Drug crimes lawyer in Fayette, MO.
When you’re facing drug crimes in Fayette, 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 Fayette, 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 Fayette, 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 Fayette, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Fayette, 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 Fayette, MO, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Fayette, MO: How is the Severity Determined?
In Fayette 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 drugs (see below)
- The amount of the substance in question
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors
A conviction for drug crimes in Fayette, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:
- Severely limiting your career opportunities.
- Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Fayette, 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 Fayette, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & 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: 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 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 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
In Fayette, MO, possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids is treated as a class D felony, with potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison. If you’re caught with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, the charge is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Possession of more than 35g escalates to a class D felony.
Penalties for Sale or Delivery
Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Fayette, 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, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
- 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:
- Over 10mg of fentanyl
- More than 30g of heroin
- More than 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 Fayette, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
Being charged with a drug crime in Fayette, 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.
Fayette, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Fayette excel at finding vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. While strategies vary depending on your specific circumstances, here’s how we can build a strategic defense:
Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects 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
To convict on possession charges in Fayette, 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:
- Actual Possession: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
- 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 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
For evidence to be admissible in court, it must have an unbroken chain of custody. Any errors or mishandling of evidence during its collection, transport, or storage could lead to it being excluded from the case. This is particularly important in Fayette, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Challenging Evidence Sufficiency
To secure a conviction in Fayette, 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 committed a drug crime in Fayette, 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.
Howard County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howard County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Fayette, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Builds a Strong Defense
At Combs Waterkotte, we leverage our decades of experience, a vast professional network, and unmatched knowledge of Missouri’s drug laws to mount an aggressive defense for you in Fayette, MO. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Fayette, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
Our Fayette, 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 Fayette, 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 Fayette, 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 Fayette, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Fayette, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Results: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Fayette, MO drug crimes.
- Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Fayette, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
- Tailored Defense: We treat every Fayette, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
When hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Fayette, MO, you’re not just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in and around Fayette, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Fayette, MO residents:
Facing a Drug Crime in Fayette, MO? Call 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 Fayette, 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 devoted Fayette, MO drug crimes lawyers.
