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Ozark, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Ozark, MO.

In Ozark, MO, charges from drug crimes can bring overwhelming challenges—looming over you, your freedom, future, and reputation—that demand immediate action. From a misdemeanor possession to a felony trafficking case or even a federal drug offense, the penalties can be life-altering—costly fines, lengthy incarceration, and a permanent record. With an experienced Ozark, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you gain a powerful advocate ready to challenge the charges against you.

Act now to protect your future. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation. Let our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Ozark, MO stand with you during this challenging time.

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Charged With a Drug Crime in Ozark, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Ozark, 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 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 Ozark, MO area:

Drug Crimes Lawyer Ozark, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ozark, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ozark, 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:

A Ozark, 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.
  • Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
  • Damage your reputation in your Ozark, MO community.
  • Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ozark, MO: Understanding Missouri’s Drug Schedules and 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: Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogens. These carry the harshest penalties.
  • Schedule II: While substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine have limited medical uses, their high potential for abuse means they are still strictly regulated.
  • 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 include numerous prescription drugs, such as Xanax, Valium, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Possession

The possession of a controlled substance in Ozark, 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 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 in Ozark, 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:
    • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
    • Over 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 for amounts such as:
    • More than 10mg of fentanyl
    • More than 30g of heroin
    • Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
    • Over 30g of methamphetamine

    When quantities exceed the thresholds below, the charges is elevated 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 Ozark, MO | Criminal Defense in Ozark, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ozark, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

    If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Ozark, MO, you need to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Give a drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

    Ozark, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Ozark 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

    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: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
    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.

    Arguing 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 Ozark, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

    Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

    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 Ozark, MO.

    Claiming Duress or Coercion

    If you committed a drug crime in Ozark, 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 Ozark, 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 fight for you in Ozark, MO:

    • In-Depth Case Review:
      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.
    • Evidence Assessment:
      Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Ozark, 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 Ozark, 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 | Ozark, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ozark, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte?

    At Combs Waterkotte, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results and unmatched client care. When you work with us, you can expect:

    • Proven Results: We’ve built a solid reputation in Ozark and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
    • Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Ozark, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
    • Personalized Attention: We understand that every Ozark, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

    If hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in the Ozark, MO area, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in and around Ozark, MO – you’re safeguarding 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Ozark and beyond:

    Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Ozark, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

    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 Ozark, 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 for a free case review with one of our dedicated Ozark, MO drug crimes lawyers.

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