Drug Crimes Lawyer Lebanon, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Lebanon, MO.

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

Drug Charges in Lebanon, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

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

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

The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:

• The type of controlled substances (see below)
• The amount of the drug involved
• The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors

A Lebanon, 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.
• Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
• Damage your reputation in your Lebanon, MO community.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lebanon, 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: 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 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 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, 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 in Lebanon, 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

  This offense becomes a class A felony when the amount increases to:

  • 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 involving:
  • Over 10mg of fentanyl
  • Over 30g of heroin
  • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • More than 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 Lebanon, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

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

  Drug crime penalties in Lebanon, 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 robust defense strategy:

  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

  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: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
  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.

  Proving 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 Lebanon, MO area.

  Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

  To secure a conviction in Lebanon, 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.

  Claiming Duress or Coercion

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

  Laclede County Resources
  

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

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

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lebanon, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Builds a Strong Defense

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

  • Thorough Investigation:
    Our Lebanon, MO attorneys meticulously review every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to identify inconsistencies or oversights that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
  • Evidence Assessment:
    Was proper procedure followed during your Lebanon, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected.
  • Negotiation with Prosecutors:
    Occasionally, the ideal outcome is reached outside the courtroom. Our lawyers work diligently to reduce charges, negotiate plea bargains, or secure alternatives to jail time, like probation, drug courts, or treatment or diversion programs However, you always get to make the final decision.

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lebanon, 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 legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Lebanon, MO drug crimes.
  • Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Lebanon, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
  • Personalized Attention: We treat every Lebanon, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.

  When hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in Lebanon, MO, you aren’t just selecting the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Lebanon, 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 staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lebanon and beyond:

  • Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
  • Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
  • Weapons Crime Attorney

  Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Lebanon, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

  A drug charge in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, 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 to schedule your free consultation with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Lebanon, MO.