Most of the stories on the news that focus on the drug epidemic tend to talk about heroin. There’s no denying that there is a heroin epidemic in the U.S. right now. There’s a second epidemic going on as well. Methamphetamine is a huge problem, especially in the West and Midwest. That’s why the police are cracking down on meth-related crimes, such as trafficking. If you happen to be charged with one of these crimes, you should really call an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Boise, Idaho.
More than 70% of law enforcement agents in these regions say that meth is their biggest problem. Between arrests and overdoses, meth can be a bigger problem than heroin depending on where you live.
Idaho has always taken drug crimes seriously. In fact, they have some of the strictest trafficking and possession laws in the country. Not only are they strict when it comes to defining these crimes, they are also strict when it comes to issuing mandatory minimum sentences. This means that no matter how bad the judge or prosecutor feels for you, they can’t reduce the required sentence. If convicted of trafficking or possession of methamphetamine, you will be facing several years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
What are the Penalties if You’re Convicted of Trafficking in Methamphetamine in Idaho?
If you are charged with trafficking methamphetamine, you’ll be facing pretty serious penalties. Trafficking in Idaho is defined as knowingly manufacturing, or attempting to manufacture meth; however, even if you were not manufacturing or attempting to manufacture meth, if you possess more than 28g, you can be charged with trafficking. You should take note that you can be convicted even if you weren’t successful in making or transporting the methamphetamine. The law also applies to any amphetamines, not just meth.
If you’re convicted of attempting to traffic meth, you’ll be sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of two (2) years to fifteen (15) years in jail. You’ll also be ordered to pay a fine of at least $10,000. If you’re charged and convicted of the actual manufacturing of meth, you’ll be facing five (5) years to life and fined at least $25,000. However, the courts can fine you as much as $100,000.
Trafficking penalties for simply possessing certain quantities of meth are also severe. They are based on the amount of the drug that you’re found to possess or constructively possess. Constructive possession just means that you are in control or dominion of the drug. So, if it’s found in your house or car but not on your body you’ll still be charged with trafficking. If convicted, you face the following mandatory minimum sentences and fines:
- 28 to 200 grams: 3 years in jail and fines of $10,000
- 200 to 400 grams: 5 years to 15 years in jail and fines of $15,000
- More than 400 grams: 10 years to life and fines of $25,000.
If you’re charged with possession or trafficking of more than 400 grams, you may be forced to serve life in prison. You can also be fined as much as $100,000.
You Can Be Charged with Trafficking Even if You’re Only Carrying the Ingredients to Manufacture Methamphetamine
The thing about Idaho is that you don’t necessarily have to be caught with the actual drug in your possession. If you’re caught with any of the ingredients to make or manufacture meth, you can also be charged with trafficking. These ingredients include the following:
- Ephedrine
- Pseudoephedrine
- Methyl formamide
- Phenylacetone
- Methylamine
- Phenylacetic acid
A lot of people think that, if they’re only caught with these ingredients, they won’t be charged with trafficking. However, that isn’t the case. Law enforcement is very educated on what these ingredients do. They also know that these ingredients are typically transported into the U.S. from Mexico. So they make sure they keep an eye out for people caught with these substances.
If caught with any of these items, you can be sentenced to up to ten (10) years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
You Need to Call a Skilled Boise Criminal Defense Lawyer as Soon as Possible
If you’re facing any sort of serious drug charges, you should call and talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Boise. They will review your case and see if there are any possible defenses. They’ll also negotiate with the prosecutor to see if they can get the charges reduced or dismissed. There is too much at stake to try to handle this on your own. Call our office today and schedule your first meeting right away.