Fentanyl is one of the most potent and addictive drugs currently accessible in the United States. This synthetic opioid medication helped replace traditional opiate drugs in medical environments. It is much easier to produce a synthetic medication like fentanyl than it is to manufacture a natural opiate drug made from opium poppies.
Fentanyl is not only easier to source, but it is stronger than other traditional narcotics. Those same features that make it so appealing have made fentanyl a real public safety concern. People struggling with addiction may turn to fentanyl as an alternative to heroin and other drugs. Fentanyl has also turned up in many street drugs. People may unintentionally end up overdosing as a result.
The addictive qualities and prevalence of fentanyl have forced lawmakers around the country to change drug laws to reduce the distribution and abuse of fentanyl. Missouri is one of the many states that has enacted new policies related to fentanyl.
How have state laws changed?
State lawmakers recently passed new rules related to fentanyl and carfentanil. The severity of potential charges increased while weight thresholds dropped. It is now easier than ever for people to end up accused of trafficking fentanyl.
It only takes three milligrams of fentanyl to face first- or second-degree trafficking charges. Previously, the law set the threshold at 10 milligrams. The law now also allows for trafficking charges for any amount of carfentanil, which was previously also subject to the 10-milligram threshold.
If the amount of fentanyl reaches 14 milligrams, the state can pursue Class A felony charges against the person accused. Any amount of carfentanil over five-hundredths of a milligram can lead to Class B felony charges.
The harsher charges mean more serious penalties after a conviction as well. A Class A felony could lead to between 10 and 30 years in prison or even a life sentence. A Class B felony could result in between five and 15 years in state custody. Those accused of illegally possessing fentanyl may face life-altering consequences because of the new rules.
Those accused of fentanyl offenses and other drug crimes may need help planning a defense strategy. Challenging evidence, negotiating plea bargains and countering prosecutor claims may help people avoid the worst-case scenario when accused of fentanyl offenses.