Drug crimes lawyer in Lexington, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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.
Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Lexington, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lexington, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?
In Lexington and across Missouri, the level of punishment for a drug crime—whether charged as a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several key aspects, such as:
- The type of controlled substances (see below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- Any aggravating or mitigating elements
A drug crime conviction in Lexington, MO can have far-reaching effects on your life. Aside from fines and prison/jail time—which vary depending on the severity of your crime—it can:
- Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
- Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
- Hurting your reputation within your Lexington, MO community.
- Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lexington, 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: 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 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 drugs encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Penalties for Possession
Possession of any controlled substance in Lexington, 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
Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
- More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- Over 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 when involving:
- More than 10mg of fentanyl
- More than 30g of heroin
- More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
- Over 30g of methamphetamine
When quantities exceed the thresholds below, the charges is elevated 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 Lexington, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future
Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Lexington, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Drug crime penalties in Lexington, 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 Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects against illegal searches and seizures. If evidence was gathered without probable cause or a valid warrant, we’ll fight to have it suppressed. This can significantly weaken the case against you and may even lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.
Challenge Possession
Lexington, 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: 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.
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.
Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody
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 Lexington, MO area.
Weak or Inconclusive Evidence
The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.
Lafayette County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Lafayette County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO case. Here’s how we fight for you in Lexington, MO:
- In-Depth Case Review:
Our Lexington, MO attorneys meticulously review every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to identify inconsistencies or oversights that could weaken the prosecution’s case. - Scrutinizing Evidence:
Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Lexington, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded. - Proactive Negotiation:
Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?
When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Lexington, 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 Lexington and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Transparent Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Lexington, MO.
- Focused Representation: We treat every Lexington, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
When partner with Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Lexington, MO, you’re not just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Lexington, MO and beyond – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Lexington, MO residents:
- Felony Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
- Gun Charges Attorney
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plan
- Assault Defense Lawyer
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Lexington, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today
A drug charge in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Lexington, MO.
