Drug Crimes Lawyer Howard County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Howard County, MO.

In Howard County, MO, charges from drug crimes can bring overwhelming challenges—looming over you, your freedom, future, and reputation—that demand immediate action. From a misdemeanor possession to a felony trafficking case or even a federal drug offense, the penalties can be life-altering—costly fines, lengthy incarceration, and a permanent record. With an experienced Howard County, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you gain a powerful advocate ready to challenge the charges against you.

Act now to protect your future. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation. Let our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Howard County, MO stand with you during this challenging time.

Drug Charges in Howard County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Howard County, MO area. Missouri continues to enforce some of the harshest drug laws in the nation, even with recent changes like partial marijuana decriminalization. Prosecutors are relentless in their pursuit of convictions, but at Combs Waterkotte, we’re even more relentless.

With over 40 years of combined legal experience and a track record of successfully handling 10,000+ cases, our team has the knowledge and tenacity to handle cases just like yours in Howard County, MO, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Howard County, MO: How is the Severity Determined?

The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:

• The classification of the drug (see below)
• The amount of the drug involved
• Any aggravating or mitigating factors

A drug crime conviction in Howard County, MO can have far-reaching effects on your life. Aside from fines and prison/jail time—which vary depending on the severity of your crime—it can:

• Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
• Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
• A tarnished reputation in your Howard County, MO personal and professional circles.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Howard County, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & Penalties

The severity of drug charges in Missouri is determined by the state’s classification of controlled substances under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, managed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Here’s a breakdown:

• Schedule I: These drugs, including heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and the like, have no accepted medical use and the highest potential for abuse, resulting in the most severe penalties.
• Schedule II: Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, which have recognized medical uses but are tightly regulated due to their high potential for abuse.
• Schedule III substances have a lower risk of physical dependence than Schedule I or II drugs but still pose a risk of high psychological dependence. These drugs include anabolic steroids, certain stimulants, antidepressants, and weight loss medications, all of which have accepted medical uses.
• Schedule IV and Schedule V substances, which include prescription drugs like Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica, are considered to have a lower potential for abuse and dependence.

Penalties for Possession

Possession of any controlled substance in Howard County, MO, apart from marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, is a class D felony in Missouri, which can result in up to 7 years in prison. For marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, possessing between 10 and 35 grams is classified as class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail. If the amount exceeds 35g, the charge is a class D felony.

Penalties for Sale or Delivery

Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Howard County, MO, carrying a sentence of 3-10 years in prison. However, penalties are heightened if the sale or delivery occurs under specific circumstances:

• Near a Protected Location: Distributing, selling, or delivering drugs within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park upgrades the charge to a class A felony, with penalties ranging from 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment.
• To a Minor: If the recipient is under 17 years old and at least 2 years younger than you, or if you allow a minor to purchase or transport drugs, the offense becomes a class B felony, with enhanced penalties.

Penalties for Trafficking

Drug trafficking in Howard County, MO is categorized into two degrees with penalties based on type and quantity of the substance:

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
  • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • Over 30 grams of heroin
  • Over 8g of cocaine
  • More than 30g of methamphetamine

  When larger quantities are involved, it becomes a class felony, like:

  • 20mg or more of fentanyl
  • 90g or more of heroin
  • 24g or more of cocaine
  • 90g or more of methamphetamine
• Second-degree trafficking is a class C felony when involving:
  • More than 10mg of fentanyl
  • Over 30g of heroin
  • Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • Over 30g of methamphetamine

  When quantities exceed the thresholds below, the charges is elevated to a class B felony:

  • 90g or more of heroin
  • 24g or more of cocaine
  • 100kg or more of marijuana
  • More than 500 marijuana plants
  • 20mg or more of fentanyl

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Howard County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future

  Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Howard County, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

  Drug crime penalties in Howard County, MO are severe, but we know how to scrutinize every detail of your case to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. While every case is different, here’s how our drug crimes attorneys can help build a strategic defense:

  Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure

  The Fourth Amendment protects your rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence without probable cause or a valid warrant, your attorney might argue to suppress that evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case and possibly getting your charges minimized or dismissed.

  Challenge Possession

  Possession charges require sufficient evidence of possession of the drugs. If the drugs were found in a shared space or if ownership is unclear, we can argue that you were not in possession. There are two types of possession:

  1. Actual Possession: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
  2. Constructive Possession: When you don’t physically possess the drugs but have knowledge of an access to their location with intent to control them.

  Arguing Lack of Awareness

  Missouri law requires the prosecution to demonstrate that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs. If evidence shows you were unaware of their presence—such as drugs being planted or left in your possession unknowingly—we can argue that you lacked the requisite knowledge to be held accountable.

  Chain of Custody Errors

  The chain of custody for evidence must remain intact to ensure its validity in court. Any lapses, such as mishandling during collection or improper storage, may render the evidence inadmissible. This defense is particularly relevant in Howard County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

  Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

  The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is circumstantial or fails to directly link you to the drug crime in question, your lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the case against you in Howard County, MO.

  Duress or Coercion Defense

  If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Howard County, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.

  Howard County Resources
  

  Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.

  • Missouri Criminal Defense Resources
  • Missouri Criminal Court Process
  • Missouri Revised Statutes
  • Missouri Courts
  • Missouri Department of Revenue
  • Howard County Website
  • Howard County Court
  • Howard County Jail
  • SLU School of Law
  • Christopher Combs
  • OCU School of Law
  • Steven Waterkotte

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Howard County, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte

  Our attorneys leverage decades of experience, a large network of experts, and a deep understanding of Missouri’s drug laws to craft a compelling defense. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in Howard County, MO:

  • In-Depth Case Review:
    We leave no stone unturned. From meticulously combing through police reports to interviewing witnesses, we uncover the facts that can challenge the prosecution’s case.
  • Scrutinizing Evidence:
    Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Howard County, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
  • Negotiation with Prosecutors:
    When appropriate, we pursue resolutions outside of court by working to reduce charges, negotiate favorable plea agreements, or secure alternatives like probation or treatment programs However, you always have the final say.

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Howard County, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?

  At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Howard County, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:

  • Proven Results: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Howard County, MO drug crime cases.
  • Consistent Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way in Howard County, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
  • Personalized Attention: We understand that every Howard County, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

  If hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Howard County, MO, you’re not just choosing a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in and around Howard County, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Howard County and beyond:

  • Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
  • Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
  • Weapons Crime Attorney

  Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Howard County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Today

  A drug charge in Howard County, MO doesn’t have to define your future, but swift action is essential. With skilled legal counsel, you can fight to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. The experienced Combs Waterkotte Howard County, MO drug crimes lawyers are ready to stand by your side and protect your rights. Don’t wait—your future depends on it.

  Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted Howard County, MO drug crimes lawyers.