experienced attorney will discuss the situation, charges, and potential outcomes with the individual facing the drug charges to determine the best course of action. Knowledge and expertise can help fight the charge and achieve the best possible conclusion.
Schedule a Consultation
Individuals with drug charges related to methamphetamine don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. With help from attorney at law Steven S. Nolder, individuals receive top-notch legal guidance to help with understanding charges and fighting them in court. Schedule a consultation today to learn about options and potential outcomes.