Drug crimes lawyer in Osage County, MO.
When you’re facing drug crimes in Osage 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 Osage 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 Osage County, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.
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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.
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.
Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Osage County, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Osage 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 Osage County, MO, including:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Osage County, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?
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
- Any aggravating or mitigating factors
A Osage County, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:
- Severely limiting your career opportunities.
- Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Osage County, MO personal and professional circles.
- Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Osage County, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances 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 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: 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 encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.
Penalties for Possession
The possession of a controlled substance in Osage 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
Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Osage County, 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
Missouri has two degrees of drug trafficking:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, when involving:
- Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- Over 30 grams of heroin
- More than 8g of cocaine
- Over 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:
- Over 10mg of fentanyl
- Over 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 Osage County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future
Being charged with a drug crime in Osage 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 Osage 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 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.
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:
- Actual Possession: This means that you had actual physical possession of a drug, whether in your hand, pocket, car, etc.
- 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
Missouri law requires the prosecution to demonstrate that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs. If evidence shows you were unaware of their presence—such as drugs being planted or left in your possession unknowingly—we can argue that you lacked the requisite knowledge to be held accountable.
Chain of Custody Errors
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 Osage County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is circumstantial or fails to directly link you to the drug crime in question, your lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the case against you in Osage County, MO.
Duress or Coercion Defense
If you committed a drug crime in Osage 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.
Osage County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Osage County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Osage County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Builds a Strong Defense
With decades of legal expertise, access to top-notch experts in our network, and a thorough grasp of Missouri’s drug statutes, our team builds robust defense strategies tailored to your Osage County, MO case. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Osage County, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
Our Osage 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. - Evidence Assessment:
Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Osage 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 Osage 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 Osage County, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Osage County, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Expertise: We’ve built a solid reputation in Osage County and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Transparent Communication: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Osage County, MO case’s progress.
- Focused Representation: We understand that every Osage County, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.
When hire Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Osage County, MO, you aren’t just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Osage County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Osage County, MO residents:
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Osage County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Today
A drug charge in Osage 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 Osage 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Osage County, MO.
