BRANDY B. SHADDOX, d/o/b 12-08-1977, of Branson, was found guilty today of the class C felony of possessing methamphetamine. Judge Jack Goodman announced his verdict following a bench trial this morning in Lawrence County. Shaddox was also found guilty of a class A misdemeanor, for possessing drug paraphernalia with intent to use. The trial was held in Lawrence County due to a change of venue.

The case began with a traffic stop by Trooper E. Tyrrell of the Missouri Highway Patrol. Shaddox was pulled over for failing to signal. During the stop, Trooper Tyrrell discovered needles, a spoon, a smoking device, and a container for marijuana in Shaddox’s purse. Trooper Tyrrell recognized these items as drug paraphernalia. In addition, Trooper Tyrrell found a plastic bag containing a crystalline substance in Shaddox’s purse. A laboratory analysis confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine.

At trial, Trooper Tyrrell testified about his encounter with Shaddox. A video recording of the investigation was also admitted into evidence. Before trial, Trooper Tyrrell had also testified in a deposition and a pre-trial hearing for this case earlier in the month.

As a class C felony, possession of methamphetamine prior to January 1, 2017, carries between two (2) and seven (7) years in prison, or up to a year in the county jail, or a fine of up to $5,000, or both a fine and imprisonment. Possession of drug paraphernalia prior to January 1, 2017, carries up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both a fine and imprisonment. Judge Goodman has scheduled sentencing for later this year.

Although the ranges of punishment for drug offenses have recently changed, the changes do not affect Shaddox’s case because she committed these offenses before January 1, 2017. In addition, even under current law, possession of methamphetamine remains a felony. Possession of drug paraphernalia may be a class A or class D misdemeanor, depending on a defendant’s criminal history.