Phelps County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Phelps County, MO.

In Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, MO stand with you during this challenging time.

Drug Charges in Phelps County, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Phelps County, 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 boasts more than 40 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the Phelps County area, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Phelps County, MO: How is the Severity Determined?

In Phelps County 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 quantity of drugs in question
• Presence of any aggravating or mitigating elements

A conviction for drug crimes in Phelps County, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:

• Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
• Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
• Hurting your reputation within your Phelps County, MO community.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Phelps County, 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: These drugs, including heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and the like, have no accepted medical use and the highest potential for abuse, resulting in the most severe 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 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 substances, which include prescription drugs like Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica, are considered to have a lower potential for abuse and dependence.

Penalties for Possession

In Phelps County, MO, possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids is treated as a class D felony, with potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison. If you’re caught with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, the charge is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Possession of more than 35g escalates to 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 Phelps County, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
  • More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • More than 30 grams of heroin
  • Over 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:
  • Over 10mg of fentanyl
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • More than 30g of methamphetamine

  This offense becomes a class B felony when the amount is:

  • 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 Phelps County, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case

  If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Phelps County, 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.

  Drug crime penalties in Phelps County, 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 Illegal Search and Seizure

  The Fourth Amendment protects your rights against illegal searches and seizures. If evidence was gathered without probable cause or a valid warrant, we’ll fight to have it suppressed. This can significantly weaken the case against you and may even lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

  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: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
  2. 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 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.

  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 Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO.

  Duress or Coercion Defense

  If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Phelps County, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.

  Phelps County Resources
  

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

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

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Phelps County, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte

  At Combs Waterkotte, we leverage our decades of experience, a vast professional network, and unmatched knowledge of Missouri’s drug laws to mount an aggressive defense for you in Phelps County, MO. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in Phelps County, 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.
  • Evidence Assessment:
    Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Phelps County, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court.
  • Proactive Negotiation:
    When appropriate, we pursue resolutions outside of court by working to reduce charges, negotiate favorable plea agreements, or secure alternatives like probation or treatment programs However, you always have the final say.

  

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

  When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Phelps County, MO drug crime defense, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes results and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Proven Expertise: We’ve built a solid reputation in Phelps County and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
  • Clear Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Phelps County, MO.
  • Tailored Defense: We understand that every Phelps County, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

  If partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Phelps County, MO, you’re not just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Phelps County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Phelps County, MO residents:

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

  Charged With a Drug Crime in Phelps County, 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 Phelps County, 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free case review with one of our dedicated Phelps County, MO drug crimes lawyers.