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Hazelwood, MO

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Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Drug crimes lawyer in Hazelwood, MO. Facing charges from drug crimes in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO? You Need Experience on Your Side

Your future is far too important to gamble with an inexperienced attorney in the Hazelwood, 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 boasts more than 40 years of combined experience and has successfully handled over 10,000 cases throughout Missouri and the Hazelwood area, including:

Drug Crimes Lawyer Hazelwood, MO | Criminal Defense Attorneys in Hazelwood, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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

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

A drug crime conviction in Hazelwood, 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:

  • Barriers to finding or advancing in a career.
  • Make it near impossible to secure housing or loans.
  • A tarnished reputation in your Hazelwood, MO personal and professional circles.
  • Impacting your eligibility for professional licenses or certifications.

Drug Crimes Lawyer in Hazelwood, 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: 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 Hazelwood, 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 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

Missouri has two degrees of drug trafficking:

  • First-Degree Drug Trafficking is a class B felony, punishable by 5-15 years in prison, 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 involving:
    • Over 10mg of fentanyl
    • Over 30g of heroin
    • Over 30 kilograms of marijuana
    • More than 30g of methamphetamine

    For larger amounts, the offense is upgraded 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 Hazelwood, MO | Criminal Defense in Hazelwood, MO | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO: Building a Strong Defense for Your Case

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

    Drug crime convictions in Hazelwood, 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 strategic defense:

    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.

    Challenge Possession

    Hazelwood, MO possession charges hinge on proving that you had control over the drugs. If the substances were located in a shared area or there’s ambiguity about ownership, we can argue that you were not in possession. Missouri law recognizes two types of possession:

    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

    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

    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 Hazelwood, MO drug crimes and DWI/DUI cases.

    Insufficient 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 Hazelwood, MO.

    Duress or Coercion Defense

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

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO case. Here’s how we work to secure the best possible outcome in Hazelwood, MO:

    • Thorough Investigation:
      Our Hazelwood, 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 the evidence obtained lawfully? Were your rights upheld in Hazelwood, MO? Our team carefully analyzes the details to ensure any evidence acquired improperly is excluded from court.
    • Proactive Negotiation:
      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 | Hazelwood, MO Criminal Defense Attorneys | Combs Waterkotte

    Drug Crimes Lawyer in Hazelwood, MO: Why Hire Combs Waterkotte?

    When you hire Combs Waterkotte for your Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood 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 Hazelwood, MO.
    • Focused Representation: We treat every Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO, you aren’t just choosing the ideal drug crimes lawyer in Hazelwood, MO and beyond – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert defense from our knowledgeable drug crimes attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Hazelwood, MO residents:

    Facing a Drug Crime in Hazelwood, MO? Reach Out To Combs Waterkotte Right Away

    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 Hazelwood, 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 to schedule your free case review with one of our devoted Hazelwood, MO drug crimes lawyers.

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