Drug crimes lawyer in Jefferson City, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, 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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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 Jefferson City, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Jefferson City, 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 controlled substances (see below)
- The amount of the substance in question
- Any aggravating or mitigating elements
A Jefferson City, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:
- Barriers to finding or advancing in a career.
- Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
- Hurting your reputation within your Jefferson City, MO community.
- Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Jefferson City, 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: 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 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 include numerous prescription drugs, such as Xanax, Valium, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Penalties for Possession
The possession of a controlled substance in Jefferson City, 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
Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Jefferson City, 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 offenses in Jefferson City, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years 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
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 Jefferson City, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future
If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, 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 strategic defense:
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.
Challenge 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:
- Actual Possession: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
- 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 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.
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 Jefferson City, MO area.
Insufficient Evidence
To secure a conviction in Jefferson City, 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 committed a drug crime in Jefferson City, 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.
Cole County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cole County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO case. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Jefferson City, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
We dig deep into every aspect of your Jefferson City, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative. - Challenging Evidence:
Was proper procedure followed during your Jefferson City, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected. - 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 Jefferson City, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Jefferson City, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Results: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Jefferson City, MO drug crimes.
- Transparent Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Jefferson City, MO.
- Tailored Defense: We treat every Jefferson City, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
If choose Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Jefferson City, MO, you’re not just hiring a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Jefferson City, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Jefferson City and beyond:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Facing a Drug Crime in Jefferson City, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Now
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 Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City, MO drug crimes lawyers.
