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Ferguson, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Ferguson, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, 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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Charged With a Drug Crime in Ferguson, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Ferguson, 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.

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 Ferguson, MO, including:

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

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ferguson, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?

The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:

A drug crime conviction in Ferguson, MO can have far-reaching effects on your life. Aside from fines and prison/jail time—which vary depending on the severity of your crime—it can:

  • Severely limiting your career opportunities.
  • Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
  • A tarnished reputation in your Ferguson, MO personal and professional circles.
  • Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ferguson, 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: Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogens. These carry the harshest 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 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 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

Possession of any controlled substance in Ferguson, 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

Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Ferguson, 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

Drug trafficking in Ferguson, 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 with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
    • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
    • More than 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
    • Over 30g of heroin
    • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
    • Over 30g of methamphetamine

    This offense becomes a class B felony when the amount is:

    • 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 Ferguson, MO | Criminal Defense in Ferguson, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ferguson, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case

    Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Ferguson, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

    Ferguson, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Ferguson 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 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

    Possession charges require sufficient evidence of possession of the drugs. If the drugs were found in a shared space or if ownership is unclear, we can argue that you were not in possession. There are 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: 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

    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.

    Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody

    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 Ferguson, MO area.

    Weak or Inconclusive Evidence

    To secure a conviction in Ferguson, 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.

    Duress or Coercion Defense

    If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Ferguson, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ferguson, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte

    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 Ferguson, MO case. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Ferguson, MO:

    • Comprehensive Case Investigation:
      We dig deep into every aspect of your Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court.
    • 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 get to make the final decision.

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

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ferguson, 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 Results: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Ferguson, MO drug crime cases.
    • Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Ferguson, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
    • Personalized Attention: We understand that every Ferguson, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

    If partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Ferguson, MO, you’re not just selecting the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Ferguson, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Ferguson, MO residents:

    Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Ferguson, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Today

    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 Ferguson, 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted Ferguson, MO drug crimes lawyers.

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