Mississippi Drug Crime Attorney

Heroin Possession

Heroin is classified as an opiate drug that is synthesized from morphine, which is a naturally occurring substance that is extracted from the seed of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin either appears as a white or brown powder substance or as a black sticky substance referred to as "black tar heroin." The drug can be snorted, smoked or injected. All methods of absorption can lead to severe health problems. If you have been arrested for possessing heroin, a Mississippi criminal defense attorney from Miller & Miller Attorneys at Law, PLLC can help.

When heroin enters the brain, it is converted into morphine and binds to receptors known as opioid receptors. After heroin has been injected, users experience euphoric rush which is accompanied by dry mouth, a warm flushing sensation of the skin, a heavy feeling in the extremities, and clouded mental function.

With regular heroin use, a tolerance is developed and regular users subsequently need more heroin in order to feel the same effects. For this reason, heroin users are at a high risk for developing an addiction to the substance. Approximately 23% of heroin users develop an addiction to the drug and become dependent on it.

Serious Side Effects

Heroin is associated with serious adverse side effects including: spontaneous abortion, infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, and fatal overdose. Chronic users can develop collapsed veins, infections in the lining of the heart and valves, liver and kidney disease. Users can also experience pneumonia due to heroin's depressing effects on respiration. Due to heroin's highly addictive qualities and high propensity for abuse, the drug is classified as a Schedule I substance. Possession of heroin in any amount is a felony offense. The penalties for possessing heroin will depend on the quantity of the drug and your criminal history.

Defense Against Drug Charges in Mississippi

Penalties for possessing a Schedule I substance vary greatly depending upon the amount that was found in your possession. Penalties rang from anywhere between less than 4 years is prison to 24 years, and fines range from a maximum of $10,000 to $500,000.

The state of Mississippi prosecutes drug crimes very harshly, if you have been arrested for any drug crime, an experienced attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. In all drug cases we closely investigate police conduct and any potential violations of your constitutional rights. If any errors can be found, we may be able to get the evidence suppressed, and thus your freedom restored. Contact us today.

To learn more about how we can help fight your drug charges, contact a Mississippi drug crime lawyer from Miller & Miller Attorneys at Law, PLLC today!