Drug Crime Lawyer in Butler, MO. If someone makes drug-related allegations against you, you could be up against life-altering consequences. What’s worse, you could be charged with drug dealing instead of just possession. Without the help of a proven Butler, MO, criminal defense attorney, your chances of a positive outcome are slim.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to ensuring our clients get fair, expert legal advice. When you work with us, you get a lawyer who is ready to defend against any drug charge in Butler, MO, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
If you need an expert Butler, MO, drug crime lawyer, we’re ready to talk to you today. You can reach us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form for a no strings attached case review.
Butler, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, we describe the different steps a drug crime lawyer in Butler, MO, takes during a case, Missouri’s illegal substance related laws and consequences, what you need in a drug crimes attorney, and resources which can help people defending against criminal drug allegations in Butler, MO.
If there’s a specific topic you want to learn more about, you can jump ahead using the links below:
- How a Butler, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer Protects You
- Potential Consequences for Different Drug Charges in Butler, MO
- Qualities to Look For in Your Butler, MO Drug Crime Lawyer
- Alternatives to Court for Butler, MO, Drug Charges
- Substance Abuse and Legal Resources
- Talk to a Drug Crime Lawyer in Butler, MO, Today
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
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Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
The Role of a Butler, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer in Your Case
When you contact an experienced Butler, MO, drug crime lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, we start working on your defense immediately. Regardless of the particulars, it’s critical to work with a team that will fight for your rights and won’t back down.
Each of our team members is dedicated to giving you the best experience and legal representation possible. Here’s how we do it:
- Let You Tell Your Story: A legal case is about more than just winning or a verdict. We will treat you right and keep you informed through the process.
- Protect You During Interrogations: No matter what, whether or not you broke the law, the consequences of trying to navigate an interrogation on your own are dire.
- Fight for Bail: Bail is not guaranteed for all crimes in Butler, MO, and getting it depends on certain subjective factors. A lawyer can help you ensure that you receive bail, and lower the cost to something reasonable.
- Design a Staunch Defense Strategy: There are a number of defensive tactics available to fight drug charges, but not every one is right for your case. We’ll help you pick the most effective option.
- Explore Plea Deal Options: Using our strategy and any available evidence, we’ll negotiate with the district attorney to see if we can have your charges dropped or dismissed.
- Fight the State in Front of a Jury: When you need to go before a judge and/or jury, our trial-ready team of drug crime lawyers will represent you in court.
- Represent You for Sentencing/Appeals/Parole: After a trial, you may have the option for sentencing, appeal, and/or parole hearings. Our lawyers can stay by your side and help you explore further options.
Effective Tactics We Use to Fight Drug Crime Allegations
There are many tactics that we can use when fighting drug charges. Below are some of the common strategies that your Butler, MO, drug crime lawyer should consider:
Lack of Intent
If you didn’t mean to break the law, many times, you can’t be held liable for your actions. Intentions are critical in drug crime cases. In the wrong circumstances, you can face criminal accusations if someone with you was using a controlled substance, even if you’re not guilty of using it. For example, if someone hid drugs in your house without your knowledge, you can argue that you did not have the intent to possess them.
Lab Analysis Errors
Before you can be convicted, the state needs to prove what that substance was. If something is wrong with the way the tests were conducted, we can exploit that to have the evidence thrown out.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Your Fourth Amendment rights place rules on how law enforcement officers can find evidence. This means that police cannot search you for evidence with either a warrant or probable cause. Your Butler, MO, drug crime lawyer can question the legitimacy of these warrants and probable cause inferences.
Entrapment
entrapment is a process where a state official (likely undercover) causes a person to commit an illegal act, when they wouldn’t have otherwise. By claiming entrapment, we can successfully argue for many drug charges to be dropped or dismissed.
Drug possession defenses require specialized expertise, because not every type of criminal defense strategy will work for them. This is because many are vice crimes, so defenses like “self-defense” aren’t applicable.
On the other hand, for certain drug charges, there are defenses available that wouldn’t work for other kinds of charges. For example, let’s look at a hypothetical marijuana criminal charge. While Missouri has largely decriminalized it, adults over 21 cannot carry more than 3oz of marijuana at a time. If you only had 3oz on you, but a police officer’s scale malfunctioned, and it showed 3.5oz, you can claim that there was a measurement error and you did not violate the law.
Vice Crimes Definition: Vice crimes include actions that are looked at as immoral, but are often “victimless”. Common examples include using drugs, prostitution, and certain kinds of gambling.
Drug Allegations We Fight in Butler, MO
Whatever drug crime you’ve been accused of, you need a strong Butler, MO, drug crime lawyer to fight it. Here are some of the charges we will defend you against:
Drug Possession
Drug possession is in many ways the default drug crime people are accused of in Butler, MO. ‘Possession’ is generally defined as holding it, having it in your pocket, or controlling it (even if it wasn’t literally on you).
Drug Possession Penalty: For any substances besides Marijuana, possession is a class D felony, with up to seven years in prison if convicted (Marijuana possession is typically much more lenient, either a class A or class D misdemeanor).
Drug Distribution
Drug distribution is normally treated more seriously than simple possession. These charges include when there was any form or plan for drug sales.
