Drug crimes lawyer in Platte County, MO.
When you’re facing drug crimes in Platte 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 Platte 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 Platte 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 Platte County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Platte 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 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 Platte County, MO area:
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Platte County, MO: What Determines the Severity?
In Platte 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 drugs (see details below)
- The quantity of drugs in question
- Any aggravating or mitigating elements
A drug crime conviction in Platte County, 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.
- Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Platte County, MO personal and professional circles.
- Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Platte County, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & 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 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 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 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 Platte 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 Platte 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 when the drugs involve:
- Over 10mg of fentanyl
- Over 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 Platte County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case
If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Platte 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 Platte 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 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
To convict on possession charges in Platte County, MO, the prosecution must prove you had control of the drugs. When substances are found in a shared area or their ownership is uncertain, we’ll challenge the claim that they belonged to you. Missouri law differentiates between two possession types:
- 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.
Arguing 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.
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 Platte County, MO area.
Challenging Evidence Sufficiency
The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Platte County, MO. If the case relies on circumstantial evidence or lacks direct proof tying you to the alleged crime, your attorney can argue the evidence is insufficient to convict.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If you committed a drug crime in Platte 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.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Platte 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 Platte County, MO case. Here’s how we fight for you in Platte County, MO:
- Thorough Investigation:
Our Platte 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. - Scrutinizing Evidence:
Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Platte County, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded. - Negotiation with Prosecutors:
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 Platte County, 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 Expertise: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Platte County, MO drug crime cases.
- Transparent Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Platte County, MO.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every Platte County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
If hire Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in the Platte County, MO area, you aren’t just hiring a leading drug crimes lawyer in and around Platte County, MO – you’re safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Platte County, MO residents:
Facing a Drug Crime in Platte County, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away
A drug charge in Platte 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 Platte 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 to schedule your free consultation with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Platte County, MO.
