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Cape Girardeau, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO.

When you’re facing drug crimes in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.

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Drug Charges in Cape Girardeau, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

We get it. Your future is on the line, and you can’t afford to test fate and roll the dice with an unproven law firm. Despite recent changes, including the partial decriminalization of marijuana, Missouri still has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country, with some of the toughest penalties. Prosecutors are relentless in pursuing convictions, but no more than we are at defending them.

With over 40 years of combined legal experience and a track record of successfully handling 10,000+ cases, our team has the knowledge and tenacity to handle cases just like yours in Cape Girardeau, MO, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer Cape Girardeau, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys in Cape Girardeau, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO: How is the Severity Determined?

The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:

A Cape Girardeau, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:

  • Severely limiting your career opportunities.
  • Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
  • Damage your reputation in your Cape Girardeau, MO community.
  • Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and Penalties

In Missouri, the severity of drug crimes is tied to the state’s classification of controlled substances, as defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017. These schedules, organized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, outline potential penalties based on the drug’s category:

  • Schedule I: Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogens. These carry the harshest 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

In Cape Girardeau, MO, possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids is treated as a class D felony, with potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison. If you’re caught with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, the charge is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Possession of more than 35g escalates to 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

Drug trafficking offenses in Cape Girardeau, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:

  • First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
    • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
    • More than 30 grams of heroin
    • More than 8g of cocaine
    • Over 30g of methamphetamine

    When larger quantities are involved, it becomes a class felony, like:

    • 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 involving:
    • Over 10mg of fentanyl
    • Over 30g of heroin
    • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
    • More than 30g of methamphetamine

    For larger amounts, the offense is upgraded 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 Cape Girardeau, MO | Criminal Defense in Cape Girardeau, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case

    Being charged with a drug crime in Cape Girardeau, MO can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call the knowledgeable attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a review of your case.

    Drug crime convictions in Cape Girardeau, 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 powerful defense strategy:

    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

    Cape Girardeau, MO possession charges hinge on proving that you had control over the drugs. If the substances were located in a shared area or there’s ambiguity about ownership, we can argue that you were not in possession. Missouri law recognizes two types of possession:

    1. Actual Possession: This means that you had actual physical possession of a drug, whether in your hand, pocket, car, etc.
    2. 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.

    Errors in Evidence Handling

    For evidence to be admissible in court, it must have an unbroken chain of custody. Any errors or mishandling of evidence during its collection, transport, or storage could lead to it being excluded from the case. This is particularly important in Cape Girardeau, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

    Weak or Inconclusive Evidence

    To secure a conviction in Cape Girardeau, MO, the prosecution must demonstrate your guilt guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence fails to definitively connect you to the crime or relies on speculation, your lawyer can challenge its adequacy.

    Duress or Coercion Defense

    If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Cape Girardeau, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO:

    • In-Depth Case Review:
      We dig deep into every aspect of your Cape Girardeau, 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 evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Cape Girardeau, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court.
    • Negotiation with Prosecutors:
      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 have the final say.

    Drug Crimes Lawyer | Cape Girardeau, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, 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 Strategies: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Cape Girardeau, MO drug crimes.
    • Consistent Updates: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Cape Girardeau, MO case’s progress.
    • Personalized Attention: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Cape Girardeau, MO.

    If partner with Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in the Cape Girardeau, MO area, you’re not just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO and beyond – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Cape Girardeau and beyond:

    Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Cape Girardeau, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Today

    A drug charge in Cape Girardeau, MO doesn’t have to define your future, but swift action is essential. With skilled legal counsel, you can fight to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. The experienced Combs Waterkotte Cape Girardeau, MO drug crimes lawyers are ready to stand by your side and protect your rights. Don’t wait—your future depends on it.

    Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our dedicated Cape Girardeau, MO drug crimes lawyers.

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