Southaven, MS Drug Crime Attorneys

Consequences from drug crime arrests in Southaven, Mississippi can be quite serious. Rural communities across the country, but especially those in Mississippi, are all too often plagued by the scourge of drugs. Southaven is a relatively small place in DeSoto County and, unfortunately, is home to drug crimes of all stripes. Whether it's drug trafficking along I-55 or meth manufacturing in the rural parts of the county, the region sees its fair share of drug-related arrests.

Understanding Mississippi's Drug Laws

According to federal data, Mississippi has somewhat lower rates of illicit drug use compared to the national average, with approximately 6 percent of residents reporting illegal drug use within the past month compared to the national average of 8 percent. However, drug-induced deaths and arrests still occur regularly throughout the state, making experienced legal representation crucial for those facing charges.

State and federal laws strictly regulate the possession, sale, and manufacture of controlled substances, including marijuana, as well as the possession of drug paraphernalia. Driving under the influence of any controlled substance in Mississippi is also a criminal offense that can result in serious penalties.

Marijuana Laws in Mississippi

While Mississippi somewhat decriminalized marijuana possession in 1978, making possession of less than 30 grams no more severe than a misdemeanor traffic ticket, the penalties can still be significant and escalate quickly with repeat offenses or larger amounts.

Marijuana Possession Penalties

First Offense (up to 30 grams):

• Misdemeanor crime
• Fine up to $250

Second Offense (up to 30 grams within two years):

• 5 to 60 days in jail
• $250 fine

Third Offense (up to 30 grams):

• Fine between $250 and $500
• 5 days to 6 months in jail

Vehicle Possession (1-30 grams in passenger area):

• Fine up to $1,000
• Up to 90 days in jail

Is Possession of Marijuana a Felony in Mississippi?

Possession of marijuana is not automatically a felony in Mississippi. Whether marijuana possession is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends entirely on the amount involved:

Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession

• Up to 30 grams - Always charged as a misdemeanor, regardless of prior offenses
• Penalties range from fines only (first offense) to jail time and fines (repeat offenses)

Felony Marijuana Possession

• 30 grams or more - Charged as a felony with increasingly severe penalties
• Prison sentences and substantial fines apply
• Amounts over 5 kilograms can result in decades in prison

Understanding this distinction is crucial because a felony conviction carries far more serious long-term consequences than a misdemeanor, including impacts on employment, housing, and other opportunities.

• 30-250 grams: Fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail
• 250-500 grams: Fines up to $50,000 and 2-8 years in prison
• 1-5 kilograms: 6-24 years in prison and fines up to $500,000
• More than 5 kilograms: 10-30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million

Medical Marijuana Exception

In 2014, Mississippi allowed limited medical marijuana use under House Bill 1231, but only for debilitating epileptic conditions. This marijuana must be grown at the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi and dispensed by the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Mississippi

Possession of paraphernalia in Mississippi is a misdemeanor offense with specific penalties that vary depending on the circumstances and whether it's a first offense.

Possession of Paraphernalia First Offense Mississippi

For a first-time possession of paraphernalia offense in Mississippi, the penalties include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fine up to $500

However, for first-time offenders, a Mississippi paraphernalia charge could potentially be handled in a manner that would not appear on your criminal record, though this typically requires a six-month probation period along with random drug testing and payment of court costs.

Additional Paraphernalia Penalties

If convicted of possessing one ounce or less of marijuana along with paraphernalia, only the possession penalty applies. Selling paraphernalia carries similar penalties, with enhanced penalties if sold to a minor at least three years younger than the seller (fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail).

Marijuana Sales Penalties

Selling marijuana carries much more severe penalties:

• Up to 30 grams: Fines up to $3,000 and/or up to 3 years in prison
• 30 grams to 1 kilogram: Fines up to $30,000 and/or up to 20 years in prison
• 10 pounds or more within 12 months: Felony charges with potential life in prison without parole

Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation

Rural communities are often especially susceptible to drug problems given a perceived lack of opportunities. Especially recently with economic challenges, bad decisions are easy to succumb to. When people feel like they have no other options, involvement with drugs can seem like the only way out. While some prosecutors believe everyone with a drug problem should be put behind bars, the attorneys at Stroud, Flechas & Dalton firmly believe in second chances.

We will defend all our clients with the same intensity we would devote to our own family members. Everyone deserves a second chance, and just because you've made a mistake does not mean you aren't still a good person. We will work with prosecutors in Southaven and DeSoto County to arrange plea bargain agreements or pursue other options to ensure that you avoid an unnecessarily lengthy prison sentence. After all, one bad decision should not ruin the rest of your life.

Our Experience with Drug Crime Cases

The attorneys at Stroud, Flechas & Dalton have dealt with cases in both state and federal courts and are prepared to vigorously defend you regardless of what your charges are. As experienced Southaven drug crime attorneys, we regularly handle cases involving many facets of drug crimes, including:

• Simple drug possession
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Drug trafficking charges
• Prescription drug fraud
• Drug smuggling
• Drug manufacturing

Given our many years of experience, we've defended clients who have encountered trouble with substances including crack, PCP, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, opiates, prescription narcotics, and marijuana.

The Serious Nature of Even Minor Charges

It is important to understand that even charges involving possession of small amounts of marijuana can be quite serious. Though a conviction may not result in jail time, you will be left with a criminal record that can impact employment opportunities down the road. Additionally, even if jail is avoided, small amounts of marijuana can still result in suspension of your driver's license, a serious hardship for most people in Mississippi.

Our Commitment to You

Poverty and lack of education can create situations where drug addiction becomes much more likely, seeming to some as the only way out. We're here to help and have assisted hundreds of clients just like you. We aren't here to judge you, but will instead provide knowledgeable advice during hard times. We understand the criminal justice system and can use our experience to fight for you.

If you or someone you know have been charged with a drug crime in Southaven, Mississippi or the surrounding area, you should consult with an attorney who is experienced in this area of the law. An experienced attorney will know whether it is in your best interest to accept the charges and work out a plea agreement or whether to contest the charges and go to trial.

Contact Stroud, Flechas & Dalton Today

Don't face drug charges on your own. The Southaven, Mississippi drug crime attorneys at Stroud, Flechas & Dalton will work hard to assist you in your defense. We understand that a conviction for drug charges can completely derail your future, and our goal is to minimize the consequences of your charges to the extent possible.

Call Stroud, Flechas & Dalton today for reliable, experienced, knowledgeable representation.