Drug Crime Lawyer in Cleveland, MO. Even just “simple possession” of an illegal substance can land you in prison. What’s worse, you could be charged with drug dealing instead of just possession. Without the help of a premier Cleveland, MO, criminal defense lawyer, you’ll be in a tough battle against the state prosecutor.
Combs Waterkotte is here to help you avoid that fate. Our team of legal experts is ready to defend against any drug charge in Cleveland, MO, and a team that is available around the clock if you have any questions or need any help.
If you need an expert Cleveland, MO, drug crime lawyer, we’re just a call away. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online for a no strings attached case review.
Cleveland, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, we describe the different steps a drug crime lawyer in Cleveland, 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 with fighting substance abuse and/or navigating legal complications.
If there’s a specific topic you want to learn more about, you can jump ahead using the links below:
- How a Cleveland, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer Protects You
- Different Drug Charge Categories in Cleveland, MO
- Qualities to Look For in Your Cleveland, MO Drug Crime Lawyer
- Treatment and Diversion Programs for Cleveland, MO, Drug Charges
- Substance Abuse and Legal Resources
- Talk to a Drug Crime Lawyer in Cleveland, MO, Today
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How a Cleveland, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer Fights for You
When you contact an expert Cleveland, MO, drug crime lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, we start working on your defense immediately. Whatever your case looks like, it’s imperative to work with a team that will protect justice 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:
- Listen to 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.
- Guide You Through Police Interviews: No matter what, even if you’re innocent, you need an attorney by your side to ensure that your rights are being protected.
- Fight for Pretrial Release: Not everyone accused of a crime in Cleveland, MO, is given bail; 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: Every case has unique details and circumstances. We can help you find the best defensive strategy to fit yours.
- Negotiate With the State: The prosecutors know that we build every defense as if we’re going to trial, so they know they can’t get away with an unfair offer.
- Fight the State at Trial: Not every case ends with a plea deal. If you choose to go to trial, our trial-ready team of drug crime lawyers will present your defense in court.
- Continue to Fight for Your Interests at Sentencing/Appeals/Parole: Depending on the result of your 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.
Strong Strategies Our Lawyers Use Against Drug Charges
A leading drug crimes defense attorney should have a variety of defenses to choose from for your case. Below are some of the common strategies that your Cleveland, MO, drug crime lawyer should consider:
Lack of Intent
If you didn’t mean to break the law, you often can be found innocent. Drug charges can often center around intent, because you can be accused just for being near an illegal substance, even if you’re not guilty of using it. For example, if there were drugs in your vehicle but they weren’t yours, you can argue that you did not have the intent to possess them.
Substance Analysis Errors
If the prosecution wants to convict you, the state needs to show that the substance in question was, in fact, illegal. If something is wrong with the way the tests were conducted, we will counter it, show the flaws, and have the evidence suppressed.
Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
Your Fourth Amendment rights place rules on how law enforcement officers can find evidence. This means that law enforcement officers need to either have a warrant or probable cause to search your person or property. Your Cleveland, 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” don’t apply.
On the other hand, this allows for other defense strategies that only work against drug charges. For example, let’s look at a hypothetical marijuana criminal charge. While it is now legal in Missouri, adults over 21 cannot carry more than 3oz of marijuana at a time. If you only had 3oz on you, but something was wrong with the law enforcement’s scale, and it showed 3.5oz, you can claim that there was a measurement error and you were actually innocent.
Vice Crimes Definition: Vice crimes refer to a category of actions that are illegal, but committing them typically does not harm anyone other than the alleged offender. Common examples include using drugs, prostitution, and certain kinds of gambling.
Drug Allegations We Fight in Cleveland, MO
You can face a variety of different drug accusations in Cleveland, MO, and it’s important to work with a reputable drug crime lawyer for any of them. We’ve outlined some of the most common types of charges below, along with their penalties:
Drug Possession
Drug possession is probably the most common drug-related charge in Cleveland, 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 treated less harshly, and is either a class A or class D misdemeanor).
Drug Distribution
Drug distribution is a step up from regular possession charges. These charges include when there was any intention to sell a controlled substance, whether or not it was followed through upon.
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 has a wide range of definitions in Missouri, but they are all centered on the transport and distribution of large quantities of controlled substances.
Drug Trafficking Penalty: Depending on the exact charge you face, you could be up against anything from a class C felony to a class A felony (ten years to life in prison).
Drug Manufacturing
Drug manufacturing charges in Cleveland, MO, are what you probably expect: cases where a person supposedly made an illegal drug.
Drug Manufacturing Penalty: Different drug manufacturing cases can face different penalties, depending on the type and quantity produced. Additional prison time can be added in special cases, for example, if the drugs were allegedly made near a school. It 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 driving with drugs in your system (even legal ones) that make it unsafe to be on the road, you can be accused of a DWI with drugs.
DWI with Drugs Penalty: The penalty depends on whether you have any previous DWI convictions. If this is your first conviction, 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: Convictions can carry the same sentences for juveniles as for adults. That said, diversionary programs can help youths avoid the worst. Your juvenile drug crime lawyer can help you look into juvenile diversion programs in Cleveland, MO.
As outlined above, several of the above allegations carry felony consequences if convicted. If you want to avoid lifelong consequences, it’s critical to work with an expert felony drug crime lawyer to build your defense.
Federal Drug Charges in Cleveland, MO
On top of 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 proven federal drug charges lawyer with the strength to take on the United States Government as soon as possible.
What to Look For in a Cleveland, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer
Your Cleveland, MO, drug crime lawyer can’t be just anyone. An ideal candidate will have:
- Experience in Cleveland, MO, courtrooms
- Care for how you’re doing
- Fair 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’re here to help and will battle for your freedom.
Missouri’s Drug Treatment and Diversion Programs
A trial or a plea deal are the two main ways criminal cases are resolved. However, there is another way. Your drug crime lawyer can help you explore special courts and diversionary programs that can protect your freedom.
While the state of Missouri offers many drug treatment courts, adult treatment courts are the most widely available. 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. Regular testing is required to ensure participants remain drug-free.
Depending on where you live in Missouri, you may also have the opportunity to take part in DWI court, family treatment court, and/or juvenile court. These also offer alternatives to prison and the traditional court process, however, not every city has them available. Contact a drug crime lawyer to learn about what you have access to in Cleveland, MO.
Getting Help: Resources to Help With Substance Abuse and Drug Crime Allegations
Drug cases are convoluted. The way laws regulate drug usage don’t always take the realities of addiction into account. But there are ways forward. Below, you can review some resources for assistance with both the addiction layer and the legal layer:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Missouri Treatment Court Reports
- Missouri Drug Laws Index
- Missouri Legal FAQs
- Legal Glossary
- General Missouri Criminal Defense Resources
Facing drug charges can turn your life upside down. But with the right drug crime lawyer, you can find options that help you start over.
Get Expert Legal Representation in Cleveland, MO, From a Proven Drug Crime Lawyer
When you partner with our team, you’re working with a proven Cleveland, MO, drug crime lawyer who is dedicated to fighting on your behalf. We are ready to let you know how we can help and will craft a defense you can be proud of.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have:
- Successfully handled over 10,000 cases
- Expert criminal defense resources
- Availability around the clock
- A stellar reputation amongst clients and peers
Get in touch with our team at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to talk to a drug crime lawyer today.
