Saline County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Saline County, MO.

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

Charged With a Drug Crime in Saline County, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise

We get it. Your future is on the line, and you can’t afford to test fate and roll the dice with an unproven law firm. Despite recent changes, including the partial decriminalization of marijuana, Missouri still has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country, with some of the toughest penalties. Prosecutors are relentless in pursuing convictions, but no more than we are at defending them.

With over 40 years of combined legal experience and a track record of successfully handling 10,000+ cases, our team has the knowledge and tenacity to handle cases just like yours in Saline County, MO, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Saline County, MO: What Determines the Severity?

The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:

• The type of drugs (see below)
• The quantity of drugs in question
• The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating elements

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

• Barriers to finding or advancing in a career.
• Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
• A tarnished reputation in your Saline County, MO personal and professional circles.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Saline 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 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 substances have a lower risk of physical dependence than Schedule I or II drugs but still pose a risk of high psychological dependence. These drugs include anabolic steroids, certain stimulants, antidepressants, and weight loss medications, all of which have accepted medical uses.
• 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 Saline 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 Saline 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 in Saline County, MO is categorized into two degrees with penalties based on type and quantity of the substance:

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
  • More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • Over 30 grams of heroin
  • More than 8g of cocaine
  • More than 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 involving:
  • Over 10mg of fentanyl
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • Over 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 Saline County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

  If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Saline 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.

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

  Fighting Unlawful 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: While you may not have actual physical possession of a drug, you might have knowledge of and control of where the drugs are located, along with both the power and intention of physically possessing the drug at some time in the future.

  Proving 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.

  Errors in Evidence Handling

  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 Saline County, MO area.

  Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

  The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Saline 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 threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Saline County, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.

  Saline County Resources
  

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

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

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

  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 Saline County, MO case. Here’s how we fight for you in Saline County, 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.
  • Scrutinizing Evidence:
    Was proper procedure followed during your Saline County, 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 get to make the final decision.

  

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

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

  • Proven Expertise: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Saline County, MO drug crime cases.
  • Consistent Updates: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Saline County, MO case’s progress.
  • Focused Representation: We treat every Saline County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.

  When choose Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in Saline County, MO, you’re not just hiring a leading drug crimes lawyer in Saline County, MO and beyond – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our experienced drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Saline County and beyond:

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

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

  A drug charge in Saline 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 Saline 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 for a free case review with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Saline County, MO.