Hannibal, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Hannibal, MO.

When you’re facing drug crimes in Hannibal, MO, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. No matter if it’s a misdemeanor possession charge, a felony trafficking offense, or even a federal drug crime, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting, if not permanent—including hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, a criminal record, as well as the accompanying personal stigma. But with an experienced Hannibal, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you don’t have to face these challenging times alone.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Hannibal, MO are committed to defending your rights, protecting your freedom, and safeguarding your future.

Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Hannibal, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Hannibal, MO. Missouri’s drug laws remain some of the toughest in the nation, and prosecutors work tirelessly to secure convictions. At Combs Waterkotte though, we exceed that determination with aggressive defense strategies that have consistently delivered results for our clients.

The Combs Waterkotte legal team has more than 40 years of experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases in the following fields and more throughout Missouri and the Hannibal, MO area:

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

The severity of the penalties you could face and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony hinges on:

• The classification of the drug (see details below)
• The amount of the substance in question
• The actuality of any aggravating or mitigating factors

A drug crime conviction in Hannibal, MO can have far-reaching effects on your life. Aside from fines and prison/jail time—which vary depending on the severity of your crime—it can:

• Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
• Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
• Hurting your reputation within your Hannibal, MO community.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

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

Missouri’s schedule of controlled substances, categorized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017, determines the severity of drug crimes and their penalties. They are:

• 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: While substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and morphine have limited medical uses, their high potential for abuse means they are still strictly regulated.
• Schedule III substances have a lower risk of physical dependence than Schedule I or II drugs but still pose a risk of high psychological dependence. These drugs include anabolic steroids, certain stimulants, antidepressants, and weight loss medications, all of which have accepted medical uses.
• Schedule IV and Schedule V substances, which include prescription drugs like Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica, are considered to have a lower potential for abuse and dependence.

Penalties for Possession

Possession of any controlled substance in Hannibal, MO, apart from marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, is a class D felony in Missouri, which can result in up to 7 years in prison. For marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, possessing between 10 and 35 grams is classified as class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail. If the amount exceeds 35g, the charge is a class D felony.

Penalties for Sale or Delivery

Delivery of a controlled substance in Hannibal, MO is treated as a class C felony, punishable by 3-10 years in prison. However, additional circumstances can lead to more severe charges:

• Proximity to a Protected Area: Selling or delivering drugs within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park is considered a class A felony, carrying 10 to 30 years or even life imprisonment.
• Involving a Minor: Distributing drugs to someone under 17 who is at least 2 years younger than you, or allowing a minor to handle controlled substances, is a class B felony with enhanced sentencing.

Penalties for Trafficking

Drug trafficking offenses in Hannibal, MO are divided into two degrees based on the substance and its quantity:

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony with a sentence of 5-15 years when involving:
  • Over 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • Over 30 grams of heroin
  • More than 8g of cocaine
  • More than 30g of methamphetamine

  If larger quantities are involved, the charge is elevated to a class A felony, such as:

  • 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 when the drugs involve:
  • More than 10mg of fentanyl
  • Over 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 Hannibal, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

  Being charged with a drug crime in Hannibal, MO can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call the knowledgeable attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a review of your case.

  Drug crime penalties in Hannibal, 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 powerful defense strategy:

  Fighting Unreasonable Search and Seizure

  The Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement obtained evidence without probable cause or a valid warrant, your attorney might argue to suppress that evidence, weakening the prosecution’s case and possibly getting your charges minimized or dismissed.

  Challenge Possession

  To convict on possession charges in Hannibal, 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: When you don’t physically possess the drugs but have knowledge of an access to their location with intent to control them.

  Proving Lack of Awareness

  Missouri law requires the prosecution to demonstrate that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs. If evidence shows you were unaware of their presence—such as drugs being planted or left in your possession unknowingly—we can argue that you lacked the requisite knowledge to be held accountable.

  Chain of Custody Errors

  For evidence to be admissible in court, it must have an unbroken chain of custody. Any errors or mishandling of evidence during its collection, transport, or storage could lead to it being excluded from the case. This is particularly important in Hannibal, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

  Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

  To secure a conviction in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte

  Our attorneys leverage decades of experience, a large network of experts, and a deep understanding of Missouri’s drug laws to craft a compelling defense. Here’s how we work to protect your rights in Hannibal, MO:

  • Thorough Investigation:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your Hannibal, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
  • Evidence Assessment:
    Was the investigation conducted legally? Were your rights violated? We’ll examine every detail in Hannibal, MO to make sure that any unlawfully obtained evidence is excluded.
  • Proactive Negotiation:
    Sometimes the best resolution comes through negotiation in Hannibal, 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 Hannibal, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?

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

  • Proven Results: Our legal team has a proven track record of success in defending Hannibal, MO drug crimes.
  • Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way in Hannibal, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
  • Focused Representation: We treat every Hannibal, MO case with the urgency and care it deserves. You’re never on the backburner.

  When choose Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in Hannibal, MO, you’re not just choosing a leading drug crimes lawyer in Hannibal, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Hannibal 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 Hannibal, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Today

  A drug charge in Hannibal, MO doesn’t have to define your future, but swift action is essential. With skilled legal counsel, you can fight to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. The experienced Combs Waterkotte Hannibal, MO drug crimes lawyers are ready to stand by your side and protect your rights. Don’t wait—your future depends on it.

  Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our devoted Hannibal, MO drug crimes lawyers.