Kansas City Methamphetamine Lawyer

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When you’ve been arrested for drug charges, you have one chance to build a good defense. Hiring the best Kansas City methamphetamine lawyer for your needs should be your primary objective. The level of knowledge and experience your attorney has often determines the outcome of your case. 

At Joseph, Hollander, & Craft, LLC, our attorneys work aggressively to build the strongest defense possible for our clients. We’ll work diligently to investigate your case and protect your interests. 

What Is Meth?

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a synthetic stimulant. It can be made in a pharmaceutical lab and prescribed for patients suffering with obesity or ADHD, but it can also be made in backyard “meth labs.” Meth is a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has a high potential for addiction and abuse. 

What Does Meth Look Like?

Prescription meth comes in pill or powder form, but this is what the police look for when searching for black-market methamphetamine:

• Shiny, bluish-clear rocks or fragments 
• Powder that is white, pink, yellowish, or brown

When police officers perform a search and arrest for possession, they do so because they see something that they’ve been trained to identify as methamphetamine. However, incorrect identifications are possible. It may look like other controlled substances, OTC or prescription medications, or something else entirely. 

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

In Kansas and Missouri, police officers need a warrant to take a blood sample. Even so, it’s likely they’ll get a warrant quickly. If you’ve used methamphetamine, it may still be detectable in your system, depending on the type of test you are given. 

Meth stays in your system for different periods depending on where you test:

• Bloodstream. Meth is detectable in your bloodstream from 1-3 days after the last usage. 
• Urine. Meth can be detected up to 72 hours after the last dose in urine. However, meth metabolizes to amphetamine, which is detectable for 3-5 days from last dose in your urine. 
• Hair. Meth may be found in your hair up to 90 days after your last usage. 

Even if you can avoid having your blood drawn at the scene of your arrest, a drug test will likely show usage if it is administered during these time frames. 

What Charges for Meth Do Your KC Defense Attorneys Handle?

Joseph, Hollander & Craft handles all drug charges for meth and related offenses, possession, delivery, distribution, driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, and possession of paraphernalia. We also handle cases that involve drug trafficking, manufacturing, operating a meth lab, or large amounts of meth. 

Depending on the amount of meth you are found to be in possession of, whether you were found in possession on federal property, or whether you crossed state lines, you could also face federal charges. Our Kansas City drug defense attorneys handle both state and federal charges. 

What Are the Penalties for Methamphetamine Convictions?

In Missouri, possession of meth is considered a Class D felony, and distribution is considered a Class B or Class C felony, depending on the amount of meth of which you are in possession. Each charge carries the potential for prison time and fines that can reach $25,000.00.

In Kansas, simple possession of meth is a misdemeanor if the possessor has no prior drug convictions. Possession with intent to distribute or actual distribution is a felony. You may also have to register as a drug offender if convicted.

If you are convicted of federal meth trafficking charges, your incarceration time and fines are likely to be higher than those imposed at the state level. Mandatory minimum sentences may apply pursuant to statute, and the sentencing guidelines applicable to federal methamphetamine charges are highly complex.

Why You Want a Capable Kansas City Methamphetamine Attorney If You’re Facing Meth Charges

Meth charges are serious. It is not advisable to attempt to represent yourself or build your own defense. Hiring a knowledgeable meth defense attorney in Kansas City is the best way to protect yourself and obtain the most favorable outcome possible. 

If your charges also involve meth mixed with fentanyl, you could face even more stringent punishments. Using our knowledge of the law, we will investigate your case and use possible defenses such as: 

• Improper search and seizure 
• Entrapment
• Chain of custody issues

Possession of methamphetamine can land you in serious hot water, and the best case scenario is a knowledgeable defense attorney who will explore all possible defenses to support your case. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Meth Charges in Kansas City

What does meth show up as in a drug test?

Meth metabolizes into amphetamines in your body. If you are given a blood test or a urine test, you’ll probably be tested for both. Because cops can’t “breathalyze” meth, they’ll likely try to get you to submit to a blood test voluntarily. Remember, Kansas City Police cannot legally give you a blood test without your consent or a warrant, and it is your right to decline the test. 

What’s the difference between meth and crystal meth?

Meth is found as either a powder or a pill. Crystal meth is a crystalized form of methamphetamine that looks like a rock or a fragment of glass. 

Is possession of meth a felony?

It can be–depending on where you are and how much you have on you. 

Can you expunge a meth conviction?

It’s possible to have your conviction expunged, but there are caveats. In Missouri, you must have served your time and been out of prison/off of probation for seven years and received no other convictions during that time. In Kansas, the waiting period is either three years or five years, depending on the charge. There may be additional requirements related to expungement if you are required to register as a drug offender due to your conviction.

Will I lose any rights from a conviction involving methamphetamines?

In addition to possible prison time, fines, and the loss of civil rights associated with felony convictions, you could lose other important privileges in your life. If you have a professional license, like a doctor of pharmacy license, you could be subject to losing it and not being able to practice in the future. 

Can a possession of meth charge affect my custody arrangement?

If you are convicted of a felony meth charge, your coparent may seek to modify a child custody agreement. As such, it is incredibly important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you build your defense and represent you in a custody matter if needed. At Joseph, Hollander, & Craft, LLC, we can represent you in your drug charges case and any ensuing family law matter.  

Do You Have a Meth Defense Attorney Near Me?

If you’re facing drug charges related to methamphetamines in Kansas City, make an appointment with one of Joseph, Hollander & Craft’s Kansas City criminal defense attorneys at our office at 926 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO 64106. We are located across the street from Ilus Davis Park, between 9th and 10th streets. We have additional office locations in Overland Park, Lawrence, Topeka, and Wichita.