Drug crimes lawyer in Washington County, MO.
In Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County, MO stand with you during this challenging time.
Legal Videos
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.
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.
Drug Charges in Washington County, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise
Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Washington 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 Washington County, MO, including:
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Washington County, MO: What Determines the Severity?
In Washington County and across Missouri, the level of punishment for a drug crime—whether charged as a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several key aspects, such as:
- The type of controlled substances (see below)
- The quantity of drugs in question
- The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors
A Washington County, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:
- Severely limiting your career opportunities.
- Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
- A tarnished reputation in your Washington County, MO personal and professional circles.
- Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Washington County, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & Penalties
The severity of drug charges in Missouri is determined by the state’s classification of controlled substances under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, managed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Here’s a breakdown:
- 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 drugs are classified as having a moderate to low potential for physical dependence or high psychological dependence, with accepted medical uses. Examples include weight loss medications, 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
In Washington County, MO, possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids is treated as a class D felony, with potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison. If you’re caught with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, the charge is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Possession of more than 35g escalates to a class D felony.
Penalties for Sale or Delivery
Delivery of a controlled substance in Washington 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
Drug trafficking offenses in Washington County, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:
- First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
- 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:
- More than 10mg of fentanyl
- Over 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 Washington County, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case
Being charged with a drug crime in Washington 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.
Washington 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 Washington 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 strategic defense:
Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects your rights against illegal searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence 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:
- Actual Possession: You physically had the drugs on your person, such as in a pocket, bag, or vehicle.
- 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
Missouri law requires the prosecution to demonstrate that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs. If evidence shows you were unaware of their presence—such as drugs being planted or left in your possession unknowingly—we can argue that you lacked the requisite knowledge to be held accountable.
Errors in Evidence Handling
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 Washington County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.
Challenging Evidence Sufficiency
To secure a conviction in Washington County, 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 you were forced to commit a drug crime under threat of harm, we may use duress as a defense to challenge your culpability. Similarly, if you faced an immediate threat of bodily harm and no alternative means, your lawyer can claim coercion occurred.
Washington County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Washington County and Missouri.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Washington County, 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 Washington County, MO:
- In-Depth Case Review:
Our Washington 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. - Scrutinizing Evidence:
Was proper procedure followed during your Washington County, 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 get to make the final decision.
Drug Crimes Lawyer in Washington 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 Expertise: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Washington County, MO drug crimes.
- Clear Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in Washington County, MO.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every Washington County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.
When partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in or around Washington County, MO, you’re not just selecting a leading drug crimes lawyer in and around Washington County, MO – 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 Washington County, MO residents:
Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Washington County, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Don’t let a drug crime define your future and don’t wait to start building your defense. WIth the right legal representation, it’s possible to avoid or minimize the charges. The sooner you have a skilled Combs Waterkotte Washington County, MO drug crimes lawyer on your side, the better your chances of reaching the best possible outcome. Your freedom is worth fighting for—let us fight for you.
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 Washington County, MO.
