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Drug Crimes Lawyer Chariton County, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Chariton County, MO.

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

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Charged With a Drug Crime in Chariton County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

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.

The Combs Waterkotte legal team boasts more than 50 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the Chariton County area, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer Chariton County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chariton County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Chariton County, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?

In Chariton County and across Missouri, the level of punishment for a drug crime—whether charged as a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several key aspects, such as:

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

  • Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
  • Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
  • A tarnished reputation in your Chariton County, 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 Chariton County, MO: Understanding Missouri’s Drug Schedules 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 are narcotics, stimulants, and the like that have a high potential for abuse and have an accepted medical use (even if severely restricted). They include cocaine, opium, oxycodone, methamphetamine, vicodin, fentanyl, and morphine.
  • Schedule III drugs can lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence, and have a currently accepted medical treatment, including weight loss drugs, stimulants, antidepressants, and anabolic steroids.
  • Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs include numerous prescription drugs, such as Xanax, Valium, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Possession

In Chariton County, 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

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:
    • More than 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:
    • Over 10mg of fentanyl
    • More than 30g of heroin
    • Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
    • Over 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 Chariton County, MO | Criminal Defense in Chariton County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Chariton County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

    If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Chariton County, MO, you need to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Give a drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

    Drug crime penalties in Chariton County, MO are severe, but we know how to scrutinize every detail of your case to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. While every case is different, here’s how our drug crimes attorneys can help build a robust defense strategy:

    Fighting Unreasonable 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

    Possession charges require sufficient evidence of possession of the drugs. If the drugs were found in a shared space or if ownership is unclear, we can argue that you were not in possession. There are two types of possession:

    1. Actual Possession: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
    2. Constructive Possession: When you don’t physically possess the drugs but have knowledge of an access to their location with intent to control them.

    Proving Lack of Knowledge

    Under Missouri law, the prosecution is required to show that you knowingly possessed or distributed drugs. Our lawyers can work to prove that you were unaware of the drugs’ presence—whether they could have been placed in your vehicle, home, or property without your knowledge.

    Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody

    For evidence to hold up in court, its handling must follow a documented and uninterrupted chain of custody. Any mistakes in how evidence is collected, transported, or stored can result in its exclusion. This is especially critical in drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases throughout the Chariton County, MO area.

    Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

    The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Chariton County, MO. If the case relies on circumstantial evidence or lacks direct proof tying you to the alleged crime, your attorney can argue the evidence is insufficient to convict.

    Duress or Coercion Defense

    If you were forced to commit a drug crime under threat of harm, we may use duress as a defense to challenge your culpability. Similarly, if you faced an immediate threat of bodily harm and no alternative means, your lawyer can claim coercion occurred.

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Chariton County, 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 Chariton County, MO:

    • Thorough Investigation:
      We dig deep into every aspect of your Chariton County, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
    • Scrutinizing Evidence:
      Was proper procedure followed during your Chariton County, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected.
    • Negotiation with Prosecutors:
      Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Chariton County, MO. We fight for reduced charges, fair plea bargains, or alternatives like drug treatment programs, always keeping your future in mind However, you always get to make the final decision.

    Drug Crimes Lawyer | Chariton County, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Chariton County, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?

    At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Chariton County, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:

    • Proven Strategies: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Chariton County, MO drug crime cases.
    • Transparent Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Chariton County, MO.
    • Personalized Attention: We understand that every Chariton County, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

    If partner with Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in the Chariton County, MO area, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Chariton County, 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 Chariton County, MO residents:

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

    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 Chariton County, 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 dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Chariton County, MO.

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