Drug crimes lawyer in Lewis County, MO.
When you’re facing drug crimes in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.
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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.
Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Lewis County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Lewis County, 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.
The Combs Waterkotte legal team boasts more than 60 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the Lewis County area, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lewis County, MO: What Determines the Severity?
The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:
- The classification of the drug (see details below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- Any aggravating or mitigating elements
A Lewis County, 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.
- Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and Penalties
In Missouri, the severity of drug crimes is tied to the state’s classification of controlled substances, as defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017. These schedules, organized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, outline potential penalties based on the drug’s category:
- 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 encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Penalties for Possession
In Lewis County, MO, possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids is treated as a class D felony, with potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison. If you’re caught with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, the charge is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Possession of more than 35g escalates to a class D felony.
Penalties for Sale or Delivery
Delivery of a controlled substance in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, 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, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
- Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- More than 30 grams of heroin
- Over 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:
- More than 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 Lewis County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case
If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, 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 robust defense strategy:
Fighting Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects your rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence without probable cause or a valid warrant, your attorney might argue to suppress that evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case and possibly getting your charges minimized or dismissed.
Challenge Possession
To convict on possession charges in Lewis County, MO, the prosecution must prove you had control of the drugs. When substances are found in a shared area or their ownership is uncertain, we’ll challenge the claim that they belonged to you. Missouri law differentiates between two possession types:
- 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
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
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 Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO.
Duress or Coercion Defense
If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Lewis County, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.
Lewis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lewis County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO:
- Comprehensive Case 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. - Challenging Evidence:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Lewis County, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court. - Proactive Negotiation:
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 have the final say.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lewis County, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?
When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Lewis County, MO drug crime defense, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes results and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Proven Strategies: We’ve built a solid reputation in Lewis County and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Consistent Updates: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Lewis County, MO case’s progress.
- Focused Representation: We treat every Lewis County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
If choose Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Lewis County, MO, you’re not just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Lewis County, MO and throughout Missouri – 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 offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Lewis County and beyond:
Facing a Drug Crime in Lewis County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Right Away
A drug charge in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free case review with one of our devoted Lewis County, MO drug crimes lawyers.
