Drug crimes lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation
Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Lake St. Louis, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side
We get it. Your future is on the line, and you can’t afford to test fate and roll the dice with an unproven law firm. Despite recent changes, including the partial decriminalization of marijuana, Missouri still has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country, with some of the toughest penalties. Prosecutors are relentless in pursuing convictions, but no more than we are at defending them.
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 Lake St. Louis, MO, including:
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, 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:
- The type of drugs (see below)
- The quantity of drugs in question
- Presence of any aggravating or mitigating elements
A Lake St. Louis, 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.
- Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 are those that have the highest potential for abuse and have no accepted medical uses, and therefore carry the stiffest sentences. These include opiates, heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogenics.
- 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
Possession of any controlled substance in Lake St. Louis, 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
Delivery of a controlled substance in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, 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:
- More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- Over 30 grams of heroin
- Over 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:
- More than 10mg of fentanyl
- More than 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 Lake St. Louis, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Lake St. Louis, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Drug crime penalties in Lake St. Louis, 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 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.
Challenge Possession
Lake St. Louis, 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:
- Actual Possession: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
- Constructive Possession: This refers to having knowledge of and control over the location of drugs, coupled with the ability and intention to possess them in the future.
Proving Lack of Knowledge
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.
Errors in Evidence Handling
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 Lake St. Louis, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is circumstantial or fails to directly link you to the drug crime in question, your lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the case against you in Lake St. Louis, MO.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Lake St. Louis, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte
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 Lake St. Louis, MO. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Lake St. Louis, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
Our Lake St. Louis, MO attorneys meticulously review every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to identify inconsistencies or oversights that could weaken the prosecution’s case. - Challenging Evidence:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Lake St. Louis, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court. - Negotiation with Prosecutors:
Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Lake St. Louis, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Strategies: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Lake St. Louis, MO drug crimes.
- Clear Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Lake St. Louis, MO.
- Focused Representation: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Lake St. Louis, MO.
If partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in the Lake St. Louis, MO area, you aren’t just hiring the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO and beyond – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Lake St. Louis, MO residents:
Charged With a Drug Crime in Lake St. Louis, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Right Away
A drug charge in Lake St. Louis, MO doesn’t have to define your future, but swift action is essential. With skilled legal counsel, you can fight to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. The experienced Combs Waterkotte Lake St. Louis, MO drug crimes lawyers are ready to stand by your side and protect your rights. Don’t wait—your future depends on it.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Lake St. Louis, MO.