Moberly, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Moberly, MO.

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

Charged With a Drug Crime in Moberly, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

We get it. Your future is on the line, and you can’t afford to test fate and roll the dice with an unproven law firm. Despite recent changes, including the partial decriminalization of marijuana, Missouri still has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country, with some of the toughest penalties. Prosecutors are relentless in pursuing convictions, but no more than we are at defending them.

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 Moberly, MO, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Moberly, MO: What Determines the Severity?

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

• The type of drugs (see below)
• The amount of the substance in question
• Presence of any aggravating or mitigating factors

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

• Barriers to finding or advancing in a career.
• Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
• A tarnished reputation in your Moberly, MO personal and professional circles.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Moberly, MO: Understanding Missouri’s Drug Schedules and Penalties

The severity of drug charges in Missouri is determined by the state’s classification of controlled substances under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, managed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Here’s a breakdown:

• 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: 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 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 include numerous prescription drugs, such as Xanax, Valium, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Possession

In Moberly, 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

Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Moberly, 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 in Moberly, 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
  • Over 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 the drugs involve:
  • Over 10mg of fentanyl
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • More than 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 Moberly, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

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

  Drug crime penalties in Moberly, 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 strategic defense:

  Fighting Unlawful 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.

  Disputing Possession

  To convict on possession charges in Moberly, 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:

  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 Knowledge

  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 Moberly, MO area.

  Insufficient Evidence

  To secure a conviction in Moberly, 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 you committed a drug crime in Moberly, MO because you were under a credible threat of harm, your lawyer might argue duress as a defense. Similarly, if coercion led to your actions under immediate physical threat, this can challenge your accountability for the crime.

  Randolph County Resources
  

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

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

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Moberly, 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 Moberly, MO. Here’s how we fight for you in Moberly, MO:

  • In-Depth Case Review:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your Moberly, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
  • Scrutinizing Evidence:
    Was proper procedure followed during your Moberly, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected.
  • Proactive Negotiation:
    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 in Moberly, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?

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

  • Proven Expertise: We’ve built a solid reputation in Moberly and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
  • Clear Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Moberly, MO.
  • Tailored Defense: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Moberly, MO.

  When choose Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in the Moberly, MO area, you’re not just choosing a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in and around Moberly, MO – you are 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 Moberly, MO residents:

  • DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
  • Violent Crime Lawyer
  • Gun Crime Lawyer
  • Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
  • Homicide Lawyer
  • Assault Lawyer
  • Rape Defense Lawyer

  Facing a Drug Crime in Moberly, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

  A drug charge in Moberly, 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 Moberly, 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 for a free case review with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Moberly, MO.