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Drug Crimes Lawyer Macon County, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Macon County, MO.

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

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Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Macon County, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Macon 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 has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases in the following fields and more throughout Missouri and the Macon County, MO area:

Drug Crimes Lawyer Macon County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys in Macon County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon County, MO: How is the Severity Determined?

The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:

A conviction for drug crimes in Macon County, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:

  • Severely limiting your career opportunities.
  • Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
  • Damage your reputation in your Macon County, MO community.
  • Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon County, 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 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 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 encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Possession

In Macon 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 is a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison, unless you deliver to a:

  • Protected Location: You face a class A felony—10 to 30 years or life in prison—if you knowingly distribute, sell, or deliver within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park.
  • Minor: You face a class B felony if the recipient is younger than 17 and at least 2 years younger than you or you knowingly permit a minor to purchase or transport illegally obtained controlled substances.

Penalties for Trafficking

Drug trafficking offenses in Macon County, 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:
    • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
    • More than 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 involving:
    • More than 10mg of fentanyl
    • More than 30g of heroin
    • More than 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 Macon County, MO | Criminal Defense in Macon County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

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

    Drug crime convictions in Macon 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 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

    Macon County, 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:

    1. Actual Possession: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
    2. 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.

    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

    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 Macon County, MO area.

    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 Macon County, MO.

    Duress or Coercion Defense

    If you were forced to commit a drug crime under threat of harm, we may use duress as a defense to challenge your culpability. Similarly, if you faced an immediate threat of bodily harm and no alternative means, your lawyer can claim coercion occurred.

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

    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 Macon County, MO. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Macon County, MO:

    • Thorough 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.
    • Evidence Assessment:
      Was proper procedure followed during your Macon County, 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 | Macon County, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Macon County, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?

    When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Macon County, MO drug crime defense, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes results and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:

    • Proven Strategies: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Macon County, MO drug crime cases.
    • Transparent Communication: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Macon County, MO case’s progress.
    • Focused Representation: We understand that every Macon County, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

    If partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in Macon County, MO, you’re not just choosing a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Macon County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Macon County and beyond:

    Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Macon County, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today

    Don’t let a drug crime define your future and don’t wait to start building your defense. WIth the right legal representation, it’s possible to avoid or minimize the charges. The sooner you have a skilled Combs Waterkotte Macon County, MO drug crimes lawyer on your side, the better your chances of reaching the best possible outcome. Your freedom is worth fighting for—let us fight for you.

    Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted Macon County, MO drug crimes lawyers.

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