Raymore, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Raymore, MO.

In Raymore, MO, charges from drug crimes can bring overwhelming challenges—looming over you, your freedom, future, and reputation—that demand immediate action. From a misdemeanor possession to a felony trafficking case or even a federal drug offense, the penalties can be life-altering—costly fines, lengthy incarceration, and a permanent record. With an experienced Raymore, MO drug crimes lawyer by your side, you gain a powerful advocate ready to challenge the charges against you.

Act now to protect your future. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation. Let our dedicated drug crimes lawyers in Raymore, MO stand with you during this challenging time.

Charged With a Drug Crime in Raymore, MO? Choose Proven Legal Expertise

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Raymore, MO area. Missouri continues to enforce some of the harshest drug laws in the nation, even with recent changes like partial marijuana decriminalization. Prosecutors are relentless in their pursuit of convictions, but at Combs Waterkotte, we’re even more relentless.

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 Raymore, MO area:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Raymore, MO: How is the Severity Determined?

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 amount of the substance in question
• Presence of any aggravating or mitigating factors

A conviction for drug crimes in Raymore, MO, has consequences that go far beyond fines or prison time. These long-term effects include:

• Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
• Making it difficult to find housing or obtain loans.
• Damage your reputation in your Raymore, MO community.
• Loss or denial of professional licensure opportunities.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Raymore, MO: Missouri’s Controlled Substances & Penalties

In Missouri, the severity of drug crimes is tied to the state’s classification of controlled substances, as defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 195.017. These schedules, organized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, outline potential penalties based on the drug’s category:

• Schedule I: These drugs, including heroin, LSD, MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and the like, have no accepted medical use and the highest potential for abuse, resulting in the most severe 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 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 drugs encompass a variety of prescription medications, such as Valium, Xanax, Tramadol, Robitussin AC, Motofen, and Lyrica.

Penalties for Possession

In Raymore, 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 in Raymore, 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 in Raymore, 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
  • Over 30 grams of heroin
  • More than 8g of cocaine
  • More than 30g of methamphetamine

  This offense becomes a class A felony when the amount increases to:

  • 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:
  • Over 10mg of fentanyl
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • More than 30g of methamphetamine

  This offense becomes a class B felony when the amount is:

  • 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 Raymore, MO: Strategically Defending Your Case

  Being charged with a drug crime in Raymore, 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 convictions in Raymore, MO come with severe consequences, but our skilled attorneys can quickly and thoroughly identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. While no two cases are alike, here’s how we work to build a robust defense strategy:

  Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure

  Under the Fourth Amendment, evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure cannot be used against you. If law enforcement lacked probable cause or failed to obtain a valid warrant, we’ll push to have that evidence excluded. This could be the key to reducing your charges or getting a dismissal.

  Disputing Possession

  To convict on possession charges in Raymore, 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: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
  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 Knowledge

  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.

  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 Raymore, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

  Weak or Inconclusive Evidence

  The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is circumstantial or fails to directly link you to the drug crime in question, your lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the case against you in Raymore, MO.

  Claiming Duress or Coercion

  If threats or intimidation forced you to commit the alleged offense, a defense of duress may apply in Raymore, MO. Similarly, coercion due to an imminent threat of harm could justify your actions and mitigate your culpability.

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

  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 fight for you in Raymore, MO:

  • In-Depth Case Review:
    Our Raymore, MO attorneys meticulously review every detail, from police reports to witness statements, to identify inconsistencies or oversights that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
  • Scrutinizing Evidence:
    Was proper procedure followed during your Raymore, MO arrest and investigation? We’ll challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence to make sure your rights are protected.
  • Negotiation with Prosecutors:
    Occasionally, the ideal outcome is reached outside the courtroom. Our lawyers work diligently to reduce charges, negotiate plea bargains, or secure alternatives to jail time, like probation, drug courts, or treatment or diversion programs However, you always get to make the final decision.

  

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Raymore, MO: Why Trust Combs Waterkotte?

  When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Raymore, 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 Raymore 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 Raymore, MO.
  • Tailored Defense: We treat every Raymore, 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 or around Raymore, MO, you aren’t just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Raymore, MO and beyond – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our experienced drug crimes lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Raymore, MO residents:

  • 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

  Facing a Drug Crime in Raymore, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away

  Your freedom and future are on the line, but with a skilled legal team, you can take control of your defense. A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte drug crimes lawyer in Raymore, MO can help you navigate the complexities of your case and work toward the best possible outcome. Time is critical—act now to protect your rights.

  Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free consultation with one of our devoted Raymore, MO drug crimes lawyers.