It is fairly common knowledge in Mississippi that it is illegal to possess drugs without a valid prescription. If people are caught possessing drugs, they could face serious consequences. These potential consequences depend on a few different factors such as the drug that people possess and the amount that they possess.
Potential penalties for Class I and II drugs
Under Mississippi law, if people possess drugs that are classified as Class I or II drugs, which are generally the most dangerous drugs, they could face the following penalties:
- Possessing less than 0.1 grams or less than two dosage units people could result with a misdemeanor which could result in one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Possessing between 0.1 grams and two grams or between two and 10 dosage units could result in up to a three-year jail sentence and/or a fine up to $50,000.
- If people possess between two and 10 grams or between 10 and 20 dosage units, the jail sentence could be up to eight years and/or a fine up for $250,000.
- If people possess between 10 and 30 grams or between 20 and 40 dosage units, they could be sent to jail for a minimum of three years and up to 20 years and the fine could be up to $500,000.
Potential penalties for Class III, IV or V drugs
Possessing drugs that are classified as Class III, IV or V drugs, which are generally less dangerous drugs, could result in the following penalties:
- Possessing fewer than 50 grams or fewer than 100 dosage units could result in a misdemeanor, which could result in one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Possessing between 50 and 150 grams or between 100 and 500 dosage units could result in a jail sentence between one year and four years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- Possessing between 150 and 300 grams or between 500 and 1,000 dosage units, the jail sentence could be between two and eight years and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
- Possessing between 300 and 500 grams or between 1,000 and 2,500 dosage units could result in a jail sentence of between four years and 16 years and the fine could be up to $250,000.
People in Mississippi only realize these penalties if they are convicted though and there could be defenses. Experienced attorneys understand these defenses and may be a useful resource.