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Crestwood, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Crestwood, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, 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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Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Crestwood, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Crestwood, 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 boasts more than 40 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the Crestwood area, including:

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

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

In Crestwood 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 conviction for drug crimes in Crestwood, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:

  • Severely limiting your career opportunities.
  • Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
  • Hurting your reputation within your Crestwood, MO community.
  • Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: Understanding Missouri’s Drug Schedules and Penalties

Missouri’s schedule of controlled substances, categorized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, determines the severity of drug crimes and their penalties. They are:

  • 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 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

The possession of a controlled substance in Crestwood, 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

Delivery of a controlled substance in Crestwood, MO is treated as a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison. However, additional circumstances can lead to more severe charges:

  • Proximity to a Protected Area: Selling or delivering drugs within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park is considered a class A felony, carrying 10 to 30 years or even life imprisonment.
  • Involving a Minor: Distributing drugs to someone under 17 who is at least 2 years younger than you, or allowing a minor to handle controlled substances, is a class B felony with enhanced sentencing.

Penalties for Trafficking

Drug trafficking offenses in Crestwood, 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
    • Over 30 grams of heroin
    • More than 8g of cocaine
    • More than 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 for amounts such as:
    • More than 10mg of fentanyl
    • Over 30g of heroin
    • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
    • Over 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 Crestwood, MO | Criminal Defense in Crestwood, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

    Being charged with a drug crime in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, 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

    The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable 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.

    Disputing Possession

    Crestwood, 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

    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

    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 Crestwood, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

    Insufficient Evidence

    The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Crestwood, 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 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 Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO case. Here’s how we fight for you in Crestwood, MO:

    • Thorough Investigation:
      Our Crestwood, 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 the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Crestwood, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
    • Negotiation with Prosecutors:
      When appropriate, we pursue resolutions outside of court by working to reduce charges, negotiate favorable plea agreements, or secure alternatives like probation or treatment programs However, you always have the final say.

    Drug Crimes Lawyer | Crestwood, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Crestwood, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?

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

    • Proven Expertise: We’ve built a solid reputation in Crestwood and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
    • Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Crestwood, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
    • Focused Representation: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Crestwood, MO.

    If partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in the Crestwood, MO area, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Crestwood, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Crestwood, MO residents:

    Charged With a Drug Crime in Crestwood, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Right Away

    A drug charge in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, 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 case review with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Crestwood, MO.

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