Drug crimes lawyer in Pevely, MO.
In Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO stand with you during this challenging time.
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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 Pevely, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO area:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Pevely, MO: How is the Severity Determined?
In Pevely 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 type of controlled substances (see below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating elements
A drug crime conviction in Pevely, MO can have far-reaching effects on your life. Aside from fines and prison/jail time—which vary depending on the severity of your crime—it can:
- Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
- Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
- Hurting your reputation within your Pevely, MO community.
- Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Pevely, 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: 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 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
The possession of a controlled substance in Pevely, 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 offenses in Pevely, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:
- 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
- More than 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 when involving:
- Over 10mg of fentanyl
- Over 30g of heroin
- More than 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 Pevely, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case
Being charged with a drug crime in Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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 Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects your rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. If evidence was gathered 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:
- Actual Possession: This means that you had actual physical possession of a drug, whether in your hand, pocket, car, etc.
- Constructive Possession: When you don’t physically possess the drugs but have knowledge of an access to their location with intent to control them.
Proving Lack of Awareness
Under Missouri law, the prosecution is required to show that you knowingly possessed or distributed drugs. Our lawyers can work to prove that you were unaware of the drugs’ presence—whether they could have been placed in your vehicle, home, or property without your knowledge.
Errors in Evidence Handling
For evidence to be admissible in court, it must have an unbroken chain of custody. Any errors or mishandling of evidence during its collection, transport, or storage could lead to it being excluded from the case. This is particularly important in Pevely, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Insufficient Evidence
To secure a conviction in Pevely, MO, the prosecution must demonstrate your guilt guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence fails to definitively connect you to the crime or relies on speculation, your lawyer can challenge its adequacy.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If you were forced to commit a drug crime under threat of harm, we may use duress as a defense to challenge your culpability. Similarly, if you faced an immediate threat of bodily harm and no alternative means, your lawyer can claim coercion occurred.
Jefferson County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Jefferson County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Pevely, 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 Pevely, MO:
- Thorough 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. - Evidence Assessment:
Was proper procedure followed during your Pevely, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected. - Negotiation with Prosecutors:
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 Pevely, 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 team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Pevely, MO drug crime cases.
- Transparent Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Pevely, MO.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every Pevely, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
If choose Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Pevely, MO, you aren’t just selecting a leading drug crimes lawyer in and around Pevely, MO – you’re safeguarding 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 provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Pevely and beyond:
Facing a Drug Crime in Pevely, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today
A drug charge in Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Pevely, MO.
