Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer Kansas City, MO
Hire the leading federal drug crimes defense law firm in Kansas City, MO to protect your freedom, rights, and future. Whether you have been charged or are under investigation, we can help.
TO COMBS WATERKOTTE,YOU ARE WHY WE EXIST.
Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer Kansas City, MO
Many federal drug crimes are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. As a result, you could receive a sentence of five years or longer for offenses involving a relatively small amount of drugs.
The experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have handled hundreds of federal criminal cases since the firm’s founding. We can leverage our six decades of combined experience to seek a fair resolution for your federal drug charges.
I owe my life to Combs Waterkotte. If not for them, I would be spending the rest of my life behind bars. There is no amount of words that can explain what they did for me and my family. Its the highest recommendation that I can give.
Alexander B.
Felonies
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If I could give Steve and his team 10 stars I would in a heartbeat. Was facing more then one felony charge and after these guys found the arresting officer violated my 4th Amendment Rights and those charges were dismissed. My family and I can't thank you enough.
Dean J
Felonies
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I was hands down guilty. ON VIDEO !!! In a smaller town, and a job dealing with the public, this was devastating. I made one phone call and spoke for maybe 15 minutes. I DIDN'T appear in court. I am extremely impressed. QUIETLY relieved of the matter!
Y.I.V.
Theft
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My fiance had a felony drug charge and Combs Waterkotte got it dismissed! There were no fines, court cost, nothing. Chris is loyal, professional, knowledgeable, and a man of his word. We are forever grateful for you.
Kimberly T.
Drug Crimes
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If I was found guilty, it would have been over 100 years in prison. They promised me that they would fight like hell and get me out of it. After everything was done, I just felt free. Like this wasn’t gonna end with me rotting away in a prison cell. I felt like I could start my life and have a fresh start.
Caleb
Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action
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I was facing, probably 18 years… I actually got 5 years probation and 40 hours of community service. Without Combs Waterkotte’s help, I don’t think my family could have made it without me. It was just a written book to where it's a perfect ending.
Chris
Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action
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I went through what was supposed to be one of the top law firms in St. Louis. They said I wouldn't have no chance. I end up firing the other lawyer and everything and going with Chris. I felt like Combs Waterkotte actually did something for me and wasn't I wasn't just another number on somebody's desk.
Willy
DWI/DUI
Verify onI owe my life to Combs Waterkotte. If not for them, I would be spending the rest of my life behind bars. There is no amount of words that can explain what they did for me and my family. Its the highest recommendation that I can give.
Alexander B.
Felonies
If I could give Steve and his team 10 stars I would in a heartbeat. Was facing more then one felony charge and after these guys found the arresting officer violated my 4th Amendment Rights and those charges were dismissed. My family and I can't thank you enough.
Dean J
Felonies
I was hands down guilty. ON VIDEO !!! In a smaller town, and a job dealing with the public, this was devastating. I made one phone call and spoke for maybe 15 minutes. I DIDN'T appear in court. I am extremely impressed. QUIETLY relieved of the matter!
Y.I.V.
Theft
My fiance had a felony drug charge and Combs Waterkotte got it dismissed! There were no fines, court cost, nothing. Chris is loyal, professional, knowledgeable, and a man of his word. We are forever grateful for you.
Kimberly T.
Drug Crimes
If I was found guilty, it would have been over 100 years in prison. They promised me that they would fight like hell and get me out of it. After everything was done, I just felt free. Like this wasn’t gonna end with me rotting away in a prison cell. I felt like I could start my life and have a fresh start.
Caleb
Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action
I was facing, probably 18 years… I actually got 5 years probation and 40 hours of community service. Without Combs Waterkotte’s help, I don’t think my family could have made it without me. It was just a written book to where it's a perfect ending.
Chris
Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action
I went through what was supposed to be one of the top law firms in St. Louis. They said I wouldn't have no chance. I end up firing the other lawyer and everything and going with Chris. I felt like Combs Waterkotte actually did something for me and wasn't I wasn't just another number on somebody's desk.
Willy
DWI/DUI
Federal Jurisdiction Over Drug Offenses in Kansas City, MO
Federal criminal jurisdiction is limited to crimes that affect federal property, national interests, or interstate commerce. All other crimes fall under state jurisdiction.
