Drug Crimes Lawyer Washington, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Washington, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation

Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Washington, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

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 Washington, MO, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Washington, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?

In Washington 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 classification of the drug (see below)
• The amount of the substance in question
• Any aggravating or mitigating factors

A conviction for drug crimes in Washington, 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.
• Hurting your reputation within your Washington, MO community.
• Result in the loss of professional licenses and the ability to acquire one in the future.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Washington, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and 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 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 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

In Washington, 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

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

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, 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
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • Over 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 in Washington, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

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

  Washington, 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 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 Unreasonable 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: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
  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

  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.

  Highlighting Breaks in Chain of Custody

  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 Washington, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

  Weak or Inconclusive Evidence

  To secure a conviction in Washington, 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.

  Franklin County Resources
  

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

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

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Washington, 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 Washington, MO case. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in Washington, MO:

  • Thorough Investigation:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your Washington, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
  • Evidence Assessment:
    Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Washington, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court.
  • 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 in Washington, MO: Why Choose 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, MO drug crimes.
  • Consistent Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way in Washington, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
  • Focused Representation: We treat every Washington, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.

  If choose Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in the Washington, MO area, you aren’t just selecting a leading drug crimes lawyer in Washington, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Washington and beyond:

  • Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
  • Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
  • Weapons Crime Attorney

  Charged With a Drug Crime in Washington, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Today

  A drug charge in Washington, 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 Washington, 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 for a free consultation with one of our devoted Washington, MO drug crimes lawyers.