Methamphetamine has some of the highest potential for abuse and addiction. Because of this, crimes involving methamphetamine face some of the strictest sentencing and penalties in America today. If you have been charged with a drug crime in Kansas, working with a skilled Overland Park methamphetamine lawyer is your best chance for defense. When facing a meth charge, every detail counts. Your prior history, where you were arrested, any additional drug paraphernalia found, and more can all shape the outcome of your case.<\/p>\n
At Joseph, Hollander & Craft we work to defend our clients at every turn. We strenuously seek out the best outcome for each of our clients, exploring options like rehabilitation, probation, and addiction treatment centers in lieu of jail time whenever possible. We aim to help you get the assistance you need to break the cycle while keeping your record as clean as possible after a meth charge.<\/p>\n
Methamphetamines are chemical stimulants, related to amphetamines but stronger. Methamphetamines can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. They are typically found in a white powder or pill form, or as \u201ccrystal meth\u201d (\u201cice\u201d, \u201ccrystal\u201d, or \u201ccrank\u201d), which looks like shards of glass or blue-ish clear gems. This form has been associated with increased side effects, health risks, and rate of addiction.<\/span><\/p>\n Legally, methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug in Kansas. Alongside opiates and amphetamines, methamphetamine possession is subject to some of the harshest penalties under Kansas state law as well as the federal <\/span>Controlled Substances Act<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Drug charges<\/span><\/a> are taken seriously in the state of Kansas and in federal courts. Particularly in federal court, a statutory mandatory minimum sentence may prohibit a judge from imposing more lenient outcomes to those convicted of methamphetamine possession when the prosecution brings a distribution or manufacturing charge or when jurisdiction crosses state lines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your prior criminal history will be taken into account when it comes to facing meth penalties in Kansas state court. For first time offenders or those without repeat convictions for meth, you may be able to negotiate drug treatment programs or probation with the help of a skilled Overland Park methamphetamine lawyer. This comes with the obvious benefit of not only avoiding incarceration, but also helping you combat addiction and ideally avoid future run-ins with police.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Methamphetamine charges and penalties<\/span><\/a> in state court in Overland Park, Kansas range from:<\/span><\/p>\n While probation sentences are possible, the sentencing judge will require special proof to make the necessary findings to impose a probation sentence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition, a conviction for these offenses results in the offender becoming a \u201cdrug offender\u201d as defined by the Kansas Offender Registration Act. The offender will be required to register with local law enforcement where he or she lives, works, and attends school every 4 months for the duration of the registration period.<\/span><\/p>\n In Kansas, the severity level of sentencing increases by one degree if the criminal charge involves distribution or intent to distribute and if it occurs either on school property, or within 1000 feet of school property, called a \u201cschool zone.\u201d For instance, this can result in a level 5 felony being treated as a level 4.<\/span><\/p>\n Juvenile court<\/span><\/a> is more likely to focus on rehabilitation and drug treatment programs than adult sentencing. As a minor facing a meth charge, your child may be adjudicated and not criminally convicted. Even minors with a minimal criminal history, such as shoplifting or underage drinking, may still be able to enter into a drug treatment program and enroll in testing in order to comply with sentencing. However, in more severe cases such as intent to distribute or violations involving school grounds, a minor can be ordered into a juvenile correctional facility for meth charges in Kansas.<\/span><\/p>\n A meth charge is serious, but there are options available. While there is no one-size-fits-all argument, a <\/span>criminal defense lawyer<\/span><\/a> from our firm may argue:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Working with an Overland Park methamphetamine lawyer at Joseph, Hollander & Craft means that you have a dedicated legal advocate who is focused on protecting your future. We are ready to answer questions you may have, strategize for your freedom and financial protections, and fight to ensure each of your civil liberties is respected. With over twenty experienced attorneys and five locations, Joseph, Hollander & Craft offers the resources of a large firm with the time, attention, and care of a small one.<\/span><\/p>\n Yes. Federal charges for meth are possible in many instances including:<\/span><\/p>\n Drug court<\/span><\/a> can allow someone facing a drug charge to be diverted away from the traditional criminal justice system towards a supervised addiction treatment plan. It is typically reserved for non-violent offenders and those with a commitment towards a substance-free lifestyle. You may be eligible to have your case heard in drug court through a referral or advocacy from your defense attorney. Drug court involves regular court sessions throughout a recovery period, as well as random drug screenings and participation in collaborative activities. <\/span><\/p>\n Potential penalties increase along with your criminal history\u2013more significantly if you have person felony convictions. You may also be considered ineligible for a diversion program or drug court. If your prior conviction was for a violent offense or another drug-related crime, you may not be eligible for \u201cpresumptive probation,\u201d either. <\/span><\/p>\n While there is no breath test for meth, a police officer who spots drug paraphernalia in the car may be able to compel a blood or chemical test in Kansas.<\/span><\/p>\n Possibly. Even methamphetamine charges that carry presumptive prison sentences may not ultimately require a prison sentence. However, the sentencing judge will have to make special findings, such as determining that treatment program will be more beneficial than prison or that substantial and compelling reasons justify a departure from the presumptive sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n A meth conviction carries serious consequences. In addition to financial penalties and possible jail or prison time you may also lose the right to vote, your right to serve on a jury, and your right to possess firearms. In addition, a drug crime can affect your family members and your connection to them. You may risk losing <\/span>custody of minor children<\/span><\/a>, as well as find your <\/span>professional license<\/span><\/a> challenged or revoked. \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Joseph, Hollander & Craft has an office at 10104 W. 105th Street in Overland Park. We maintain additional offices in <\/span>Lawrence<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Topeka<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Wichita<\/span><\/a>, as well as in <\/span>Kansas City, MO<\/span><\/a>, for your convenience.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Methamphetamine has some of the highest potential for abuse and addiction. Because of this, crimes involving methamphetamine face some of the strictest sentencing and penalties in America today. If you have been charged with a drug crime in Kansas, working with a skilled Overland Park methamphetamine lawyer is your best chance for defense. When facing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":152,"featured_media":2415,"parent":708,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-practice-areas.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2414","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMeth Charges and Penalties in Overland Park, Kansas<\/h2>\n
Possession<\/h3>\n
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Distribution<\/h3>\n
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Additional Penalties for Meth Offenses in a School Zone<\/h3>\n
Possible Exceptions for Minors Facing Meth Charges<\/h3>\n
How an Overland Park Methamphetamine Lawyer From Our Firm Can Help<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meth Charges in Overland Park<\/h2>\n
Can you face federal charges for meth?<\/h3>\n
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How does drug court work?<\/h3>\n
How can a prior criminal record potentially affect my case?<\/h3>\n
I got pulled over. Can a cop test me for meth?<\/h3>\n
Can I get probation instead of jail for a meth possession charge?<\/h3>\n
What rights can I lose from a meth conviction?<\/h3>\n
Do You Have a Drug Crime Defense Attorney Near Me?<\/h2>\n