Drug crimes lawyer in Glendale, MO.
In Glendale, 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO stand with you during this challenging time.
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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.
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.
Drug Charges in Glendale, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Glendale, MO. Missouri’s drug laws remain some of the toughest in the nation, and prosecutors work tirelessly to secure convictions. At Combs Waterkotte though, we exceed that determination with aggressive defense strategies that have consistently delivered results for our clients.
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 Glendale, MO area:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Glendale, MO: How is the Severity Determined?
The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:
- The classification of the drug (see below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- Any aggravating or mitigating factors
A Glendale, 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.
- A tarnished reputation in your Glendale, MO personal and professional circles.
- Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Glendale, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and Penalties
Missouri’s schedule of controlled substances, categorized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, determines the severity of drug crimes and their penalties. They are:
- Schedule I: Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogens. These carry the harshest 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 drugs are classified as having a moderate to low potential for physical dependence or high psychological dependence, with accepted medical uses. Examples include weight loss medications, stimulants, antidepressants, and anabolic steroids.
- 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
In Glendale, MO, possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids is treated as a class D felony, with potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison. If you’re caught with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, the charge is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Possession of more than 35g escalates to a class D felony.
Penalties for Sale or Delivery
Delivery of a controlled substance in Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
- More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- More than 30 grams of heroin
- Over 8g of cocaine
- More than 30g of methamphetamine
This offense becomes a class A felony when the amount increases to:
- 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 the drugs involve:
- 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 Glendale, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future
Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Glendale, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Drug crime penalties in Glendale, 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 robust 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.
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:
- Actual Possession: This means that you had actual physical possession of a drug, whether in your hand, pocket, car, etc.
- 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 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.
Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody
For evidence to be admissible in court, it must have an unbroken chain of custody. Any errors or mishandling of evidence during its collection, transport, or storage could lead to it being excluded from the case. This is particularly important in Glendale, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Weak or Inconclusive Evidence
The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Glendale, MO. If the case relies on circumstantial evidence or lacks direct proof tying you to the alleged crime, your attorney can argue the evidence is insufficient to convict.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Glendale, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Glendale, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we leverage our decades of experience, a vast professional network, and unmatched knowledge of Missouri’s drug laws to mount an aggressive defense for you in Glendale, MO. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Glendale, MO:
- Thorough Investigation:
We dig deep into every aspect of your Glendale, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative. - Challenging Evidence:
Was proper procedure followed during your Glendale, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected. - Proactive Negotiation:
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 Glendale, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Glendale, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Expertise: We’ve built a solid reputation in Glendale and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Consistent Updates: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Glendale, MO.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every Glendale, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
If choose Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Glendale, MO, you’re not just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in and around Glendale, MO – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Glendale and beyond:
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Glendale, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Don’t let a drug crime define your future and don’t wait to start building your defense. WIth the right legal representation, it’s possible to avoid or minimize the charges. The sooner you have a skilled Combs Waterkotte Glendale, MO drug crimes lawyer on your side, the better your chances of reaching the best possible outcome. Your freedom is worth fighting for—let us fight for you.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Glendale, MO.
