Drug crimes lawyer in Union, MO.
In Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, MO stand with you during this challenging time.
Drug Charges in Union, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Union, 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 Union, MO, including:
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Union, MO: How is the Severity Determined?
The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:
- The type of controlled substances (see details below)
- The amount of the drug involved
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors
A Union, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:
- Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
- Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Union, MO personal and professional circles.
- Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Union, 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 with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogens. These carry the harshest penalties.
- Schedule II: While substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine have limited medical uses, their high potential for abuse means they are still strictly regulated.
- 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 Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, 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, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
- More than 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 for amounts such as:
- More than 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 Union, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Union, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.
Union, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Union excel at finding vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. While strategies vary depending on your specific circumstances, here’s how we can build a strategic defense:
Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment safeguards your rights against illegal 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.
Challenge Possession
Union, MO possession charges hinge on proving that you had control over the drugs. If the substances were located in a shared area or there’s ambiguity about ownership, we can argue that you were not in possession. Missouri law recognizes two types of possession:
- Actual Possession: This means that you had actual physical possession of a drug, whether in your hand, pocket, car, etc.
- 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
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.
Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody
The chain of custody for evidence must remain intact to ensure its validity in court. Any lapses, such as mishandling during collection or improper storage, may render the evidence inadmissible. This defense is particularly relevant in Union, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Challenging Evidence Sufficiency
To secure a conviction in Union, MO, the prosecution must demonstrate your guilt guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence fails to definitively connect you to the crime or relies on speculation, your lawyer can challenge its adequacy.
Duress or Coercion Defense
If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Union, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Union, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Builds a Strong Defense
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 Union, MO:
- Thorough Investigation:
Our Union, 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 proper procedure followed during your Union, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected. - 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 Union, MO: Why Choose Combs Waterkotte?
At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Union, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:
- Proven Results: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Union, MO drug crimes.
- Consistent Updates: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Union, MO.
- Focused Representation: Every case receives our full attention and determination to achieve the best possible outcome in Union, MO.
If choose Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Union, MO, you aren’t just hiring the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Union, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Union and beyond:
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Union, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away
A drug charge in Union, 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 Union, 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 consultation with one of our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Union, MO.