Overview – Drug Distribution In Missouri
If you’re currently facing drug distribution charges for dealing drugs please contact Combs Law Group today. We are one of the premier criminal defense lawyers in St. Louis and we are one of the few firms in St. Louis that specializes in state felony drug crimes. Call us today at 314-578-1465 to discuss your case for free. We will be glad to speak with you and provide you with a price quote over the phone.
Drug Distribution vs Trafficking
Drug distribution charges in Missouri are very serious charges. What constitutes drug distribution under the law? Well, anytime the police catch you trying to transport narcotics for the purpose of sale, you could be facing distribution charges. In some cases, you just have to be found with a large enough quantity of drugs and money to warrant the distribution charges. If the police believe you intend to sell the drugs, you could be looking at drug trafficking charges as well.
A conviction on a drug distribution or trafficking charge can be a game changer in your life. Both are felonies which carry serious jail time and fines. More importantly, they can negatively influence your life for years to come. You can be denied employment, housing, school loans, home loans, scholarships, and professional licensure. Felons also lose their right to vote or run for office. Review our felony pages for more details.
State vs Federal Drug Crimes
There are both state and federal laws for trafficking and distribution. The circumstances around your arrest will determine whether you’re facing federal or state charges. In both federal and state laws drug distribution and trafficking are felonies. However, in most cases, the federal laws are much more serious than the state. Federal laws provide mandatory minimum sentences where in some cases a repeat offender is sentenced to life in prison. State charges are still serious, however, it’s a very different legal problem.
Asset Forfeiture For Drug Distribution & Drug Trafficking
Missouri is one of only 12 states in the country that requires a conviction before assets can be seized or forfeited for a drug crime. That’s good news, but in federal cases, you could lose any assets deemed eligible for seizure by the government. The bad news is that if you’re convicted of drug trafficking or distribution in Missouri, you will likely lose most of your assets. That includes your cars, your home, jewelry, and even clothing. The state will literally take anything and everything if you’re fully convicted of your charges. That’s why it’s imperative you hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer to help you avoid a conviction. And don’t make the mistake of hiring a budget lawyer for a case where the stakes are so high, and your potential losses are so great. It’s not worth it in the end.
Penalties For Drug Distribution in Missouri
Missouri’s five main classifications for drug crimes are: Possession, Delivery, Distribution, Trafficking, and Manufacturing. Within the classifications, there are different penalty guidelines that are dictated by the type of drug and the weight of the drugs found in your possession. For distribution, there’s also a particular guideline for distributing in a protected area like a school. The charges themselves can range from a Class A felony to a Class E felony, and the prison time can range from 1 year in prison all the way up to 30 years in prison.
Take Action – Hire A Drug Lawyer Today
Drug crimes are taken very seriously in the state of Missouri. Prosecutors and judges don’t look kindly on those who are accused of distribution or trafficking drugs within their communities. In St. Louis and surrounding areas, the drug problem is a very hot topic among civic leaders. Therefore, there’s a great deal of pressure on police and Prosecutors to arrest the dealers and put them in jail. If you’re someone who is facing these types of charges, call us right away. We can help! Our experience and knowledge can be the difference between you going to jail for the next few years or walking the streets as a free man/woman. We will fight aggressively to get you the outcomes you expect. Call us today at 314-578-1465.