Drug Crimes Lawyer Wayne County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Wayne County, MO.

When you’re facing drug crimes in Wayne County, MO, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. No matter if it’s a misdemeanor possession charge, a felony trafficking offense, or even a federal drug crime, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting, if not permanent—including hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, a criminal record, as well as the accompanying personal stigma. But with an experienced Wayne County, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you don’t have to face these challenging times alone.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Wayne County, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.

Charged With a Drug Crime in Wayne County, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Wayne County, MO. Missouri’s drug laws remain some of the toughest in the nation, and prosecutors work tirelessly to secure convictions. At Combs Waterkotte though, we exceed that determination with aggressive defense strategies that have consistently delivered results for our clients.

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 Wayne County, MO, including:

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

The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:

• The type of drugs (see details below)
• The quantity of drugs in question
• Any aggravating or mitigating factors

A conviction for drug crimes in Wayne County, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:

• Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
• Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
• A tarnished reputation in your Wayne County, MO personal and professional circles.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Wayne 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: These drugs, including heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and the like, have no accepted medical use and the highest potential for abuse, resulting in the most severe penalties.
• Schedule II are narcotics, stimulants, and the like that have a high potential for abuse and have an accepted medical use (even if severely restricted). They include cocaine, opium, oxycodone, methamphetamine, vicodin, fentanyl, and morphine.
• 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 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 Wayne 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

Delivery of a controlled substance in Wayne 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

  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 when involving:
  • More than 10mg of fentanyl
  • Over 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 Wayne County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

  If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in Wayne County, MO, you need to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Give a drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

  Drug crime penalties in Wayne 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 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.

  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:

  1. Actual Possession: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
  2. 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.

  Chain of Custody Errors

  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 Wayne County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

  Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

  To secure a conviction in Wayne 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 committed a drug crime in Wayne 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.

  Wayne County Resources
  

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

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

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Wayne 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 Wayne County, MO:

  • In-Depth Case Review:
    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.
  • Challenging Evidence:
    Was proper procedure followed during your Wayne County, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected.
  • Proactive Negotiation:
    Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Wayne County, MO. We fight for reduced charges, fair plea bargains, or alternatives like drug treatment programs, always keeping your future in mind However, you always have the final say.

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Wayne County, 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 Strategies: Our team has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes in Wayne County, MO drug crime cases.
  • Consistent Updates: Transparency is key—we make sure you’re never left wondering about your Wayne County, MO case’s progress.
  • Focused Representation: We understand that every Wayne County, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

  When hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Wayne County, MO, you’re not just choosing a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Wayne County, MO and beyond – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Wayne County, MO residents:

  • Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
  • Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys

  Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in Wayne County, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Now

  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 Wayne 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted drug crimes lawyers in Wayne County, MO.