Drug crimes lawyer in Ballwin, MO.
When you’re facing drug crimes in Ballwin, MO, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. No matter if it’s a misdemeanor possession charge, a felony trafficking offense, or even a federal drug crime, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting, if not permanent—including hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, a criminal record, as well as the accompanying personal stigma. But with an experienced Ballwin, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you don’t have to face these challenging times alone.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Ballwin, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.
Legal Videos
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 Ballwin, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO area:
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ballwin, MO: What Determines the Severity?
The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:
- The classification of the drug (see below)
- The amount of the substance in question
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating elements
A drug crime conviction in Ballwin, MO can have far-reaching effects on your life. Aside from fines and prison/jail time—which vary depending on the severity of your crime—it can:
- Severely limiting your career opportunities.
- Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & Penalties
The severity of drug charges in Missouri is determined by the state’s classification of controlled substances under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, managed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Here’s a breakdown:
- Schedule I: These drugs, including heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and the like, have no accepted medical use and the highest potential for abuse, resulting in the most severe penalties.
- Schedule II: While substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine have limited medical uses, their high potential for abuse means they are still strictly regulated.
- Schedule III substances have a lower risk of physical dependence than Schedule I or II drugs but still pose a risk of high psychological dependence. These drugs include anabolic steroids, certain stimulants, antidepressants, and weight loss medications, all of which have accepted medical uses.
- Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Penalties for Possession
Possession of any controlled substance in Ballwin, MO, apart from marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, is a class D felony in Missouri, which can result in up to 7 years in prison. For marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, possessing between 10 and 35 grams is classified as class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail. If the amount exceeds 35g, the charge is a class D felony.
Penalties for Sale or Delivery
Delivery of a controlled substance is a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison, unless you deliver to a:
- Protected Location: You face a class A felony—10 to 30 years or life in prison—if you knowingly distribute, sell, or deliver within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park.
- Minor: You face a class B felony if the recipient is younger than 17 and at least 2 years younger than you or you knowingly permit a minor to purchase or transport illegally obtained controlled substances.
Penalties for Trafficking
Missouri has two degrees of drug trafficking:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
- Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- Over 30 grams of heroin
- More than 8g of cocaine
- Over 30g of methamphetamine
If larger quantities are involved, the charge is elevated to a class A felony, such as:
- 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
- More than 30g of heroin
- Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
- More than 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 Ballwin, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case
Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Ballwin, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Drug crime convictions in Ballwin, MO come with severe consequences, but our skilled attorneys can quickly and thoroughly identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. While no two cases are alike, here’s how we work to build a strategic defense:
Fighting Illegal 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
To convict on possession charges in Ballwin, MO, the prosecution must prove you had control of the drugs. When substances are found in a shared area or their ownership is uncertain, we’ll challenge the claim that they belonged to you. Missouri law differentiates between two possession types:
- 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 Knowledge
The state must prove that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs. If there’s no evidence you were aware of the drugs—such as if they were planted or unknowingly left in your home or vehicle—our team can argue that you lacked the required knowledge to establish possession or distribution.
Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody
The chain of custody for evidence must remain intact to ensure its validity in court. Any lapses, such as mishandling during collection or improper storage, may render the evidence inadmissible. This defense is particularly relevant in Ballwin, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is circumstantial or fails to directly link you to the drug crime in question, your lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the case against you in Ballwin, MO.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Ballwin, 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 Ballwin, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte
Our attorneys leverage decades of experience, a large network of experts, and a deep understanding of Missouri’s drug laws to craft a compelling defense. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in Ballwin, MO:
- Thorough Investigation:
We dig deep into every aspect of your Ballwin, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative. - Scrutinizing Evidence:
Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Ballwin, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded. - Proactive Negotiation:
Occasionally, the ideal outcome is reached outside the courtroom. Our lawyers work diligently to reduce charges, negotiate plea bargains, or secure alternatives to jail time, like probation, drug courts, or treatment or diversion programs However, you always get to make the final decision.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ballwin, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results and unmatched client care. When you work with us, you can expect:
- Proven Results: We’ve built a solid reputation in Ballwin and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Clear Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Ballwin, MO.
- Personalized Attention: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Ballwin, MO.
When partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in Ballwin, MO, you’re not just hiring a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in and around Ballwin, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Ballwin, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Facing a Drug Crime in Ballwin, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Your freedom and future are on the line, but with a skilled legal team, you can take control of your defense. A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte drug crimes lawyer in Ballwin, MO can help you navigate the complexities of your case and work toward the best possible outcome. Time is critical—act now to protect your rights.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our devoted Ballwin, MO drug crimes lawyers.
