Drug crimes lawyer in Macon County, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Macon County, MO is a serious matter that can alter the course of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor possession charge, a felony trafficking offense, or a federal drug crime, the consequences are steep: substantial fines, years or even life behind bars, a criminal record, and a tarnished reputation. However, with the right Macon County, MO drug crimes lawyer, you can take control of your situation and fight back.
If you’re facing a drug crime, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an expert criminal defense attorney in Macon County, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation
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See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Chris – Client Testimonial
See what Chris has to say about Combs Waterkotte Law Firm after Combs Waterkotte helped him with his felony charge, and restored him to his everyday life. Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri.
Charged With a Drug Crime in Macon County, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Macon 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.
The Combs Waterkotte legal team has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases in the following fields and more throughout Missouri and the Macon County, MO area:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon 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 substance in question
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors
A Macon County, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:
- Severely limiting your career opportunities.
- Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
- Damage your reputation in your Macon County, MO community.
- Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon 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 drugs are those that have the highest potential for abuse and have no accepted medical uses, and therefore carry the stiffest sentences. These include opiates, heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogenics.
- Schedule II: While substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine have limited medical uses, their high potential for abuse means they are still strictly regulated.
- 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 Macon 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
Delivery of a controlled substance in Macon County, MO is treated as a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison. However, additional circumstances can lead to more severe charges:
- Proximity to a Protected Area: Selling or delivering drugs within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park is considered a class A felony, carrying 10 to 30 years or even life imprisonment.
- Involving a Minor: Distributing drugs to someone under 17 who is at least 2 years younger than you, or allowing a minor to handle controlled substances, is a class B felony with enhanced sentencing.
Penalties for Trafficking
Drug trafficking offenses in Macon County, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
- More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- More than 30 grams of heroin
- More than 8g of cocaine
- More than 30g of methamphetamine
If larger quantities are involved, the charge is elevated to a class A felony, such as:
- 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:
- Over 10mg of fentanyl
- More than 30g of heroin
- Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
- More than 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 Macon County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future
If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Macon County, MO, you need to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Give a drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Drug crime penalties in Macon 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 powerful defense strategy:
Fighting Unlawful Search and Seizure
Under the Fourth Amendment, evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure cannot be used against you. If law enforcement lacked probable cause or failed to obtain a valid warrant, we’ll push to have that evidence excluded. This could be the key to reducing your charges or getting a dismissal.
Disputing Possession
Macon County, MO possession charges hinge on proving that you had control over the drugs. If the substances were located in a shared area or there’s ambiguity about ownership, we can argue that you were not in possession. Missouri law recognizes two types of possession:
- Actual Possession: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
- Constructive Possession: This refers to having knowledge of and control over the location of drugs, coupled with the ability and intention to possess them in the future.
Arguing Lack of Knowledge
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
For evidence to hold up in court, its handling must follow a documented and uninterrupted chain of custody. Any mistakes in how evidence is collected, transported, or stored can result in its exclusion. This is especially critical in drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases throughout the Macon County, MO area.
Weak or Inconclusive Evidence
To secure a conviction in Macon County, MO, the prosecution must demonstrate your guilt guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence fails to definitively connect you to the crime or relies on speculation, your lawyer can challenge its adequacy.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If you were forced to commit a drug crime under threat of harm, we may use duress as a defense to challenge your culpability. Similarly, if you faced an immediate threat of bodily harm and no alternative means, your lawyer can claim coercion occurred.
Macon County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Macon County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon 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 fight for you in Macon County, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
Our Macon County, MO attorneys meticulously review every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to identify inconsistencies or oversights that could weaken the prosecution’s case. - Challenging Evidence:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Macon County, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court. - 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 get to make the final decision.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon County, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?
When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Macon County, MO drug crime defense, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes results and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Proven Strategies: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Macon County, MO drug crimes.
- Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Macon County, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
- Tailored Defense: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Macon County, MO.
If hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in the Macon County, MO area, you aren’t just selecting the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Macon County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re safeguarding 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 Macon County and beyond:
Charged With a Drug Crime in Macon County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Now
A drug charge in Macon 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 Macon 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with one of our devoted Macon County, MO drug crimes lawyers.
