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Florissant, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Florissant, MO.

When you’re facing drug crimes in Florissant, 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 Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.

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Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Florissant, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Florissant, 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 Florissant area, including:

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

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

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

A Florissant, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:

  • Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
  • Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
  • Damage your reputation in your Florissant, MO community.
  • Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Florissant, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances 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: 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 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

The possession of a controlled substance in Florissant, 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 Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:

  • First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
    • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
    • Over 30 grams of heroin
    • Over 8g of cocaine
    • More than 30g of methamphetamine

    When larger quantities are involved, it becomes a class felony, like:

    • 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 when the drugs involve:
    • Over 10mg of fentanyl
    • Over 30g of heroin
    • Over 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 Florissant, MO | Criminal Defense in Florissant, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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

    Being charged with a drug crime in Florissant, 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 penalties in Florissant, MO are severe, but we know how to scrutinize every detail of your case to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. While every case is different, here’s how our drug crimes attorneys can help build a powerful defense strategy:

    Fighting Illegal 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: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
    2. Constructive Possession: While you may not have actual physical possession of a drug, you might have knowledge of and control of where the drugs are located, along with both the power and intention of physically possessing the drug at some time in the future.

    Proving Lack of Awareness

    The state must prove that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs. If there’s no evidence you were aware of the drugs—such as if they were planted or unknowingly left in your home or vehicle—our team can argue that you lacked the required knowledge to establish possession or distribution.

    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 Florissant, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

    Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

    To secure a conviction in Florissant, 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 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 Florissant, 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 fight for you in Florissant, MO:

    • Thorough 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.
    • Evidence Assessment:
      Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Florissant, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
    • Proactive Negotiation:
      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 | Florissant, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Florissant, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?

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

    • Proven Expertise: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Florissant, MO drug crime cases.
    • Consistent Updates: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Florissant, MO.
    • Tailored Defense: We understand that every Florissant, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

    If hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Florissant, MO, you’re not just hiring a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Florissant, MO residents:

    Facing a Drug Crime in Florissant, MO? Reach Out To 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 Florissant, 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 for a free case review with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Florissant, MO.

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