Drug crimes lawyer in Neosho, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Neosho, 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 Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation
Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Neosho, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO area:
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Neosho, 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 controlled substances (see below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- Presence of any aggravating or mitigating elements
A conviction for drug crimes in Neosho, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:
- Severely limiting your career opportunities.
- Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
- Damage your reputation in your Neosho, MO community.
- Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Neosho, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & 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 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 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
Possession of any controlled substance in Neosho, 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 Neosho, 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 Neosho, 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:
- More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- More than 30 grams of heroin
- More than 8g of cocaine
- Over 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
- 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 Neosho, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case
Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Neosho, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Drug crime penalties in Neosho, 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 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
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:
- 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.
Arguing 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.
Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody
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 Neosho, MO area.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Neosho, 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 threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Neosho, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
We leave no stone unturned. From meticulously combing through police reports to interviewing witnesses, we uncover the facts that can challenge the prosecution’s case. - Scrutinizing Evidence:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Neosho, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court. - Proactive Negotiation:
Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Neosho, 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 Neosho, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Neosho, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Strategies: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Neosho, MO drug crimes.
- Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Neosho, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every Neosho, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
When choose Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Neosho, MO, you aren’t just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Neosho, MO and beyond – you are securing 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 Neosho, MO residents:
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Neosho, 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 Neosho, 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our dedicated Neosho, MO drug crimes lawyers.