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St. Charles County, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in St. Charles County, MO.

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

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Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in St. Charles County, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO area:

Drug Crimes Lawyer St. Charles County, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys in St. Charles County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Drug Crimes Lawyer in St. Charles 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:

A drug crime conviction in St. Charles 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:

  • Barriers to finding or advancing in a career.
  • Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
  • Damage your reputation in your St. Charles County, MO community.
  • Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & Penalties

In Missouri, the severity of drug crimes is tied to the state’s classification of controlled substances, as defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017. These schedules, organized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, outline potential penalties based on the drug’s category:

  • 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: Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, which have recognized medical uses but are tightly regulated due to their high potential for abuse.
  • 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 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

Possession of any controlled substance in St. Charles County, MO, apart from marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, is a class D felony in Missouri, which can result in up to 7 years in prison. For marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, possessing between 10 and 35 grams is classified as class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail. If the amount exceeds 35g, the charge is a class D felony.

Penalties for Sale or Delivery

Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:

  • 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
    • 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 when the drugs involve:
    • More than 10mg of fentanyl
    • Over 30g of heroin
    • Over 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 St. Charles County, MO | Criminal Defense in St. Charles County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO: Protecting Your Rights and Future

    Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling St. Charles County, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

    Drug crime penalties in St. Charles 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 robust defense strategy:

    Fighting Illegal 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

    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 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.

    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 St. Charles County, MO area.

    Insufficient Evidence

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

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO case. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in St. Charles 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 the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in St. Charles County, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
    • 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 get to make the final decision.

    Drug Crimes Lawyer | St. Charles County, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in St. Charles County, MO: Why Trust 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 legal team has a proven track record of success in defending St. Charles County, MO drug crimes.
    • Transparent Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in St. Charles County, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
    • Personalized Attention: We understand that every St. Charles County, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

    If hire Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in St. Charles County, MO, you’re not just choosing a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in St. Charles County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in St. Charles County and beyond:

    Facing a Drug Crime in St. Charles County, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Today

    A drug charge in St. Charles 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 St. Charles 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 devoted St. Charles County, MO drug crimes lawyers.

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