Cocaine Trafficking Lawyer in St. Louis

Cocaine Trafficking Charges in St. Louis and Across Missouri: Know The Facts

Cocaine trafficking charges in Missouri carry severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, not to mention an unwavering social stigma.

Facing these charges requires an expert cocaine trafficking defense attorney by your side—protecting your rights and your future.

What is Considered Cocaine Trafficking in Missouri?

Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance. Under Missouri law, cocaine trafficking is more substantial than mere possession due mainly to the quantity. Trafficking is broken into two degrees, defined in the following:

An individual commits cocaine trafficking in the second degree if they knowingly possess or control, purchase or attempt to purchase, or bring into the state more than 35 grams of a mixture or any substance containing cocaine.

First-degree cocaine trafficking occurs when an individual knowingly distributes, delivers, manufactures, produces, or attempts to distribute, deliver, manufacture, or produce more than 150 grams of a mixture or any substance containing cocaine.

What Are the Penalties for Cocaine Trafficking in St. Louis and Across Missouri?

For second-degree trafficking charges, you could face:

• Class C Felony: Normally for first-time offenses, punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
• Class B Felony: For second or subsequent offenses, with prison terms ranging from 5-15 years.

The penalties for first-degree cocaine trafficking charges are typically dependent upon the quantity:

• Class B Felony: Involves lesser quantities and carries a prison sentence ranging from 5-15 years.
• Class A Felony: Involves larger quantities, with penalties ranging from 10 to 30 years or even life imprisonment.

No matter the severity of your cocaine trafficking charges in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri, you need the expertise of a skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner in order to get the best possible outcome.

Factors That Can Increase Cocaine Trafficking Penalties in Missouri

Any cocaine trafficking charges can lead to harsher penalties if specific aggravating factors are present, including:

• Using or possessing firearms during the offense
• Providing cocaine to a pregnant individual
• Distributing cocaine to individuals under 21
• Causing serious bodily harm or death to another individual
• Trafficking cocaine while on parole for another crime
• Trafficking cocaine near a school or where children are present
• Involving a minor under the age of 18 in trafficking cocaine

Why Hire a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis Cocaine Trafficking Defense Attorney?

The Combs Waterkotte legal team has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours in St. Louis and across Missouri. A few things that separate our cocaine trafficking lawyers from others in the area:

Extensive Expertise in State, Federal Cocaine Trafficking Laws

Missouri’s drug trafficking laws are complex, with penalties escalating based on the amount of cocaine involved. Our expert drug trafficking defense attorneys understand these intricacies, including evidentiary standards, opportunities to challenge your charges, and sentencing guidelines. Their knowledge could be the difference between dismissal and a conviction.

Personalized Defense Strategies in St. Louis, Throughout Missouri

No two cases are alike, and some cookie-cutter defense just won’t work. The Combs Waterkotte attorneys are dedicated to defending your cocaine trafficking charges and prioritize understanding your unique situation. Our experienced lawyers:

• Tailor their defense strategies to the specifics of your case, whether or not it goes to trial.
• Take the time to listen to your concerns and gather your account of events.
• Maintain open and honest communication to make sure you are informed and comfortable at every stage of the process.

Comprehensive Resources for Our Own Investigations

Effective drug trafficking defense often hinges on thorough and meticulous case prep. At Combs Waterkotte, we have access to a network of expert witnesses to challenge forensic evidence, including drug purity or weight analysis, private investigators to call on for reviewing law enforcement procedures, and even advanced legal tools to analyze potential constitutional violations, like illegal searches or seizures or entrapment.