Drug crimes lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Ste. Genevieve County, MO is a serious matter that can alter the course of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor possession charge, a felony trafficking offense, or a federal drug crime, the consequences are steep: substantial fines, years or even life behind bars, a criminal record, and a tarnished reputation. However, with the right Ste. Genevieve County, MO drug crimes lawyer, you can take control of your situation and fight back.
If you’re facing a drug crime, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an expert criminal defense attorney in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation
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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.
Charged With a Drug Crime in Ste. Genevieve County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Ste. Genevieve 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.
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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO, including:
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve 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 details below)
- The quantity of drugs in question
- Any aggravating or mitigating elements
A conviction for drug crimes in Ste. Genevieve 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.
- Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
- Hurting your reputation within your Ste. Genevieve County, MO community.
- Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and 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
The possession of a controlled substance in Ste. Genevieve 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
Delivery of a controlled substance in Ste. Genevieve County, MO is treated as a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison. However, additional circumstances can lead to more severe charges:
- Proximity to a Protected Area: Selling or delivering drugs within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park is considered a class A felony, carrying 10 to 30 years or even life imprisonment.
- Involving a Minor: Distributing drugs to someone under 17 who is at least 2 years younger than you, or allowing a minor to handle controlled substances, is a class B felony with enhanced sentencing.
Penalties for Trafficking
Missouri has two degrees of drug trafficking:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
- Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
- More than 30 grams of heroin
- More than 8g of cocaine
- More than 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 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
Being charged with a drug crime in Ste. Genevieve County, MO can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call the knowledgeable attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a review of your case.
Drug crime convictions in Ste. Genevieve 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 safeguards your rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence 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:
- Actual Possession: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
- 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 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Weak or Inconclusive 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO.
Claiming Duress or Coercion
If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.
Ste. Genevieve County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Ste. Genevieve County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve 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 fight for you in Ste. Genevieve County, MO:
- Comprehensive Case Investigation:
Our Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO: Why Hire 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 Results: We’ve built a solid reputation in Ste. Genevieve County and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
- Consistent Updates: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Ste. Genevieve County, MO case’s progress.
- Focused Representation: We understand that every Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO, you aren’t just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in and around Ste. Genevieve County, MO – you are safeguarding 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 Ste. Genevieve County and beyond:
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Ste. Genevieve County, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Right Away
A drug charge in Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free case review with one of our dedicated Ste. Genevieve County, MO drug crimes lawyers.
