DeKalb County, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in DeKalb County, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in DeKalb County, MO is a serious matter that can alter the course of your life. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor possession charge, a felony trafficking offense, or a federal drug crime, the consequences are steep: substantial fines, years or even life behind bars, a criminal record, and a tarnished reputation. However, with the right DeKalb County, MO drug crimes lawyer, you can take control of your situation and fight back.

If you’re facing a drug crime, call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an expert criminal defense attorney in DeKalb County, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation

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

We get it. Your future is on the line, and you can’t afford to test fate and roll the dice with an unproven law firm. Despite recent changes, including the partial decriminalization of marijuana, Missouri still has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country, with some of the toughest penalties. Prosecutors are relentless in pursuing convictions, but no more than we are at defending them.

The Combs Waterkotte legal team boasts more than 40 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the DeKalb County area, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO: What Determines the Severity?

The seriousness of the penalties you face—whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony—depends on several factors, including:

• The type of controlled substances (see below)
• The quantity of drugs in question
• Any aggravating or mitigating elements

A DeKalb County, MO drug crime conviction can disrupt your life in ways beyond immediate penalties like fines or jail time. The consequences may include:

• Severely limiting your career opportunities.
• Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
• Damage your reputation in your DeKalb County, MO community.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO: Know Missouri’s Controlled Substances and Penalties

The severity of drug charges in Missouri is determined by the state’s classification of controlled substances under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, managed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Here’s a breakdown:

• Schedule I: Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and other hallucinogens. These carry the harshest penalties.
• Schedule II: Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine, which have recognized medical uses but are tightly regulated due to their high potential for abuse.
• Schedule III drugs are classified as having a moderate to low potential for physical dependence or high psychological dependence, with accepted medical uses. Examples include weight loss medications, stimulants, antidepressants, and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Possession

In DeKalb County, MO, possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids is treated as a class D felony, with potential penalties of up to 7 years in prison. If you’re caught with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, the charge is a class A misdemeanor, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Possession of more than 35g escalates to a class D felony.

Penalties for Sale or Delivery

Delivery of a controlled substance is a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison, unless you deliver to a:

• Protected Location: You face a class A felony—10 to 30 years or life in prison—if you knowingly distribute, sell, or deliver within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park.
• Minor: You face a class B felony if the recipient is younger than 17 and at least 2 years younger than you or you knowingly permit a minor to purchase or transport illegally obtained controlled substances.

Penalties for Trafficking

Drug trafficking in DeKalb County, MO is categorized into two degrees with penalties based on type and quantity of the substance:

• 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
  • Over 30g of methamphetamine

  When larger quantities are involved, it becomes a class felony, like:

  • 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 for amounts such as:
  • Over 10mg of fentanyl
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • More than 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • Over 30g of methamphetamine

  When quantities exceed the thresholds below, the charges is elevated 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 DeKalb County, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

  If you’ve been charged with any of the above drug crimes in DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 Unlawful Search and Seizure

  The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. If evidence was gathered without probable cause or a valid warrant, we’ll fight to have it suppressed. This can significantly weaken the case against you and may even lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

  Disputing Possession

  To convict on possession charges in DeKalb County, MO, the prosecution must prove you had control of the drugs. When substances are found in a shared area or their ownership is uncertain, we’ll challenge the claim that they belonged to you. Missouri law differentiates between two possession types:

  1. Actual Possession: This means that you had actual physical possession of a drug, whether in your hand, pocket, car, etc.
  2. Constructive Possession: While you may not have actual physical possession of a drug, you might have knowledge of and control of where the drugs are located, along with both the power and intention of physically possessing the drug at some time in the future.

  Arguing Lack of Awareness

  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.

  Errors in Evidence Handling

  The chain of custody for evidence must remain intact to ensure its validity in court. Any lapses, such as mishandling during collection or improper storage, may render the evidence inadmissible. This defense is particularly relevant in DeKalb County, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

  Weak or Inconclusive Evidence

  To secure a conviction in DeKalb 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.

  Claiming Duress or Coercion

  If you were forced to commit a drug crime under threat of harm, we may use duress as a defense to challenge your culpability. Similarly, if you faced an immediate threat of bodily harm and no alternative means, your lawyer can claim coercion occurred.

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in DeKalb County, MO: How Combs Waterkotte Builds a Strong Defense

  With decades of legal expertise, access to top-notch experts in our network, and a thorough grasp of Missouri’s drug statutes, our team builds robust defense strategies tailored to your DeKalb County, MO case. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in DeKalb County, MO:

  • Comprehensive Case Investigation:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your DeKalb County, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
  • Scrutinizing Evidence:
    Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in DeKalb County, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court.
  • Negotiation with Prosecutors:
    Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?

  When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your DeKalb County, MO drug crime defense, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes results and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Proven Results: We’ve built a solid reputation in DeKalb County and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
  • Clear Communication: We provide regular updates and make sure you’re fully informed throughout the legal process in DeKalb County, MO.
  • Tailored Defense: We treat every DeKalb County, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.

  If partner with Combs Waterkotte for drug crimes defense in DeKalb County, MO, you’re not just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in and around DeKalb County, MO – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our esteemed drug crimes lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in DeKalb County and beyond:

  • Gun Crime Lawyer
  • Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
  • Homicide Lawyer
  • Assault Lawyer
  • Rape Defense Lawyer
  • Sex Offense Lawyers
  • DWI Attorney
  • Crime Defense Lawyers
  • Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

  Arrested or Questioned for a Drug Crime in DeKalb County, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today

  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 DeKalb 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review with one of our devoted DeKalb County, MO drug crimes lawyers.