Montgomery County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Montgomery County, MO.

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

Drug Charges in Montgomery County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

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

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 Montgomery County, MO, including:

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

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 substance in question
• Any aggravating or mitigating elements

A Montgomery County, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:

• Barriers to finding or advancing in a career.
• Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
• Hurting your reputation within your Montgomery County, MO community.
• Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Montgomery County, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & 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: 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 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

In Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
  • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • More than 30 grams of heroin
  • More than 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
  • Over 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 Montgomery County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future

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

  Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 strategic defense:

  Fighting Unreasonable Search and Seizure

  The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence without probable cause or a valid warrant, your attorney might argue to suppress that evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case and possibly getting your charges minimized or dismissed.

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

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

  Insufficient Evidence

  The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Montgomery 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 threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Montgomery County, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.

  Montgomery County Resources
  

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

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

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

  Our attorneys leverage decades of experience, a large network of experts, and a deep understanding of Missouri’s drug laws to craft a compelling defense. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in Montgomery County, MO:

  • Comprehensive Case Investigation:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your Montgomery 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 investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Montgomery County, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
  • 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 Montgomery County, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte?

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

  • Proven Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Montgomery County, MO drug crimes.
  • Consistent Updates: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Montgomery County, MO.
  • Tailored Defense: We treat every Montgomery County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.

  When partner with Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in the Montgomery County, MO area, you’re not just hiring a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Montgomery County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Montgomery County and beyond:

  • 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 Montgomery County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Today

  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 Montgomery 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our dedicated Montgomery County, MO drug crimes lawyers.