For this reason, federal drug offenses usually fall into a few areas, including:
- Offenses that occur on federal property, such as military bases or national parks
- Crimes that impact national security, like drug trafficking that funds terrorism
- Criminal acts that cross state lines or national borders
- Drug crimes that use tools of interstate or international commerce, such as airports, seaports, and telecommunication systems
Although federal drug crime jurisdiction is limited in theory, nearly any offense can fall within federal jurisdiction in practice.
Facing federal drug crime charges? Fill out our online form or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with a Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer today.
Very few drugs are made and sold without crossing state lines or international borders. Even if a substance is made and sold locally, the transaction will likely touch federally regulated banks, interstate highways, phone systems, or the internet at some point.
Federal agencies usually focus on dismantling large-scale operations, identifying couriers and dealers and charging them with drug crimes. They then pressure these defendants to inform on those higher up in the organization. With this strategy, even low-level participants in drug enterprises can face federal drug charges.
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Federal Drug Crimes in the U.S. Code
The U.S. Code contains all federal laws passed by Congress, including federal drug crimes, money-laundering laws, and racketeering statutes. Federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigate violations of these laws. In most cases, they cooperate with local law enforcement agencies as well.
When federal agencies lead investigations into federal drug offenses, they look for violations of the following statutes.
Drug Trafficking
Federal drug trafficking happens when the accused engages in any of the following activities with a substance covered by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA):
- Manufacturing
- Distributing
- Dispensing
- Possessing with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense
The CSA establishes five drug schedules. Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical purpose and a high risk of abuse, such as heroin, MDMA, and LSD. Schedule V drugs have medical uses and a low risk of abuse, such as cough medicines and mild painkillers.
Schedules II, III, and IV contain many familiar controlled substances, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine, anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines, and sedatives.
Trafficking in any amount of a controlled substance violates the CSA. However, certain types and amounts of drugs trigger mandatory minimum sentences. Here’s a summary of the types and amounts that come with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence:
- Methamphetamine (Pure): 5 grams or more
- Methamphetamine (Mixture): 50 grams or more
- Crack Cocaine: 28 grams or more
- Fentanyl: 40 grams or more
- Heroin: 100 grams or more
- PCP: 10 grams or more
- Cocaine: 500 grams or more
- LSD: 1 gram or more
- Marijuana: At least 100 kilograms or 100 plants
The trafficking statute also has a second mandatory minimum of 10 years for larger amounts. The following overview summarizes the types and amounts for the higher statutory minimum:
- Methamphetamine (Pure): 50 grams or more
- Methamphetamine (Mixture): 500 grams or more
- Crack Cocaine: 280 grams or more
- Fentanyl: 400 grams or more
- Heroin: 1 kilogram or more
- PCP: 100 grams or more
- Cocaine: 5 kilograms or more
- LSD: 10 grams or more
- Marijuana: At least 1,000 kilograms or 1,000 plants
Drug trafficking is the primary federal drug offense because it encompasses many activities, including selling drugs and possessing them for sale.
Conspiring to Commit Drug Trafficking
Conspiracies and attempts to commit drug trafficking are also illegal under the CSA. A conspiracy is an agreement to commit a crime along with an overt act. An attempt is the intent to commit a crime plus an overt act.
These acts are punished the same as drug trafficking. Therefore, an attempt to sell one kilogram of heroin could result in a 10-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence, even though the sale was never completed and the supposed buyer was a federal agent.
Importing or Exporting Controlled Substances
Federal law prohibits the following acts involving unlicensed controlled substances:
- Importing or exporting
- Possessing on board an airplane, vessel, or vehicle
This statute was passed to prevent drug enterprises from shipping illegal drugs into or out of the U.S. However, it can also be invoked when drugs are found in a suspect’s luggage at the airport or even in their car.
Possessing Controlled Substances
In addition to possession for trafficking, federal law also prohibits simple possession. This law allows prosecutors to charge users. The offense is normally a misdemeanor, but it can be charged as a felony if the accused has prior drug convictions.
Other Federal Drug Offenses
There are several additional federal charges prosecutors can file against those involved in an illegal drug operation, including:
- Using a telephone to commit a drug felony
- Advertising to buy or sell drugs in print or online
- Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise (the “kingpin statute”)
- Maintaining a drug-involved premises (the “crack house statute”)
- Traveling or using mail, telephone, or internet services to aid drug-trafficking enterprises (the Travel Act)
These offenses are federal felonies with sentences ranging from five years to life in prison.
