Meth Trafficking Lawyer in St. Louis

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

Drug trafficking charges are some of the most severe in Missouri, carrying harsh penalties and lifelong consequences if convicted. Due to its significant health and social impacts, methamphetamine trafficking might be the most strict. Across the country, meth is trafficked more than twice the amount of any other drug.

In Missouri, meth trafficking is a felony offense that carries potential penalties of decades-long prison sentences, steep fines, and lifetime impacts on employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Under state law, possession of over 30 grams of meth can lead to trafficking charges, even if there is no evidence of a sale. Obviously, Missouri aggressively prosecutes meth trafficking cases making it crucial for your freedom and future to hire a criminal defense attorney familiar with drug trafficking. The Combs Waterkotte legal team has over 40 years of experience successfully handling cases just like yours across Missouri.

What are the Penalties for Meth Trafficking in Missouri?

According to Missouri Revised Statute § 579.065, meth trafficking in the first degree occurs when you have knowingly possessed, had under your control, purchased or attempted to purchase, or brought into this state at least 30 grams. If the amount is between 30-90 grams, it’s a class B felony, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and can extend up to 15 years in prison, while 90 grams or more is a class A felony, which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment and could result in a maximum penalty of 30 years to life without the possibility of parole. If you sold 30 grams or more within 2,000 feet of a school, it’s also a class A felony charge.

Under RSMo. § 579.068, meth trafficking in the second degree is a class C felony charge for 30-90 grams, a class B felony for 90-450 grams, or a class A felony without parole or probation for 450 grams or more. All the above charges and penalties can escalate if there were minors, weapons, or other aggravating factors involved in the alleged offense.

What are Common Defenses to Meth Trafficking in St. Louis and Across Missouri?

A comprehensive defense strategy designed by a skilled Combs Waterkotte drug crimes defense lawyer might include:

• Questioning the Proof of Intent to Distribute: Meth trafficking charges often hinge on proving the intent to distribute. An experienced attorney might argue that the drugs were for personal use, which can lead to reduced charges.
• Challenging Evidence Collection: Illegal searches and seizures are commonly contested points to build a defense on. If law enforcement overstepped during your arrest or investigation, a lawyer can file motions to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence.
• Expert Witnesses and Forensic Analysis: When appropriate, expert witnesses in forensic drug analysis can challenge lab findings or dispute the prosecution’s conclusions about the drugs’ origin, weight, or content.
• Investigating Informants’ Reliability: Many times, law enforcement and prosecutors rely on confidential informants for a good majority of information. If confidential informants were involved in your case, questioning their credibility and examining their motivations is critical. Unreliable testimony seriously weakens the case against you.