Drug Charges and Possession Lawyer St. Louis, MO. It is well known that the state of Missouri has some of the most severe penalties for drug possession in the entire country. The penalties handed out by Missouri and St. Louis courts, though, can vary drastically. Prosecuting attorneys typically base the charges on what kind of drug was found on the defendant’s person, as well as whether a defendant had the intent to sell it. But with the exception of possession of marijuana under 35 grams, Missouri laws state that a drug possession charge, including a drug possession in St. Louis, is typically a felony drug charge. In addition to jail time, punishments for drug-related crimes range from civil forfeiture of personal and business assets to heavy monetary fines.
If you find yourself accused of drug charges or possession, you are probably very afraid that a conviction could bring an unwanted burden for years to come. There are no two ways about it: you need to seek out sound legal counsel that will help you navigate your way through the legal process. At Combs Law Group, our St. Louis drug charges and possession lawyer services are designed to take on the challenge and fight on your behalf. Our firm also understands the nature of drug addiction and believes that good people can find themselves on the wrong side of the law because of the disease that is addiction. We empathize with our clients and work with them on every step of the long path to recovery. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP to speak with an attorney, or contact us online, and put an experienced St. Louis drug charges lawyer to work for you.
What An Aggressive St. Louis, MO Drug Charges Lawyer Can Do For You
It is crucial for anyone who has been charged with a St. Louis drug crime to get in contact with the most aggressive St. Louis drug possession lawyer they can find. The skilled St. Louis criminal defense lawyers at Combs Law Group will jump into your fight immediately and build your defense. We will also quickly begin to file appropriate motions and begin discovery of all your case files. In addition, we work diligently to uncover any inconsistencies within the police report to verify that all your rights were protected throughout the arrest and booking process.
As part of our zealous representation, we’ll build a sound defense strategy, which may include:
- Presenting reasonable doubt
- Contesting evidence of the amount of drugs
- Disputing ownership and possession of the drugs
- Proving personal use versus intent to sell drugs
- Challenging chemical analysis of substance alleged to be drugs
- Negotiating with prosecutor for reduced sentence
When you are caught with drugs in your possession, you are at immediate risk of being charged with a felony and possibly going to jail. Unfortunately, even a very small amount of drugs on your person can lead to a class D felony, which usually results in several years’ incarceration. With such severe penalties in play, our firm finds it critical to move quickly to build your defense. But our firm will also work hard to formulate a defense strategy that is intended to get your charges reduced. We are experienced in proposing alternative diversion programs for rehabilitation instead of punishment. These include drug treatment, drug courts, as well as drug counseling. Furthermore, our firm has worked on a multitude of drug possession cases and delivered positive outcomes in most cases.
Understanding Drug Schedules in St. Louis and Missouri
The state of Missouri allows the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to categorize controlled substances into 5 “schedules.” The schedule related to your drug crimes determines your potential sentence. The department categorizes them based on instructions from Missouri Revised Statute §195.017:
- Schedule I drugs are those that have the highest potential for abuse and have no accepted medical uses, and therefore carry the stiffest sentences. These include opiates, heroin, MDMA, LSD, hallucinogenic mushrooms and other hallucinogenics.
- Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and have an accepted medical use (even if severely restricted). They include cocaine, opium, oxy and morphine.
- Schedule III drugs may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence, and have a currently accepted medical treatment. These include benzphetamine, drugs with a depressive effect, barbiturates, ketamine, certain quantities of codeine, anabolic steroids and antidepressants.
- Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs include numerous prescription drugs.
Drug Cases We Handle In St. Louis, MO:
- Possession or Control (RSMo §579.015) — If you knowingly possess any controlled substance without authorization (for example, a prescription), it is a crime. It is a class D felony. We specialize in:
- Possession With Intent To Distribute (RSMo §579.020) — If you distribute or attempt to distribute a controlled substance, have paraphernalia which can be used to distribute (such as scales or bags) or have a large enough quantity, you can be charged with intent to distribute. The charge is anything from a class E to class B felony.
- Drug Paraphernalia (RSMo §579.040) — If you deliver, distribute or sell drug paraphernalia, knowing that it will be used to manufacture, distribute, or use a controlled substance, it is a class A misdemeanor. If it’s done for commercial purposes, it’s a class E felony.
- Marijuana Charges — Missouri voters recently passed Amendment 3, which legalizes the recreational possession and use of marijuana. However, the manufacture and distribution is still illegal for those without the proper license from the state. The amendment also allows people incarcerated for non-violent marijuana offenses to petition for release, parole or probation, and to have their records expunged. Our Combs Law drug charge lawyers can also assist with this process.
- Drug Trafficking (RSMo §579.065, RSMo §579.068)— Drug trafficking is when you purchase, attempt to purchase or bring into the state of Missouri a large quantities of controlled substance. First-degree drug trafficking is a class B felony, or class A felony when it involves certain drugs and/or quantities. Second-degree can be anywhere from a class C to class A felony.
- Drug Manufacturing (RSMo §579.055) — Growing, manufacturing or producing a controlled substance is a class C felony. It becomes a class B felony if it’s done within 2,000 feet of a school, and a class A felony if someone suffered serious physical injury or died in an explosion resulting in methamphetamine production.
- We also take on:
What Is the Sentencing For Drug Charges in St. Louis and Missouri?
Your sentence, if convicted, is based on whether it’s your first conviction, the drug or drugs related to your charge, and quantity involved. Sentencing guidelines for felonies and misdemeanors are:
- Class A felony — 10 to 30 years in prison, or life
- Class B felony — 5 to 15 years in prison
- Class C felony — 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Class D felony — up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Class E felony — up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Class A misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
- Class B misdemeanor — up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
- Class C misdemeanor — up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to $750
- Class D misdemeanor — a fine of up to $500
As your St. Louis, MO drug charges lawyer, we’ll do everything possible to have your charges dismissed or to achieve a not-guilty verdict. However, sometimes the evidence is stacked against you and it’s not easy to make the situation “go away.” Sometimes, the best course of action is to negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors to have your charges reduced in the interest of avoiding jail time or further reducing the legal consequences. In those cases, a sentence may be a fine, probation, a suspended sentence or mandatory counseling. Whatever your case may be, we’ll work with you to find the best solution to protect your long-term freedom and future.
Hire A Top St. Louis, MO Drug Charges Lawyer
Combs Law Group is second to none in terms of dedication, experience, and compassion when handling drug possession cases in St. Louis. You will find a path to a positive outcome to your St. Louis drug charge situation, not only in the courtroom but also in terms of recovery and wellness. Our firm prides itself on client satisfaction and urges you to review some of our previous clients’ feedback before making a major decision like hiring a St. Louis drug possession attorney. We are ready to fight for you and your future. Contact us online or call us at (314) 900-HELP today for a free, confidential consultation.