Possession of methamphetamine (“meth”) in Utah begins at the third degree felony level. Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has extensive experience handling drug cases in Salt Lake and surrounding areas. Trusting your case to an experienced attorney is vital to achieving the best results. Contact us today to arrange for a confidential consultation.
Penalties for Possession of Methamphetamine in Salt Lake
A charge for simple possession of methamphetamine in Utah is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 364 days jail. With enhancements, the level of a simple possession offense can be increased to a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Common enhancements to a methamphetamine possession charge in Salt Lake include possession in a drug free zone and possession with the intent to distribute. Either of these will increase the offense level from a third degree to a second degree felony. Both of these enhancements together can increase the charge to a first degree felony with a potential sentence of life in prison.
Alternatives to Incarceration in Utah Criminal Drug Cases
Studies have repeatedly shown that drug treatment is more effective and cheaper than incarceration (jail or prison) when it comes to dealing with drug addiction or substance abuse. While it may be politically popular to take a “tough on crime” approach to drug crimes, experience has shown that drug treatment actually does more good for the individual defendant, the defendant’s family, and society as a whole.
While the potential punishments for methamphetamine possession are severe, an experienced Salt Lake drug crimes attorney can help convince prosecutors and judges that treatment makes more sense than extended prison or jail time. Getting involved in treatment while your case is still pending can go a long way toward convincing a judge not to send a person to prison. And if you do decide to take your case to trial, your involvement in treatment should not be used against you at trial.
