Cape Girardeau, MO

Drug crimes lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO. Our team of skilled drug crimes lawyers is dedicated to fighting aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation

Facing Charges from Drug Crimes in Cape Girardeau, MO? Trust a Team That Delivers Results

When your future is at stake, there’s no room for uncertainty in Cape Girardeau, 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 Cape Girardeau, MO area:

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO: What Affects the Severity of Your Charges?

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

• The classification of the drug (see below)
• The quantity of drugs in question
• Presence of any aggravating or mitigating elements

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

• Harm your career and any future employment prospects.
• Difficulty securing housing or obtaining loans.
• Damage your reputation in your Cape Girardeau, MO community.
• Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, 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: 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 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 Cape Girardeau, 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

Selling or delivering a controlled substance is classified as a class C felony in Cape Girardeau, MO, carrying a sentence of 3-10 years in prison. However, penalties are heightened if the sale or delivery occurs under specific circumstances:

• Near a Protected Location: Distributing, selling, or delivering drugs within 2,000 feet of a school or 1,000 feet of a park upgrades the charge to a class A felony, with penalties ranging from 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment.
• To a Minor: If the recipient is under 17 years old and at least 2 years younger than you, or if you allow a minor to purchase or transport drugs, the offense becomes a class B felony, with enhanced penalties.

Penalties for Trafficking

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

• First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, which carries 5-15 years in prison, when the drugs involve:
  • More than 10 milligrams of fentanyl
  • More than 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 involving:
  • More than 10mg of fentanyl
  • More than 30g of heroin
  • Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
  • More than 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 Cape Girardeau, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case

  Time is critical. Contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away by calling Cape Girardeau, MO or reaching out online to discuss the specifics of your case.

  Cape Girardeau, MO’s drug laws impose harsh penalties, but with a skilled legal team on your side, there’s hope. Our drug crime lawyers in Cape Girardeau excel at finding vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. While strategies vary depending on your specific circumstances, here’s how we can build a powerful defense strategy:

  Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure

  The Fourth Amendment safeguards against illegal 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.

  Disputing Possession

  Possession charges require sufficient evidence of possession of the drugs. If the drugs were found in a shared space or if ownership is unclear, we can argue that you were not in possession. There are two types of possession:

  1. Actual Possession: Direct physical possession, such as having the drugs on your person or in an item under your control.
  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 Knowledge

  Under Missouri law, the prosecution is required to show that you knowingly possessed or distributed drugs. Our lawyers can work to prove that you were unaware of the drugs’ presence—whether they could have been placed in your vehicle, home, or property without your knowledge.

  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 Cape Girardeau, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

  Challenging Evidence Sufficiency

  The prosecution has the burden to prove your beyond a reasonable doubt in Cape Girardeau, MO. If the case relies on circumstantial evidence or lacks direct proof tying you to the alleged crime, your attorney can argue the evidence is insufficient to convict.

  Duress or Coercion Defense

  If you committed a drug crime in Cape Girardeau, MO because you were under a credible threat of harm, your lawyer might argue duress as a defense. Similarly, if coercion led to your actions under immediate physical threat, this can challenge your accountability for the crime.

  Cape Girardeau County Resources
  

  Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri.

  • Missouri Criminal Defense Resources
  • Missouri Criminal Court Process
  • Missouri Revised Statutes
  • Missouri Courts
  • Missouri Department of Revenue
  • Cape Girardeau County Website
  • Cape Girardeau County Court
  • Cape Girardeau County Jail
  • SLU School of Law
  • Christopher Combs
  • OCU School of Law
  • Steven Waterkotte

  Drug Crimes Lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO: Building Your Robust Defense With Combs Waterkotte

  At Combs Waterkotte, we leverage our decades of experience, a vast professional network, and unmatched knowledge of Missouri’s drug laws to mount an aggressive defense for you in Cape Girardeau, MO. Here’s how we fight for you in Cape Girardeau, MO:

  • Thorough Investigation:
    We dig deep into every aspect of your Cape Girardeau, MO case, from reviewing police procedures to gathering witness testimony, to uncover crucial details that may challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
  • Challenging Evidence:
    Was the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Cape Girardeau, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court.
  • Proactive Negotiation:
    When appropriate, we pursue resolutions outside of court by working to reduce charges, negotiate favorable plea agreements, or secure alternatives like probation or treatment programs However, you always get to make the final decision.

  

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

  At Combs Waterkotte, our attorneys pride themselves on a results-driven approach and client-focused service in Cape Girardeau, MO. When you hire us, you’ll get:

  • Proven Strategies: We’ve built a solid reputation in Cape Girardeau and across Missouri for successfully defending drug crime cases.
  • Consistent Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way in Cape Girardeau, MO, so you always know where your case stands.
  • Tailored Defense: We understand that every Cape Girardeau, MO case is unique and build strategies specific to your needs and circumstances.

  When hire Combs Waterkotte for defense of drug crimes in or around Cape Girardeau, MO, you’re not just selecting a top-rated drug crimes lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO and beyond – you are safeguarding your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Cape Girardeau and beyond:

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

  Charged With a Drug Crime in Cape Girardeau, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today

  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 Cape Girardeau, 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule your free consultation with one of our devoted Cape Girardeau, MO drug crimes lawyers.