Parkville, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Parkville, MO.

In Parkville, 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 Parkville, 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 Parkville, MO stand with you during this challenging time.

Drug Charges in Parkville, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

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

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Parkville, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?

In Parkville and across Missouri, the level of punishment for a drug crime—whether charged as a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several key aspects, such as:

• The classification of the drug (see details below)
• The quantity of drugs in question
• Any aggravating or mitigating elements

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

• Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
• Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
• Damage your reputation in your Parkville, MO community.
• Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Parkville, MO: Understanding Missouri’s Drug Schedules 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 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 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 drugs encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Possession

Possession of any controlled substance in Parkville, 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 Parkville, 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

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:
  • More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • Over 30 grams of heroin
  • More than 8g of cocaine
  • Over 30g of methamphetamine

  When larger quantities are involved, it becomes a class felony, like:

  • 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
  • Over 30g of heroin
  • More than 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 in Parkville, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case

  Being charged with a drug crime in Parkville, 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.

  Parkville, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Parkville excel at finding vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. While strategies vary depending on your specific circumstances, here’s how we can 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.

  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: This means that you had actual physical possession of a drug, whether in your hand, pocket, car, etc.
  2. Constructive Possession: This refers to having knowledge of and control over the location of drugs, coupled with the ability and intention to possess them in the future.

  Proving Lack of Awareness

  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.

  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 Parkville, MO area.

  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 Parkville, MO.

  Claiming Duress or Coercion

  If you committed a drug crime in Parkville, 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.

  Platte County Resources
  

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

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

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Parkville, 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 Parkville, MO case. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in Parkville, 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.
  • Scrutinizing Evidence:
    Was proper procedure followed during your Parkville, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected.
  • Proactive Negotiation:
    Occasionally, the ideal outcome is reached outside the courtroom. Our lawyers work diligently to reduce charges, negotiate plea bargains, or secure alternatives to jail time, like probation, drug courts, or treatment or diversion programs However, you always have the final say.

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Parkville, MO: Why Hire 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 Strategies: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Parkville, MO drug crimes.
  • Consistent Updates: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Parkville, MO.
  • Tailored Defense: We treat every Parkville, 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 Parkville, MO area, you’re not just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Parkville, MO and beyond – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Parkville, MO residents:

  • DWI Administrative Hearing Lawyer
  • Violent Crime Lawyer
  • Gun Crime Lawyer
  • Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
  • Homicide Lawyer
  • Assault Lawyer
  • Rape Defense Lawyer

  Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Parkville, 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 Parkville, 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 devoted drug crimes lawyers in Parkville, MO.