Drug Crimes Lawyer Polk County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Polk County, MO.

When you’re facing drug crimes in Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk County, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.

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

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Polk County, MO. Missouri’s drug laws remain some of the toughest in the nation, and prosecutors work tirelessly to secure convictions. At Combs Waterkotte though, we exceed that determination with aggressive defense strategies that have consistently delivered results for our clients.

The Combs Waterkotte legal team boasts more than 50 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the Polk County area, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Polk County, 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:

• The type of drugs (see details below)
• The amount of the drug involved
• Any aggravating or mitigating factors

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

• Severely limiting your career opportunities.
• Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
• A tarnished reputation in your Polk County, MO personal and professional circles.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Polk 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 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 Polk 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 Polk 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

Drug trafficking offenses in Polk County, 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:
  • More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • Over 30 grams of heroin
  • Over 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 when involving:
  • More than 10mg of fentanyl
  • Over 30g of heroin
  • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • Over 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 Polk County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future

  If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Polk 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 convictions in Polk County, 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 illegal 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:

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

  Arguing Lack of Knowledge

  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.

  Chain of Custody Errors

  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 Polk County, MO area.

  Insufficient Evidence

  The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Polk 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.

  Duress or Coercion Defense

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

  Polk County Resources
  

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

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

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

  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 Polk County, MO:

  • In-Depth Case Review:
    Our Polk 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.
  • Evidence Assessment:
    Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Polk 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 get to make the final decision.

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Polk County, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?

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

  • Proven Results: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Polk County, MO drug crimes.
  • Consistent Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way in Polk County, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
  • Personalized Attention: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Polk County, MO.

  When hire Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in Polk County, MO, you aren’t just selecting the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Polk County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing 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 residents in Polk County and beyond:

  • Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
  • Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
  • Weapons Crime Attorney

  Facing a Drug Crime in Polk County, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Now

  A drug charge in Polk 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 Polk 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free case review with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Polk County, MO.