Drug Distribution Penalty: Distribution can range from a class E felony (up to four years in prison) to a class C felony (three to ten years in prison).
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking refers to when someone is accused of possessing, purchasing, or bringing into Missouri a large amount of an illegal substance.
Drug Trafficking Penalty: Trafficking charges can come in either first or second degree, and overall range from being a class C felony to a class A felony (ten years to life in prison).
Drug Manufacturing
Drug manufacturing charges arise when someone allegedly grew, mixed, or otherwise made a controlled substance.
Drug Manufacturing Penalty: Manufacturing penalties depend on the type of substance that was allegedly made and the amount. Additional prison time can be added in special cases, for example, if the drugs were allegedly made near a school. A conviction can range from a class E felony up to a class A felony.
DWI With Drugs
A DWI with drugs is not that different than one with alcohol: If you were operating a vehicle with drugs in your system (even legal ones) that could impair your ability to drive, you can be accused of a DWI with drugs.
DWI with Drugs Penalty: Previous DWIs can increase the penalties for subsequent DWI convictions. If you’ve never been convicted before, the penalty is a class B misdemeanor (up to six months in jail). Additionally, you will face a license suspension.
Juvenile Drug Crimes
If the alleged offender was under the age of 18 when they supposedly broke any of the above laws, that is a juvenile drug crime case. This also includes some special crimes, such as a minor in possession of marijuana.
Juvenile Drug Crimes Penalty: The potential penalties are the same as for adults, but the defense strategies are different. Your juvenile drug crime lawyer can help you explore what youth diversionary options are available in Butler, MO.
As outlined above, nearly any drug charge has the potential to be a felony. To protect yourself from years behind bars, it’s critical to work with a talented felony drug crime lawyer to build your defense.
Federal Drug Charges in Butler, MO
In addition to state charges, there’s another thing to be aware of: Federal charges. If the alleged crime took place on federal land, or across multiple states, the federal government may decide to prosecute the case. If you are facing federal charges, contact a leading federal drug charges lawyer who can take on the United States Government as soon as possible.
What You Need in a Butler, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer
A Butler, MO, drug crimes attorney with skill and knowledge is essential to help you win your case. If you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome, you need someone who has all of the following:
- Practice fighting cases in Butler, MO
- Compassion for your situation and well-being
- Upfront and clear payment structures
- Familiarity with the statute(s) you’re accused of violating
- A track record of success
Combs Waterkotte offers everything you need in a high-quality drug crime lawyer. We are committed to your case and will always be honest with you about it.
Legal Alternatives: Missouri Drug Charges and Treatment/Diversion Programs
If you’re facing drug charges in Butler, MO, you might be imagining a trial in front of a judge and jury. But there are more options. Your drug crime lawyer advise you on special courts and diversionary programs that can protect your freedom.
While Missouri offers several different drug treatment courts, most defendants will try to use adult treatment court. As the name would imply, these systems offer treatment opportunities over typical punishments.
If you want to participate in a treatment court, your attorney will need to work with the state to arrange for it. Your lawyer will explain why you are a good candidate for treatment court, and you’ll get access to rehabilitation services while in the program. Typically, drug testing is required on a regular basis in these programs.
Adult treatment court isn’t the only option in Missouri. The state also offers DWI court, family treatment court, and/or juvenile court. These offer some of the same benefits, but are not set up in every county. Contact a drug crime lawyer to see what you have access to in Butler, MO.
Getting Help: Resources to Help With Substance Abuse and Drug Crime Allegations
Criminal drug charges are complicated. The interactions between law and addiction don’t always make sense. But there are ways to find help. Below, you can access some resources for assistance with both the addiction layer and the legal layer:
Substance Abuse Assistance Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is an official government organization that offers support options for people fighting addiction. They also feature FindTreatment.gov, which can help people locate treatment options.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA offers information regarding commonly abused substances, news in the space, and conducts research trials in attempts to fight addiction.
Missouri Treatment Court Reports
This Missouri government resource can help you get an idea of where the nearest treatment courts are to you, and includes additional resources for finding additional information on them as an option.
Missouri Drug Charges Legal Resources
Missouri Drug Laws Index
Because it’s easy to get lost when reading Missouri’s legal code, we’ve rewritten some of the key drug statutes in plain English to make them easier to understand.
Missouri Legal FAQs
Our legal FAQs provide answers to several of the questions you might be thinking about asking your drug crime lawyer.
Legal Glossary
Our legal glossary can help you understand the meanings behind different legal terms. This is particularly helpful if you’re being sent court documents that you’re unfamiliar with.
The consequences of a drug charge are a big deal. But with the right drug crime lawyer, you can find options that help you start over.
Get Expert Legal Representation in Butler, MO, From a Proven Drug Crime Lawyer
When you work with us, you’re working with a proven Butler, MO, drug crime lawyer who is dedicated to fighting on your behalf. We are ready to take any kind of case now and will build a defense you can be proud of.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have:
- Saved clients from over 1 million days in jail
- Expert criminal defense resources
- Availability around the clock
- A reputation for success
Call one of our team members at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to connect with a drug crime lawyer now.
