When they first became widely available, synthetic opioid drugs were viewed as broadly beneficial. Historically, traditional opiate medications have been difficult to obtain due to limited amounts of necessary ingredients. During times of low production or high demand, patients may not have had access to the pain management resources they needed given their medical condition.

The introduction of various synthetic opioid drugs shifted the pain management landscape across the United States. Physicians suddenly had access to affordable and potent medications in whatever quantity their patients might require. Unfortunately, the strength, affordability and availability of opioids have turned them into a social scourge.

Patients can become addicted even if they follow medical orders while using the medication for valid medical reasons. They may eventually end up obtaining similar medication on the unregulated market after a physician ends their prescription. Synthetic opioids have a strong association with fatal overdoses and drug abuse. In response to the surge in addiction and overdose fatalities, state lawmakers have introduced legislation to make opioid laws stricter.

How the law might change

There are many reasons why opioids are dangerous for the public. The ease of manufacturing the substances is one concern. The proposed bill adjusting opioid laws would add fentanyl and carfentanil to the list of substances that can lead to child endangerment charges if someone manufactures or even possesses these drugs.

The bill also creates a strict mandatory minimum sentence for those found guilty of endangering a child with fentanyl or carfentanil. The convicted party must serve a minimum of five years but possibly up to 10 years in state custody. There is no option for conditional release before they serve five years.

It may also soon be easier for prosecutors to bring trafficking charges against those found in possession of fentanyl or carfentanil. The current law only leads to trafficking charges when someone has ten milligrams of either substance. The proposed changes to the law decrease that amount to three milligrams of fentanyl and any amount of carfentanil. The proposed changes would also decrease how much someone has to possess to face a Class A felony to only 14 milligrams.

The possession of even small amounts of certain opioids can lead to felony charges with serious penalties attached. The unfortunate reality is that individuals who developed a substance abuse disorder due to an injury or illness that necessitated pain management may face harsh penalties.

Fighting opioid drug charges has never been more important for those accused of breaking controlled substances laws in Missouri. Defendants who understand the risks of opioid charges can choose not to plead guilty but instead to fight the allegations that they’re facing.