Drug Crime Lawyer in Wellington, 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. Without the help of a premier Wellington, MO, criminal defense lawyer, you could easily get lost in the complex legal system.
Combs Waterkotte is here to help you avoid that fate. Our team of legal experts is ready to defend against any drug charge in Wellington, MO, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
If you need an experienced Wellington, MO, drug crime lawyer, we’re ready to talk to you today. You can connect with us at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form for a no strings attached case review.
Wellington, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, we describe the different steps a drug crime lawyer in Wellington, MO, takes during a case, the differences between criminal substance allegations in Missouri, what you need in a drug crimes attorney, and resources which can help with fighting substance abuse and/or navigating legal complications.
You can navigate to a specific section using the links below:
- The Role of a Wellington, MO, Drug Crime Defense Attorney
- Different Drug Charge Categories in Wellington, MO
- Qualities to Look For in Your Wellington, MO Drug Crime Lawyer
- Treatment and Diversion Programs for Wellington, MO, Drug Charges
- Resources to Help With Substance Abuse and Drug Crime Allegations
- Talk to a Drug Crime Lawyer in Wellington, MO, Today
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What a Wellington, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer Can Do for You
When you call an experienced Wellington, MO, drug crime lawyer from Combs Waterkotte, you get help in your case right away. Regardless of the particulars, it’s imperative to work with an attorney who 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:
- Let You Tell Your Story: The outcome of your case matters, but so does your experience while you fight it. We will treat you right and keep you informed through the process.
- Stand By You During Interviews: In every case, regardless of the circumstances, having a lawyer in the room with you can protect you from negative outcomes.
- Argue for Pretrial Release: Bail is not guaranteed for all crimes in Wellington, 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.
- Craft a Staunch Defense: Based on the specifics of your case, we’ll work together to come up with a powerful defense strategy to fight the prosecution.
- Negotiate With the State: Plea bargains can be a powerful strategy to find a positive outcome for your case, without the high risk of a trial.
- 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: 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 Drug Crime Defense Strategies
Each 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. 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 they weren’t yours. 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
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 can exploit that to have the evidence thrown out.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Your Fourth Amendment rights restrict the police’s ability to search you for evidence. This means that police cannot search you for evidence with either a warrant or probable cause. Your Wellington, MO, drug crime lawyer can help you determine if your rights were violated or not.
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. If you wouldn’t have broken the law otherwise, we can use this to defend against the 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” won’t work.
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 a police officer’s scale malfunctioned, and it showed more than 3oz, you can claim that there was a measurement error and you were actually innocent.
Vice Crimes Definition: Vice crimes are actions that are illegal and socially unacceptable, but generally don’t hurt other people. Common examples include using drugs, prostitution, and certain kinds of gambling.
Drug Allegations We Fight in Wellington, MO
Whatever drug crime you’ve been accused of, you need a strong Wellington, 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 Wellington, 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 controlled substances other than Marijuana, possession is a class D felony, with up to seven years in prison if convicted (Marijuana possession can either be a class A or class D misdemeanor).
Drug Distribution
Drug distribution is treated harsher by the law, in most cases. 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 charges 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: 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 arise when someone allegedly grew, mixed, or otherwise made a controlled substance.
Drug Manufacturing Penalty: Sentences for drug manufacturing can vary based on what the drug was and how much was made. The exact level of felony also depends on other circumstances, such as if someone was hurt or killed in the production process. It 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 make it unsafe to be on the road, you can be accused of a DWI with drugs.
DWI with Drugs Penalty: These sentences vary depending on your driving history. If this is your first conviction, 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 maximize your chances of exiting the regular legal process and using a Wellington, MO, diversionary program.
As you probably noticed, several of the above allegations carry felony consequences if convicted. To defend yourself against years behind bars, it’s vital to work with an expert felony drug crime lawyer to build your defense.
Federal Drug Charges in Wellington, MO
In cases where the federal government has decided to take over, building a strong defense is more critical than ever. Federal prosecutors are often even tougher than state prosecutors, and frequently have higher conviction rates. 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 to Look For in a Wellington, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer
When you pick a drug crime lawyer in Wellington, MO, you need a premier option. If you’re trying to pick a a lawyer, look for someone with the following:
- Practice fighting cases in Wellington, MO
- Compassion for your situation and well-being
- Upfront and understandable payment structures
- Knowledge of your specific charges
- A history of positive outcomes for clients
Combs Waterkotte meets all of the criteria for a high-quality drug crime lawyer. We’re here to help and will battle for your freedom.
Missouri’s Drug Treatment and Diversion Programs
If you’re facing drug charges in Wellington, MO, you might be imagining a trial in front of a judge and jury. With help, though, you might be able to take another route. Your drug crime lawyer advise you on special courts and diversionary programs that can offer you alternatives.
While Missouri has many 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.
The typical process involves the court identifying if someone is a good candidate for treatment services, working with the defense attorney to ensure the candidate’s rights are respected, and providing rehabilitation services to the person once they’re in the program. Regular testing is required to ensure participants remain drug-free.
Some other types of treatment courts in Missouri include DWI court, family treatment court, and/or juvenile court. These offer some of the same benefits, however, not every city has them available. Talk to a drug crime lawyer to learn about what you have access to in Wellington, MO.
Getting Help: Resources to Help With Substance Abuse and Drug Crime Allegations
Criminal drug charges are complex. The interactions between law and addiction don’t always make sense. But you can find help. Below, we’ve listed some resources for assistance with both drug addiction and legal complexities:
Substance Abuse Assistance Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is an official government organization which, amongst other goals, is focused on fighting substance abuse in America. They also feature FindTreatment.gov, which can assist in the process of finding help.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA offers information regarding commonly abused substances, news in the space, and conducts research trials into new potential treatment options.
Missouri Treatment Court Reports
This Missouri government resource lists out the different state treatment courts, provides maps of where each is available, and includes additional resources for finding a treatment court option.
Missouri Drug Charges Legal Resources
Missouri Drug Laws Index
Because the statutes as written can be convoluted and hard to understand, we’ve rewritten some of the key drug statutes in plain English for you to review.
Missouri Legal FAQs
Our legal FAQs provide answers to many of Missouri’s most common legal defense questions.
Legal Glossary
Our legal glossary gives definitions for court and legal terms. This can be particularly helpful if you’ve received a letter filled with legal jargon that you’re trying to interpret.
The consequences of a drug charge are a big deal. But with the right drug crime lawyer, you can find options to get back on your feet and move forward.
Your Freedom Is at Stake. Work With a Dominant Wellington, MO, Drug Crime Lawyer
When you work with a Wellington, MO, drug crime attorney, you need to have high standards. You should be getting expert legal representation and working with someone who puts you first.
At Combs Waterkotte, we have:
- Saved clients from over 1 million days in jail
- Extensive criminal defense resources
- Availability around the clock
- A reputation for success
Get in touch with our team at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to connect with a drug crime lawyer today.
