Drug Crimes Lawyer Clark County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Clark County, MO.

In Clark County, MO, charges from drug crimes can bring overwhelming challenges—looming over you, your freedom, future, and reputation—that demand immediate action. From a misdemeanor possession to a felony trafficking case or even a federal drug offense, the penalties can be life-altering—costly fines, lengthy incarceration, and a permanent record. With an experienced Clark County, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you gain a powerful advocate ready to challenge the charges against you.

Act now to protect your future. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation. Let our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Clark County, MO stand with you during this challenging time.

Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Clark County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Clark County, MO area. Missouri continues to enforce some of the harshest drug laws in the nation, even with recent changes like partial marijuana decriminalization. Prosecutors are relentless in their pursuit of convictions, but at Combs Waterkotte, we’re even more relentless.

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 Clark County, MO, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Clark County, MO: How is the Severity Determined?

The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:

• The type of drugs (see details below)
• The quantity of drugs in question
• The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating elements

A Clark 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.
• Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
• Damage your reputation in your Clark County, MO community.
• Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Clark County, 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: Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, which have recognized medical uses but are tightly regulated due to their high potential for abuse.
• Schedule III drugs are classified as having a moderate to low potential for physical dependence or high psychological dependence, with accepted medical uses. Examples include weight loss medications, stimulants, antidepressants, and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV and Schedule V substances, which include prescription drugs like Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica, are considered to have a lower potential for abuse and dependence.

Penalties for Possession

Possession of any controlled substance in Clark County, 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

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

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
  • More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • More than 30 grams of heroin
  • Over 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 for amounts such as:
  • Over 10mg of fentanyl
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • More than 30g of methamphetamine

  This offense becomes a class B felony when the amount is:

  • 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 Clark County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future

  Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Clark County, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

  Drug crime penalties in Clark 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 powerful defense strategy:

  Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure

  The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. If evidence was gathered without probable cause or a valid warrant, we’ll fight to have it suppressed. This can significantly weaken the case against you and may even lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

  Disputing Possession

  To convict on possession charges in Clark County, 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:

  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.

  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

  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 Clark County, MO area.

  Weak or Inconclusive Evidence

  The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Clark 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.

  Claiming Duress or Coercion

  If you committed a drug crime in Clark County, MO because you were under a credible threat of harm, your lawyer might argue duress as a defense. Similarly, if coercion led to your actions under immediate physical threat, this can challenge your accountability for the crime.

  Clark County Resources
  

  Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Clark County and Missouri.

  • Missouri Criminal Defense Resources
  • Missouri Criminal Court Process
  • Missouri Revised Statutes
  • Missouri Courts
  • Missouri Department of Revenue
  • Clark County Website
  • Clark County Court
  • Clark County Jail
  • SLU School of Law
  • Christopher Combs
  • OCU School of Law
  • Steven Waterkotte

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Clark 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 fight for you in Clark County, MO:

  • Thorough Investigation:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your Clark County, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
  • Evidence Assessment:
    Was proper procedure followed during your Clark 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 Clark 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 have the final say.

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Clark County, MO: Why Hire 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: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Clark County, MO drug crime cases.
  • Consistent Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way in Clark County, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
  • Tailored Defense: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Clark County, MO.

  When partner with Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Clark County, MO, you’re not just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in and around Clark County, MO – you’re protecting 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Clark County and beyond:

  • Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
  • Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
  • Weapons Crime Attorney

  Facing a Drug Crime in Clark County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Right Away

  A drug charge in Clark County, 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 Clark County, 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Clark County, MO.