Mississippi Criminal Law BlogMeth and fentanyl are both “hard drugs” that the State of Mississippi views seriously. If you are caught with this drug, you face serious consequences in the Magnolia State, especially if the authorities believe that you had an intent to distribute these drugs. But what exactly is the difference between meth and fentanyl in the eyes of the law? Which one is worse? Can you expect a lighter penalty for possessing one drug rather than the other?
Regardless of what type of drug you have been caught with, it makes sense to get in touch with a qualified defense attorney as soon as you are able. Virtually all drugs can lead to serious consequences in the State of Mississippi, and you need to get started with a defense strategy as soon as possible.
Meth and Fentanyl are Both Controlled Substances
Meth and fentanyl fall into the same general category of “controlled substance” in Mississippi. As a result, anyone caught distributing or trafficking these drugs could potentially face decades or even life in prison. Manufacturing these drugs also comes with strict penalties. On the federal scale, meth and fentanyl are both “Schedule II” drugs, which means that there is a high potential for abuse. Another similarity is that you will face worse penalties if you distribute or intend to distribute rather than possess a relatively small amount, although this is true with all drugs.
A Recent Fentanyl Sentencing in Mississippi
To give you a sense of how much prison time you could face if convicted of distributing fentanyl, it makes sense to consider a recent case in Mississippi. On May 26, 2023, the Justice Department announced that a man from Biloxi was sentenced to 136 months (approximately 11 years) in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The investigation began due to the death of an airman at Keesler Air Force Base, and it was eventually determined that the death had been caused by counterfeit pills that contained fentanyl. The victim apparently did not know that the pills contained the drug. Eventually, the DEA tracked down the individual who organized the distribution of the pills and set him up for “controlled purchases” of fentanyl coordinated by undercover agents. The authorities then executed a search warrant of his residence and discovered 742 fentanyl tablets – the same kind that had been taken by the airman. This shows that a prison sentence of over a decade is not unheard of in cases relating to fentanyl.
Real Examples of Meth Charges in Mississippi
On May 31, the Justice Department announced that three men from Kemper County had been found guilty of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One of these individuals agreed to sell the other two illicit drugs and sent them via a package. The package was intercepted and a number of drugs were discovered inside. These drugs included marijuana, cocaine, and 9 pounds of meth. Undeterred, one of the defendants apparently reached out to another dealer for a new supply of meth.
On May 24, the Justice Department announced that a man from Hattiesburg had been sentenced to 125 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Once again, this individual had unwittingly sold meth to an undercover agent in the amount of 223.5 grams. This shows that the sentence for distributing meth can be just as serious as the sentence for distributing fentanyl.
Which One is Worse?
The recent sentences suggest that penalties for distributing meth are roughly equivalent to the penalties for distributing fentanyl. That being said, fentanyl is a newer drug that is not fully understood by lawmakers. Over the years, Mississippi government officials – including the governor – have been pushing for unique, higher sentences for fentanyl distribution, manufacture, and related crimes. Newer legislation could make fentanyl crimes more serious than they are today, and these penalties could surpass equivalent penalties for meth.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Defense Attorney in Mississippi?
If you have been searching for an experienced defense attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have assisted numerous defendants, including those facing charges for drug possession. Whether you face possession of fentanyl, methamphetamines, or any other drug, your legal consequences could be severe. With help from a qualified, experienced defense attorney, you can mitigate these consequences in the best way possible. Book a consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
The content of this blog post, along with all other materials available on this website, is provided by Vic Carmody Jr., P. A. for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Communication or information exchanged through this website does not establish or create an attorney-client relationship. It is important to recognize that legal matters are inherently complex, and each case has its own unique set of facts and circumstances. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional legal counsel to address your individual case or any concerns you may have regarding criminal charges in Mississippi.