Possible Defenses Against Federal Drug Crimes in Kansas City, MO
Your criminal defense lawyer can call upon several defense strategies to shield you from the worst consequences of federal drug offenses, including the following.
Entrapment
Entrapment is when the accused had no predisposition to commit a crime but was induced to do so by a law enforcement officer.
Under federal law, it’s unacceptable for the DEA to coerce someone into committing a crime, then arresting them for it. For example, an entrapment defense might apply if you had no intention to transport drugs, but an undercover DEA agent talked you into delivering them as a “favor.”
Illegal Search
Judges must exclude any evidence recovered as part of an unlawful search. Per the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, law enforcement agents must have a warrant or prove that a search falls into a warrantless exception.
Some common warrantless exceptions include drugs found in plain sight or discovered during a routine security search at the U.S. border.
Lack of Intent
Federal drug offenses typically require proof that the accused knowingly committed the act. As such, mistakes or accidents can excuse an otherwise illegal act. For example, you lacked the intent to break federal drug laws if you borrowed a suitcase from a friend that, unbeknownst to you, contained drugs in its lining.
Penalties for Federal Drug Crimes in Kansas City
The punishment for federal drug crimes ranges widely. For example, a first offense of simple possession might result in probation or less than a year in prison. Conversely, trafficking carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Moreover, proof of certain facts can result in an enhanced trafficking sentence, including the following:
| Grounds | Sentence Enhancement |
|---|---|
| Amount listed in 21 USC 841(b)(1)(B) | Five-year mandatory minimum up to 40 years |
| Amount listed in 21 USC 841(b)(1)(A) | 10-year mandatory minimum up to life imprisonment |
| Prior felony drug conviction | Doubling of mandatory minimum sentence |
| Death or serious injury caused by drug | 20-year mandatory minimum up to life imprisonment |
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte to Handle Your Federal Drug Crimes Case in Missouri?
The federal government has nearly unlimited resources to investigate and prosecute drug crimes. It also has the motivation to do so, since the crimes it’s concerned with are often large-scale, interstate, or international enterprises. And while state and local drug policies have evolved, the federal “war on drugs” has driven drug investigations and prosecutions for over 50 years.
Our lawyers have the experience and resources to stand up to the federal government when agents target you in a drug investigation or prosecution.
We can represent you during any interrogations, helping establish your defense early. If prosecutors file charges, we’ll work to secure a positive outcome, such as a dismissal or reduction of your charges.
How We Can Defend You Against Federal Drug Crimes Charges in Kansas City, MO
Our first priority is to understand exactly what happened that resulted in the accusations.
We’ll gather evidence, including physical evidence and witness statements, to support your defenses and undermine the prosecutor’s case. Then, we’ll use that evidence to push for a dismissal or a fair plea deal.
Under federal law, judges can ignore mandatory minimums if you substantially assist a drug investigation. Our team can help you secure a deal in exchange for information and cooperation.
If we can’t work out an arrangement with prosecutors, we’ll take on your charges in court. There, we’ll present your case to a jury and advocate for a full acquittal.
Contact Combs Waterkotte for Legal Assistance With Your Missouri Federal Drug Crimes Charges
Federal law often dictates the sentence federal judges must impose for drug convictions in Missouri. As a result, you could face prison time for a small amount of drugs.
At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve spared our clients more than one million days of imprisonment. Contact us online or at (314) 900-HELP to evaluate your legal options for dealing with your federal drug charges.
Resources
For more information on criminal defense in Kansas City or anywhere else in Missouri, call the Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
What Happens If You’re Caught With Drugs in Kansas City?
What To Do If I’m Wanted For Questioning in Missouri
Why You Should ALWAYS Remain Silent
Are Text Messages Admissible in Court?
Ultimate Guide To Missouri Arrest Warrants
How Does Probation Work in Missouri?
Missouri: Know Your Legal Rights When it Comes to Law Enforcement
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Facing Federal Criminal Charges? Why They’re Different and How to Win
Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense law firm, has handled over 10,000 cases successfully. This ebook guides you through the federal criminal defense process, how federal charges are different, and how to win.
