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Madison County, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Madison County, MO.

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

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Charged With a Drug Crime in Madison County, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Madison County, 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.

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 Madison County, MO area:

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

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

In Madison County 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:

A drug crime conviction in Madison County, 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:

  • Barriers to finding or advancing in a career.
  • Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
  • Hurting your reputation within your Madison County, MO community.
  • Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Madison County, 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 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

The possession of a controlled substance in Madison County, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
    • More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
    • More than 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 for amounts such as:
    • Over 10mg of fentanyl
    • Over 30g of heroin
    • Over 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 Madison County, MO | Criminal Defense in Madison County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Madison County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future

    Being charged with a drug crime in Madison County, MO can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call the knowledgeable attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a review of your case.

    Drug crime penalties in Madison County, 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 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

    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: 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.

    Chain of Custody Errors

    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 Madison County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

    Insufficient Evidence

    To secure a conviction in Madison County, 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.

    Duress or Coercion Defense

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

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Madison County, 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 Madison County, MO case. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Madison County, MO:

    • Thorough Investigation:
      Our Madison County, 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 the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Madison County, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
    • 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 get to make the final decision.

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

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Madison County, 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: We’ve built a solid reputation in Madison County and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
    • Clear Communication: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Madison County, MO case’s progress.
    • Personalized Attention: We treat every Madison 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 Madison County, MO, you’re not just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in and around Madison County, MO – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Madison County and beyond:

    Charged With a Drug Crime in Madison County, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today

    A drug charge in Madison 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 Madison 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with one of our dedicated Madison County, MO drug crimes lawyers.

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