Drug crimes lawyer in Monroe County, MO.
When you’re facing drug crimes in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.
Charged With a Drug Crime in Monroe County, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise
When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO area:
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Monroe County, MO: How is the Severity Determined?
The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:
- The classification of the drug (see below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- Any aggravating or mitigating elements
A drug crime conviction in Monroe 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:
- Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
- Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
- Hurting your reputation within your Monroe County, MO community.
- Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Monroe County, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and 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 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 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 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 substances, which include prescription drugs like Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica, are considered to have a lower potential for abuse and dependence.
Penalties for Possession
The possession of a controlled substance in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
- More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- Over 30 grams of heroin
- Over 8g of cocaine
- More than 30g of methamphetamine
If larger quantities are involved, the charge is elevated to a class A felony, such as:
- 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:
- More than 10mg of fentanyl
- More than 30g of heroin
- Over 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 Monroe County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case
Being charged with a drug crime in Monroe 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 convictions in Monroe 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 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
Monroe 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:
- 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
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
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 Monroe County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Monroe 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.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If you committed a drug crime in Monroe 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.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO. Here’s how we fight for you in Monroe County, MO:
- Thorough Investigation:
Our Monroe 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. - Challenging Evidence:
Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Monroe County, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded. - Proactive Negotiation:
Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Monroe 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 get to make the final decision.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Monroe County, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Monroe County, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Results: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Monroe County, MO drug crime cases.
- Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Monroe County, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
- Tailored Defense: We treat every Monroe County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
When choose Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in the Monroe County, MO area, you’re not just hiring a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Monroe County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting 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 Monroe County and beyond:
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
Charged With a Drug Crime in Monroe County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Today
A drug charge in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free case review with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Monroe County, MO.