Drug Charges

Drug Crime Attorney Lake Ozark, MO

When facing drug charges, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious about what is to come. The ramifications of a drug conviction can affect your life, job, and future. At Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, we’re here to help. Our criminal defense lawyers can explain the different types of drug crime charges in Missouri, the possible outcomes, and the options for your defense. We strive to support you in every way possible as you face this challenging situation. We have offices in Columbia, and Lake of the Ozarks, MO. We only serve Camden, Laclede, Cole, Morgan, Moniteau, and Miller counties for criminal law.

What Are Drug Charges?

Drug crime charges are attributed to legal violations involving the possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of illegal substances. In Missouri, drug crime charges cover various controlled substances, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs like oxycodone if used without a written prescription from your doctor. Missouri takes drug offenses very seriously, and the laws around drug crime charges can be harsh, especially if the alleged offense involves more dangerous illegal drugs or large amounts.

Types of Drug Charges in Missouri

In Missouri, drug crime charges are typically grouped into particular categories based on the type of the offense:

Possession of a Controlled Substance: This common drug charge happens when a person has drugs without a written prescription from a doctor. For example, if a person is caught with cocaine or heroin, they might be charged with drug possession. Missouri law categorizes drug possession charges into different levels, depending on the type of drug and the quantity found.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Drug paraphernalia alludes to items associated with using or preparing drugs, like syringes, bongs, or scales. Having these items can lead to additional charges on top of the existing charges.
Possession with Intent to Distribute: This charge is more consequential than just having drugs. If the police believe someone intended to sell or share the drugs, they could possibly be charged with intent to distribute. Having a large amount of drugs, packaging supplies, or lots of cash can lead to this circumstance. These charges are also more severe than for simple possession.
Drug Trafficking: This charge involves transporting or selling large amounts of drugs. It’s a weighty drug related crime with severe consequences and is often handled at the federal level. A drug trafficking charge involves people who bring drugs into or through Missouri or who sell large amounts within the state borders.
Drug Manufacturing or Cultivation: Drug manufacturing refers to making or producing illegal drugs, while cultivation refers to growing or farming plants, like marijuana, with the intention of selling. These charges are treated seriously and can lead to jail time, particularly when large amounts or dangerous setups are involved.

Facing drug charges can be a frightening experience. Our experienced defense attorneys at Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. We understand the complexities of the legal system and will fight to protect your rights.

Please contact us at (573) 348-4500 to discuss how we can help.

Potential Penalties for Drug Charges

Missouri law bases penalties assigned after conviction on the type and amount of the drug confiscated, as well as the nature of the offense. Below are common categories of punishment for drug crime charges:

Felony drug offenses are more serious offenses, like possessing methamphetamine, cocaine, or prescription medications without a valid prescription. Felony charges can result in fines and prison sentences, and have long-term ramifications, such as struggling to find employment or housing.

Missouri Drug Schedules

Missouri classifies drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use, as defined by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This categorization influences the gravity of the charges:

Schedule I: Drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (examples: heroin, LSD).
Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, but some accepted medical use (examples: cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone).
Schedule III: Drugs with a lower potential for abuse and accepted medical use (examples: anabolic steroids, ketamine).
Schedule IV: Drugs with low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses (examples: Xanax, Valium).
Schedule V: Drugs with the lowest potential for abuse (examples: certain cough medicines with codeine).

Possible Defenses Against Drug Charges

If you’re facing a drug charge, it’s important to understand that options may be available to you. Here are some defense strategies that could help, depending on the details of your case:

Medical Prescription: If you have a legal prescription for the drugs you’re accused of having, showing proof from your doctor could be a defense. However, this only pertains to legal prescriptions, not recreational drugs.
Lack of Knowledge: Sometimes, a person might not know they have drugs in their custody. For example, if someone borrows a car and drugs are found in the glove compartment, the borrower may not know they were there.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Law enforcement has rules to follow when searching a person’s property. If they search without a warrant or valid reason, you may be a victim of an illegal search. Any evidence they find in an illegal search is harder to use in court, if at all, which could help your case.
Entrapment: This happens if the police pressure someone into committing a crime they wouldn’t have committed otherwise. If you can prove that officers coerced you into possessing or selling drugs, it could be a valid defense.
Improper Handling of Evidence: Due to law and order, evidence must be handled carefully to stay admissible in drug court. If they mishandle it, that evidence can be dismissed, strengthening your case.

Why You Need an Experienced Drug Crime Attorney

An experienced drug crime attorney can help you understand your rights, create a strong defense, and guide you through the legal process. At Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, we have a wealth of experience representing clients facing these charges throughout Lake of the Ozarks, and Columbia, Missouri, and nearby counties, including Miller, Morgan, Moniteau, Camden, Cole, Boone, and Osage.

How Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, Can Help

If you or someone you care about is facing a drug charge, our team is ready to help. We know this is a stressful and unpredictable time, and we’re here to protect your rights. We’ll thoroughly review your case to find the best defense approach and closely examine what happened during your arrest to make sure law enforcement obeyed rules and regulations. Our team has strong negotiation skills, so we’ll work to get the best outcome possible, whether that’s a reduced charge, alternative sentencing, or even a dismissal. If your case goes to trial, we’ll stand by your side, providing the experience and support you need every step of the way.

Don’t Face Drug Charges Alone

At Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, we’ll explain your options and develop a defense strategy that is tailored to your specific case. Facing a drug charge can be scary, but having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Martin & Birdsong, Attorneys at Law, at 573-348-4500 or contact us online.

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