Holts Summit, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Holts Summit, MO.

In Holts Summit, MO, charges from drug crimes can bring overwhelming challenges—looming over you, your freedom, future, and reputation—that demand immediate action. From a misdemeanor possession to a felony trafficking case or even a federal drug offense, the penalties can be life-altering—costly fines, lengthy incarceration, and a permanent record. With an experienced Holts Summit, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you gain a powerful advocate ready to challenge the charges against you.

Act now to protect your future. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation. Let our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Holts Summit, MO stand with you during this challenging time.

Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Holts Summit, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Holts Summit, 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 Holts Summit, MO, including:

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

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

• The type of drugs (see details below)
• The amount of the drug involved
• Any aggravating or mitigating factors

A Holts Summit, 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 Holts Summit, MO personal and professional circles.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Holts Summit, MO: Understanding Missouri’s Drug Schedules 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 substances have a lower risk of physical dependence than Schedule I or II drugs but still pose a risk of high psychological dependence. These drugs include anabolic steroids, certain stimulants, antidepressants, and weight loss medications, all of which have accepted medical uses.
• 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

The possession of a controlled substance in Holts Summit, 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 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, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
  • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • More than 30 grams of heroin
  • More than 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 for amounts such as:
  • More than 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 in Holts Summit, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case

  Being charged with a drug crime in Holts Summit, 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 Holts Summit, 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 strategic defense:

  Fighting Unlawful 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.

  Challenge Possession

  Holts Summit, 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:

  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.

  Arguing Lack of Knowledge

  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.

  Errors in Evidence Handling

  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 Holts Summit, MO area.

  Insufficient Evidence

  The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Holts Summit, MO. If the case relies on circumstantial evidence or lacks direct proof tying you to the alleged crime, your attorney can argue the evidence is insufficient to convict.

  Duress or Coercion Defense

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

  Callaway County Resources
  

  Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Callaway County and Missouri.

  • Missouri Criminal Defense Resources
  • Missouri Criminal Court Process
  • Missouri Revised Statutes
  • Missouri Courts
  • Missouri Department of Revenue
  • Callaway County Website
  • Callaway County Court
  • Callaway County Jail
  • SLU School of Law
  • Christopher Combs
  • OCU School of Law
  • Steven Waterkotte

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Holts Summit, 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 work to secure the best possible outcome in Holts Summit, MO:

  • Comprehensive Case Investigation:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your Holts Summit, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
  • Evidence Assessment:
    Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Holts Summit, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
  • 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 have the final say.

  

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

  When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Holts Summit, MO drug crime defense, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes results and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:

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

  If hire Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Holts Summit, MO, you aren’t just choosing a leading drug crimes lawyer in and around Holts Summit, MO – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Holts Summit, MO residents:

  • DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
  • Violent Crime Lawyer
  • Gun Crime Lawyer
  • Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
  • Homicide Lawyer
  • Assault Lawyer
  • Rape Defense Lawyer

  Facing a Drug Crime in Holts Summit, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

  Don’t let a drug crime define your future and don’t wait to start building your defense. WIth the right legal representation, it’s possible to avoid or minimize the charges. The sooner you have a skilled Combs Waterkotte Holts Summit, MO drug crimes lawyer on your side, the better your chances of reaching the best possible outcome. Your freedom is worth fighting for—let us fight for you.

  Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with one of our devoted Holts Summit, MO drug crimes lawyers.