Drug crimes lawyer in Columbia, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Columbia, MO is a serious matter that can alter the course of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor possession charge, a felony trafficking offense, or a federal drug crime, the consequences are steep: substantial fines, years or even life behind bars, a criminal record, and a tarnished reputation. However, with the right Columbia, MO drug crimes lawyer, you can take control of your situation and fight back.
If you’re facing a drug crime, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an expert criminal defense attorney in Columbia, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation
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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.
Charged With a Drug Crime in Columbia, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO, including:
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A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Columbia, MO: What Determines the Severity?
The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:
- The type of controlled substances (see details below)
- The amount of the substance in question
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors
A conviction for drug crimes in Columbia, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:
- Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
- Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
- Damage your reputation in your Columbia, MO community.
- Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Columbia, 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 are those that have the highest potential for abuse and have no accepted medical uses, and therefore carry the stiffest sentences. These include opiates, heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogenics.
- 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 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 include numerous prescription drugs, such as Xanax, Valium, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Penalties for Possession
The possession of a controlled substance in Columbia, MO, other than marijuana or a synthetic cannabinoid, constitutes a class D felony, carrying penalties of up to 7 years in prison. Possession of between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or any synthetic cannabinoid is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year incarceration. If the amount is more than 35 grams, it is a class D felony.
Penalties for Sale or Delivery
Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Columbia, MO, carrying a sentence of 3-10 years in prison. However, penalties are heightened if the sale or delivery occurs under specific circumstances:
- Near a Protected Location: Distributing, selling, or delivering drugs within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park upgrades the charge to a class A felony, with penalties ranging from 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment.
- To a Minor: If the recipient is under 17 years old and at least 2 years younger than you, or if you allow a minor to purchase or transport drugs, the offense becomes a class B felony, with enhanced penalties.
Penalties for Trafficking
Missouri has two degrees of drug trafficking:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
- 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:
- More than 10mg of fentanyl
- More than 30g of heroin
- More than 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 in Columbia, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
Being charged with a drug crime in Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 robust defense strategy:
Fighting Unreasonable Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment safeguards your rights against illegal searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence 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.
Challenge Possession
Columbia, 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:
- Actual Possession: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
- 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.
Proving 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 Columbia, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Challenging Evidence Sufficiency
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 Columbia, MO.
Duress or Coercion Defense
If you committed a drug crime in Columbia, 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.
Boone County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Boone County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Columbia, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Builds a Strong Defense
With decades of legal expertise, access to top-notch experts in our network, and a thorough grasp of Missouri’s drug statutes, our team builds robust defense strategies tailored to your Columbia, MO case. Here’s how we fight for you in Columbia, MO:
- Thorough Investigation:
Our Columbia, MO attorneys meticulously review every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to identify inconsistencies or oversights that could weaken the prosecution’s case. - Evidence Assessment:
Was proper procedure followed during your Columbia, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected. - Proactive Negotiation:
Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Columbia, 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 in Columbia, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Columbia, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Results: We’ve built a solid reputation in Columbia and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Consistent Updates: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Columbia, MO.
- Tailored Defense: We treat every Columbia, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
If choose Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in Columbia, MO, you’re not just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Columbia, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to 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 Columbia and beyond:
Facing a Drug Crime in Columbia, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away
A drug charge in Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 to schedule your free consultation with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Columbia, MO.
