The news reports that Missouri has one of the worst drug problems in the country. Why does that matter? If you’re accused of a drug offense, the authorities may be even harder on you than in the past.
According to data in the report, “States with the Biggest Drug Problems in 2019,” Missouri has the third-worst drug problem in the United States. Though it ranks third overall, it has the highest number of drug-related arrests in the U.S.
Washington, D.C. ranked higher than Missouri, gaining the title for the biggest drug problem in the country. This was based on studying all 50 states and Washington, D.C. by looking at 22 key metrics.
Missouri topped the list for the highest drug use in the United States, reaching the top rank for most law enforcement. That’s an important metric because it means that law enforcement is cracking down and has been working to reduce drug use in the state.
What do you need to do if you’re caught with drugs?
Drug possession charges are a big deal, and you will likely face some significant charges. Your attorney will be able to go over them with you, so you can learn more about the potential penalties that you could face.
If this is your first offense, you may want to talk to your attorney about drug diversion programs that could be open to you. The courts are becoming more flexible in some ways, allowing some individuals to go through diversion programs or to seek drug addiction treatment. Either way, you need to explore all of your legal defense options as soon as possible.