Drug crimes lawyer in Farmington, MO.
When you’re facing drug crimes in Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.
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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 Farmington, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Farmington, 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.
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 Farmington area, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Farmington, MO: What Determines the Severity?
In Farmington 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:
- The type of controlled substances (see below)
- The quantity of drugs in question
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating elements
A Farmington, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:
- Severely limiting your career opportunities.
- Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and 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 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 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 drugs encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Penalties for Possession
Possession of any controlled substance in Farmington, 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
Missouri has two degrees of drug trafficking:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
- More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- More than 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 for amounts such as:
- Over 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 Farmington, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case
If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Farmington, 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 convictions in Farmington, 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 Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence without probable cause or a valid warrant, your attorney might argue to suppress that evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case and possibly getting your charges minimized or dismissed.
Disputing Possession
Farmington, 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: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
- 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 Awareness
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.
Chain of Custody Errors
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 Farmington, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Insufficient Evidence
To secure a conviction in Farmington, MO, the prosecution must demonstrate your guilt guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence fails to definitively connect you to the crime or relies on speculation, your lawyer can challenge its adequacy.
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.
St. Francois County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Francois County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
We dig deep into every aspect of your Farmington, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative. - Challenging Evidence:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Farmington, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court. - Proactive Negotiation:
Occasionally, the ideal outcome is reached outside the courtroom. Our lawyers work diligently to reduce charges, negotiate plea bargains, or secure alternatives to jail time, like probation, drug courts, or treatment or diversion programs However, you always have the final say.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Farmington, MO: Why Trust 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 Strategies: We’ve built a solid reputation in Farmington and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Farmington, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
- Focused Representation: We treat every Farmington, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
If partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in the Farmington, MO area, you’re not just choosing a leading drug crimes lawyer in and around Farmington, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Farmington, MO residents:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Facing a Drug Crime in Farmington, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Right Away
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 Farmington, 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 for a free consultation with one of our dedicated Farmington, MO drug crimes lawyers.
