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Missouri drug offenses are severe criminal charges with severe penalties. You or a loved one can be charged with a drug offense, and it is better that you know the fundamentals so that you can effectively defend yourself. On this site, we offer helpful information about Missouri drug offenses, the law, and how your criminal defense attorney may be able to help.

Educating On Missouri Drug Crimes

Missouri pursued drug crimes aggressively. Among the drugs used include the sale of illegal drugs, manufacturing, distribution, and possessing illegal drugs. The offense and punishment are based on the type of drug, quantity, and where it is done. Some of the most commonly known controlled drugs illegally abused to commit Missouri drug offenses include prescription medications, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Missouri categorizes drugs based on their riskiness, with the most risky being Schedule I drugs.

Types of Drug Offenses in Missouri

1. Possession

Possession and use are the most common drug offenses. Possession is illegal drugs on your body, in your home, or in your car. Possession in Missouri differs depending on the drug and amount. Marijuana in small amounts has a lighter penalty, but with hard drugs and methamphetamine or cocaine, it is more severe.

2. Distribution and Trafficking

Distribution is selling or exchanging drugs for other individuals. Trafficking is a bulk amount and, otherwise, transporting drugs from one state to another state. Distribution crimes are serious and invoke long prison sentences and monetary fines.

3. Manufacture

Manufacturing drugs is making illegal drugs. It involves illegally growing marijuana or making methamphetamine in a laboratory. Manufacturing crimes involve serious penalties and invoke long prison sentences.

Penalties for Missouri Drug Crimes

Penalties are extremely diverse. The variables include drug type, amount, criminal history, and child involvement. Missouri does not tier felony drug offenses, and the most extreme, maximum is Class A felony.

• Small amounts = misdemeanor convictions and brief jail sentences.
• Large amounts or selling offenses are felonies. These can involve incarceration for years.
• Repeats or habituals are punished more harshly.

A seasoned Kansas City traffic defense lawyer can best position your case on your case facts.

What Your Criminal Defense Lawyer Wants You to Know

1. Why Early Attorney Representation Is Important

We would like a lawyer earlier rather than later. Early attorney representation can simply safeguard your rights and build a solid defense. Your lawyer will examine the evidence, detect weaknesses, and guide you through the case.

2. Evidence Does Matter

Police can only search you or your belongings for a reasonable purpose. Your attorney will attempt to exclude illegal evidence if your rights are preserved. This can mean diminished or dropped charges.

3. Every Case is Different

There is always that special drug case. Your attorney will weigh all the factors before advising you. They will advise you of your options, from plea bargains to trials.

4. Potential Defenses

The common defenses are illegal search, no possession, or mistaken identity. With others, there are no drugs that are yours, or there is too much to charge for possession of that amount. All these are something your attorney will go over with you.

5. Consequences Beyond Time in Jail

A conviction on a drug charge will affect your future employment, residence, and life, as well. Your attorney can walk you through long-term implications and ease the blow.

What a Missouri Criminal Defense Attorney Can Do

A criminal defense attorney is there with you every step of the way. She or he will:

• Explain the law.
• Review police behavior and evidence.
• Negotiate for you with prosecutors.
• Advocate for trial, if that becomes necessary.
• Hard struggle to eliminate or reduce charges.

Good lawyer enhances your case.

5 FAQs On Missouri Drug Crimes

1. What if I am not arrested for marijuana possession in limited quantity in Missouri?

Possession of small quantities of marijuana is generally a fine or short jail misdemeanor. Keep in mind that the law is changing every day, so refer to current law. Your lawyer will discuss possible penalties and defenses available.

2. Am I legally at risk for drugs in my car even if I had no idea they were there?

Yes. You are legally culpable for drugs in a location you have control over, like your car. But your lawyer can plead on your behalf by arguing that you didn't know the drugs were there. They are two separate crimes.

3. What is the difference between drug possession and drug trafficking?

Possession is the presence of drugs on a person's body. Selling or possession in amounts larger than legal is trafficking. Trafficking is the more serious offense with drastic penalties, such as lengthy prison terms.

4. Can my drug charges be reduced or dropped?

Perhaps. Charges may be dropped if police have acted in violation of your rights or if the prosecution does not have a strong case. A lawyer will negotiate reduced charges or penalty in plea bargains.

5. How long can a Missouri conviction for drugs be eligible to be expunged from my record?

A drug crime charge will stick with you for the rest of your life unless you are eligible for expungement. Expungement laws vary, so talk to an attorney to have your record expunged.

Final Thoughts

Missouri drug offenses have severe penalties. You need to be defended by a lawyer who is familiar with your law and will strongly defend you. Information is power in your case, and it puts you in the strongest position to make good decisions. Don't wait until it's too late to contact legal representation if you've been accused of a drug offense. If you require guidance or simply have questions, call an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City today. They'll guide you through it.