Drug Crime Lawyer in Higginsville, MO. Even just “simple possession” of an illegal substance can land you in prison. in particularly serious cases, you could be charged with drug dealing instead of just possession. If you don’t work with a knowledgeable Higginsville, MO, criminal defense attorney, your chances of a positive outcome are slim.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to ensuring our clients get fair, expert legal representation. Your attorney from Combs Waterkotte is ready to defend against any drug charge in Higginsville, MO, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
If you need an expert Higginsville, MO, drug crime lawyer, we’re just a call away. You can talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form for a no-obligation review of your charges.
Higginsville, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer: Page Summary
In this post, we describe the different steps a drug crime lawyer in Higginsville, MO, takes during a case, Missouri’s illegal substance related laws and consequences, the top qualities to look for when deciding on a drug defense attorney, and resources which can help people defending against criminal drug allegations in Higginsville, MO.
The links below let you skip ahead to a particular topic, if you want to learn more about a particular area:
- The Role of a Higginsville, MO, Drug Crime Defense Attorney
- Different Drug Charge Categories in Higginsville, MO
- Higginsville, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer Essential Qualities
- Treatment and Diversion Programs for Higginsville, MO, Drug Charges
- Substance Abuse and Legal Resources
- Talk to a Drug Crime Lawyer in Higginsville, MO, Today
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The Role of a Higginsville, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer in Your Case
When you contact an experienced Higginsville, MO, drug crime lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, we start working on your defense immediately. Wherever you are in the judicial process, it’s essential to work with an attorney who will protect your rights and defend your freedom.
Here are the steps we take to help after your call:
- Learn Your Story: This is your case, and your well-being should be at the center of it. We’re dedicated to treating you like a person, not a case number.
- Stand By You During Interrogations: In every case, even if you’re innocent, having a lawyer in the room with you can protect you from negative outcomes.
- Argue for Pretrial Release: If you’re facing drug charges in Higginsville, MO, you may or may not get bail; getting it depends on certain subjective factors. We will argue that you deserve pretrial release and a reasonable bail amount.
- Decide on a Powerful 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: The prosecutors know that we build every defense as if we’re going to trial, so they’re more willing to work with us to explore plea options.
- Fight the State at Trial: When you need to go before a judge and/or jury, our trial-ready team of drug crime lawyers will present your defense in court.
- Represent You for Sentencing/Appeals/Parole: Depending on the result of your trial, you might go through sentencing, appeal, and/or parole hearings. We don’t stop after the verdict. If you still need help, we’re still available to offer it.
Effective Drug Crime Defense Strategies
Your case is unique and deserves a tailor-made defensive plan. Our attorneys know how to use each of the below criminal defense strategies to maximum effect:
Lack of Intent
If you didn’t mean to break the law, many times, you can’t be held liable for your actions. Drug charges can often center around intent, because you can be accused 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 intent to use them, and because of that, are innocent.
Substance Analysis Errors
To be convicted of possession, distributing, or manufacturing an illegal substance, 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’ll highlight that and have the evidence removed.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Your Fourth Amendment rights restrict the police’s ability to search you for evidence. This means that law enforcement officers cannot search you for evidence with either a warrant or probable cause. Your Higginsville, MO, drug crime lawyer can question the legitimacy of these warrants and probable cause inferences.
Entrapment
Similar to above, law enforcement has more rules on what they are allowed to do during investigations. They can observe people breaking the law and then arrest them, but if they go too far in encouraging someone to break the law, this is called entrapment. If you were a victim of entrapment, that can be grounds for a dismissal of your charges.
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, you can fight drug charges in unique ways, with unique defenses. 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 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 include actions that are looked at as immoral, but are often “victimless”. Common examples include using drugs, prostitution, and certain kinds of gambling.
Common Drug Charges in Higginsville, MO
There’s no such thing as a drug accusation in Higginsville, MO, that isn’t serious. 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 Higginsville, MO. You can be convicted of drug possession if you have an illegal substance, either on your person or located elsewhere.
Drug Possession Penalty: For any substances other than 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 normally treated more seriously than simple possession. Distribution covers cases where 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 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 in Higginsville, 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. Some other factors, such as if someone was injured in the process, can also elevate the penalties. A conviction can range from a class E felony up to a class A felony.
DWI With Drugs
A DWI with drugs is often treated very much like a DWI with alcohol: If you were operating a vehicle with drugs in your system (even legal ones) that impact your awareness and ability to drive, you can face drug DWI accusations.
DWI with Drugs Penalty: The penalty depends on whether you have any previous DWI convictions. If you’ve never been convicted before, the penalty is a class B misdemeanor (up to six months in jail). On top of that, you will face a license suspension.
Juvenile Drug Crimes
Juvenile drug charges need special treatment from a defense attorney to fight properly. These typically include variations on the allegations listed above. This also includes some special crimes, such as a minor in possession of marijuana.
Juvenile Drug Crimes Penalty: Juveniles accused face the same penalties as listed above. However, youths typically have some additional options available to avoid them. Your juvenile drug crime lawyer can help you explore what youth diversionary options are available in Higginsville, MO.
As you probably noticed, several of the above allegations carry felony consequences if convicted. If you want to avoid years behind bars, it’s essential to work with an accomplished felony drug crime lawyer to build your defense.
Federal Drug Charges in Higginsville, MO
In cases where the federal government has decided to take over, building a strong defense is even more important. Federal prosecutors are often even tougher than state prosecutors, and frequently have higher conviction rates. If you are facing federal charges, contact a proven federal drug charges lawyer with the strength to take on the United States Government immediately.
What You Need in a Higginsville, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer
When you pick a drug crime lawyer in Higginsville, MO, you need a premier option. If you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome, you need someone who has all of the following:
- Practice fighting cases in Higginsville, MO
- Compassion for your situation and well-being
- Fair and clear payment structures
- Familiarity with the statute(s) you’re accused of violating
- A history of positive outcomes for clients
Combs Waterkotte meets all of the criteria for a high-quality drug crime lawyer. We are committed to your case and will always be honest with you about it.
Treatment and Diversion Programs for Higginsville, MO, Drug Charges
If you’re facing drug charges in Higginsville, MO, you might be imagining a trial in front of a judge and jury. However, there is another way. Your drug crime lawyer advise you on special courts and diversionary programs that can keep you out of prison.
While Missouri offers several different drug treatment courts, adult treatment courts are the most widely available. These courts were made to help people with substance use disorders fight against addiction, rather than facing typical criminal charges.
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. As a part of participation, candidates will agree to regular testing to ensure they do not take any illegal substances.
Some other types of treatment courts in Missouri include DWI court, family treatment court, and/or juvenile court. These can be equally valuable, though they are not as widely available. Contact a drug crime lawyer to learn about what you have access to in Higginsville, MO.
Getting Help: Substance Abuse and Legal Resources
Drug cases are complicated. The government’s rules don’t always take real-life circumstances into account. But you can find help. Below, we’ve listed some resources for assistance with both drug addiction and legal complexities:
- 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
The consequences of a drug charge are a big deal. But with the right drug crime lawyer, you can find options which can give you another chance.
You Need a Skilled Higginsville, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer. You Need Combs Waterkotte
Your Higginsville, MO, drug crime lawyer should be doing more than “good enough” for your case. You should be getting expert legal representation and working with someone who puts you first.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have:
- Successfully handled over 10,000 cases
- Extensive criminal defense resources
- A client-centered approach
- Over 500 five star reviews
Call us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to speak with a drug crime lawyer today.
