Highly Experienced Missouri Drug Crimes Attorneys Defending You Against Drug Charges

Drug crimes charges are a serious matter capable of sending you to jail for a long time. Missouri has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country, and it shows in their drug sentencing cases.

Having these charges leveled against you can take a toll on your life and reputation. This is why you need to hire highly skilled Festus, MO, criminal defense attorneys like Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law.

The goal of a drug crime defense is to build a solid case against the state or the prosecution. As experienced criminal defense lawyers in Jefferson County, MO, we are passionate about fighting cases like this, and we are motivated to get clients a favorable result.

If you’d like to discuss your case with competent and committed lawyers, talk to us today. Call Grafe & Batchelor on 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation.

What are the Categories of Controlled Substances and Drugs in Jefferson County, MO?

While controlled dangerous substances are illegal across the US, every state has specific laws addressing each substance. The state of Missouri has five schedules of controlled dangerous substances.

Known as Schedule I-V, they are ranked in their order of addiction, risk of abuse, and danger to the user. Schedule I substances are those drugs or controlled substances that have no medical use or are considered too unstable for use even when the patient is undergoing supervised treatment at the hospital.

Schedule II drugs are those that are often used in hospitals and for treatment of certain conditions. However, they can put the user at risk for addiction when used excessively or without medical supervision. Many of these are opioids used for pain relief like fentanyl, codeine, Vicodin, and OxyContin. Others are cocaine and methamphetamines.

Schedules III, IV, and V drugs often include those prescribed by the doctor as well as over the counter medicines. Examples include weight loss pills, antidepressants, sleep medications, steroids, and anti-anxiety medications.

What About Marijuana?

While marijuana is used for recreational purposes in states like Colorado and California, Missouri has only approved it for medical purposes. This means that you will need a prescription to use it.

Even then, the widespread perception is that Marijuana is an illicit substance. That is why if you’re caught with it, you may be charged with possession.

Call Grafe & Batchelor today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation if you’ve been caught with marijuana.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Jefferson County, MO

If the Jefferson County law enforcement agents catch you with controlled substances, you could be looking at serious charges. The severity of the charges will largely depend on the drug type and the quantity you have on you:

• Class D Felony- applies to possession of all controlled substances, excluding possession of 35 grams or less of marijuana and/or other synthetic cannabinoids
• Class D Misdemeanor- applies if you’re caught with less than 10 grams of marijuana
• Class A Misdemeanor- applies to possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana plus a previous drug conviction. Also applies to possession of synthetic cannabinoids and imitation controlled substances. Can also apply if you’re caught with more than 10 grams but less than 35 grams of marijuana
• Class D Felony- possession of 35 grams or more of marijuana
• Class A & Class B Felony- applies to drug trafficking charges of controlled substances like heroin, cocaine, PCP, LSD, marijuana, meth, and molly (the date rape drug)
• Class E Felony- unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia

Please note that these charges are largely contingent on possession alone. If you’re caught with these drugs and it’s established that there’s a clear intent to distribute, deliver, or sell these controlled substances, you will likely get more severe charges.

What are the Penalties for Drug Charges in Jefferson County, MO?

If you’ve been arrested and charged on grounds of possession or trafficking, there are a few factors that the courts will consider before awarding penalties. These include:

• Criminal history
• Whether it’s your first time
• Quantity of substance
• Intent
• Type of crime- whether it’s possession or intent to distribute, sell, or produce
• The presence of mitigating factors

Drug crimes penalties in Festus, MO, are usually as follows:

• Depending on the quantity of drugs and the intent, first-time offenders can get an option of a treatment program and probation. Once completed, the charges against the person may be dismissed
• Fine of up to $500 for Class D misdemeanor- first time offenders with less than 10 grams of marijuana
• First-time offenders with between 10 and 35 grams of marijuana or other drugs can pay a fine of up to $2000 and up to 1 year in prison because it’s a Class A misdemeanor
• Up to 7 years in prison for a Class C felony
• Class B felony draws between 5 and 15 years in jail with no option of parole
• Class A felony draws 10-30 years in jail (or a life sentence) with no option of parole

Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law Can Help

As experienced drug crimes attorneys in Festus, MO, we know how to prepare defense designed to help you get a favorable outcome.

We want to help clients fight charges, and we aim for the best possible outcome, hopefully helping clients serve only minimum time or do community service.

Get in touch with Grafe & Batchelor today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation.