Drug crimes lawyer in Moniteau County, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Moniteau County, 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 Moniteau County, 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 Moniteau County, 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.
Drug Charges in Moniteau County, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Moniteau 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 Moniteau County area, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Moniteau County, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?
The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:
- The type of controlled substances (see below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- Any aggravating or mitigating factors
A conviction for drug crimes in Moniteau County, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:
- Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
- Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
- Damage your reputation in your Moniteau County, MO community.
- Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Moniteau County, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & 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: 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 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
Possession of any controlled substance in Moniteau County, 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
Delivery of a controlled substance in Moniteau 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 offenses in Moniteau County, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
- Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- More than 30 grams of heroin
- More than 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 for amounts such as:
- 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 in Moniteau County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future
Being charged with a drug crime in Moniteau 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.
Moniteau County, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Moniteau County excel at finding vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. While strategies vary depending on your specific circumstances, here’s how we can build a powerful defense strategy:
Fighting Unreasonable 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 Moniteau 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: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
- 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
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
For evidence to be admissible in court, it must have an unbroken chain of custody. Any errors or mishandling of evidence during its collection, transport, or storage could lead to it being excluded from the case. This is particularly important in Moniteau County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Weak or Inconclusive Evidence
The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Moniteau County, 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 you committed a drug crime in Moniteau County, 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.
Moniteau County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Moniteau County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Moniteau 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 Moniteau County, MO. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Moniteau County, MO:
- Thorough Investigation:
We dig deep into every aspect of your Moniteau County, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative. - Evidence Assessment:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Moniteau County, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court. - Negotiation with Prosecutors:
Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Moniteau County, MO. We fight for reduced charges, fair plea bargains, or alternatives like drug treatment programs, always keeping your future in mind However, you always have the final say.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Moniteau County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Moniteau County, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Strategies: We’ve built a solid reputation in Moniteau County and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Moniteau County, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
- Focused Representation: We treat every Moniteau County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
When hire Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Moniteau County, MO, you aren’t just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in and around Moniteau County, MO – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Moniteau County, MO residents:
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Moniteau County, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Now
Your freedom and future are on the line, but with a skilled legal team, you can take control of your defense. A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte drug crimes lawyer in Moniteau County, MO can help you navigate the complexities of your case and work toward the best possible outcome. Time is critical—act now to protect your rights.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free case review with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Moniteau County, MO.
