Drug crimes lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, 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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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.
Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Creve Coeur, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Creve Coeur, 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 60 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the Creve Coeur area, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO: What Determines the Severity?
The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:
- The type of controlled substances (see below)
- The quantity of drugs in question
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors
A conviction for drug crimes in Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, MO community.
- Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Creve Coeur, 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: 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: 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 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
Possession of any controlled substance in Creve Coeur, 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 in Creve Coeur, MO is categorized into two degrees with penalties based on type and quantity of the substance:
- 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
This offense becomes a class A felony when the amount increases to:
- 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
- Over 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 in Creve Coeur, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
Being charged with a drug crime in Creve Coeur, 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.
Creve Coeur, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Creve Coeur excel at finding vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. While strategies vary depending on your specific circumstances, here’s how we can 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.
Disputing Possession
Creve Coeur, 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: 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
Missouri law requires the prosecution to demonstrate that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs. If evidence shows you were unaware of their presence—such as drugs being planted or left in your possession unknowingly—we can argue that you lacked the requisite knowledge to be held accountable.
Chain of Custody Errors
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 Creve Coeur, MO area.
Insufficient Evidence
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 Creve Coeur, MO.
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.
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Builds a Strong Defense
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 Creve Coeur, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
We leave no stone unturned. From meticulously combing through police reports to interviewing witnesses, we uncover the facts that can challenge the prosecution’s case. - Scrutinizing Evidence:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Creve Coeur, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court. - Negotiation with Prosecutors:
Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Creve Coeur, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Results: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Creve Coeur, MO drug crime cases.
- Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, MO.
If hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in the Creve Coeur, MO area, you’re not just selecting a leading drug crimes lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Creve Coeur and beyond:
Facing a Drug Crime in Creve Coeur, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Now
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 Creve Coeur, 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our devoted Creve Coeur, MO drug crimes lawyers.
