Drug Distribution Lawyer in St. Louis

Drug Distribution Charges in St. Louis and Missouri: Know The Facts

Drug distribution charges in Missouri carry serious consequences. Whether facing accusations of selling, transporting, or distributing controlled substances, a well-prepared legal defense can be the difference between freedom and prison. This makes it critical to have a skilled drug crimes defense attorney by your side.

Drug distribution charges go beyond mere possession, as they involve the intent to sell, deliver, or distribute controlled substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or prescription medications, all which have varying penalties based on type – broken into “Schedule I through Schedule V” under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017 – and amount of drug, as well as other circumstances. In Missouri, these charges can lead to long prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention an unshakable social stigma. If convicted, you could have difficulties finding a job, securing housing, getting a loan, or continuing education.

An experienced criminal defense attorney understands the nuances of Missouri’s drug laws, including the specific classifications and penalties for different controlled substances. More importantly, they are equipped to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding your arrest and build a strong defense tailored to your case. The Combs Waterkotte drug distribution legal team has over 40 years of experience successfully defending cases just like yours.

What is Considered Drug Distribution in Missouri?

In Missouri, drug crimes are often bundled into distribution, trafficking, and sale. With these broad parameters, you could very well be charged with drug distribution for simply handing a controlled substance to another individual for their use or for safekeeping.

According to RSMo. § 579.020, a person commits the offense of delivery of a controlled substance if he or she:

• Knowingly distributes or delivers a controlled substance
• Attempts to distribute or deliver a controlled substance
• Knowingly possesses a controlled substance with the intent to distribute or deliver any amount of a controlled substance
• Knowingly permits a minor to purchase or transport illegally obtained controlled substances

Depending on the type and quantity of the drug, distribution charges can range from a class C misdemeanor for small amounts of marijuana to felony charges for larger amounts or more dangerous drugs. Distribution near schools or public parks, called “protected zones” in RSMo. § 579.030, can lead to class A felony charges.

How is Distribution Different from Other Drug Crimes in Missouri?

There are a few key factors that can classify an offense as drug distribution, rather than possession or another offense, including:

• Quantity of Drugs: Possession of copious amounts of controlled substances can lead to a presumption of intent to distribute, even without direct evidence of sale.
• Communications: Text messages, phone calls, emails, or other communication indicating sales or transactions involving drugs can be used as evidence to prove distribution.
• Packaging or Paraphernalia: Possession of drugs along with packaging materials, scales, or large sums of cash may also be used as evidence of drug distribution.
• Actual Sale or Transfer: Physically handing over drugs to another individual or making a transaction for drugs is clear evidence of distribution.

What are Common Defenses to Drug Distribution in Missouri?

The Combs Waterkotte Missouri drug distribution lawyers have been building rock-solid defense strategies for decades. We have handled more than 10,000 cases, defending clients in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. Some of the common defenses our attorneys use and see in drug distribution cases include:

• Unreasonable Search and Seizure: A frequent defense used in drug distribution cases involves questioning the legality of the search that uncovered the drugs. Under the Fourth Amendment, you are protected from unlawful searches and seizures. If law enforcement conducted a search without a valid warrant or lacked probable cause, any evidence gathered during the illegal search could be deemed inadmissible in court. Without this evidence, the prosecution’s case might weaken, potentially leading to the charges being reduced or dropped.
• Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t have committed. In drug distribution cases, this can happen if undercover police officers or informants pressure an individual into selling drugs. If you were persuaded or manipulated into committing a crime by law enforcement’s shady tactics, our drug crimes attorneys can present an entrapment defense. Proving this may lead to an entire dismissal of charges.
• Lack of Intent to Distribute: Possession of a large amount of drugs doesn’t automatically prove intent to distribute. Prosecutors must show evidence of an actual intent to sell or distribute the drugs. Sometimes, individuals are falsely accused of distribution solely based on the drug quantity. The Combs Waterkotte drug distribution lawyers can argue that the drugs were for personal use and challenge the prosecution’s claim of intent, helping to mitigate or dismiss the charges.
• Challenging the Evidence: Drug distribution cases often rely on circumstantial evidence, such as packaging materials, scales, large sums of money. However, these items don’t necessarily indicate distribution. For instance, bags or scales might be used for storage of products or other purposes unrelated to drugs. We’ll scrutinize and challenge the prosecution’s evidence, questioning its relevance and accuracy. Additionally, lab results determining the type or quantity of drugs can also be contested by our network of experts.
• Plea Negotiations: In some cases, our knowledgeable legal team negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor could be the best course of action. While not a conventional defense, plea bargaining can result in reduced charges and/or lighter sentences. Navigating plea negotiations requires an in-depth understanding of MIssouri drug laws and effective communication with prosecutors, skills our attorneys bring to ensure you get the most favorable outcome possible.