Jefferson County Drug Possession Defense Attorneys

Representing Clients Accused of Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Crimes

Missouri is known for being tough on drug offenses, so it’s recommended that you hire a skilled lawyer if you’re facing a drug possession charge in this state. Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., Attorneys at Law would be happy to represent you in your criminal case, ensuring you have a chance to fight the harsh and unfair drug charges you’re dealing with.

Rest assured that our criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented numerous clients facing serious criminal charges in Jefferson County, MO. If you’re worried about jail time, significant fines, community service, and other potential criminal penalties, call our law firm for a free consultation with a defense lawyer.

What Are the Drug Possession Laws in Missouri?

Missouri law states that it’s illegal to knowingly possess a controlled substance. If you were arrested for this drug crime, it’s important to understand your specific charge. The following are the main possession laws in Missouri:

Simple possession: You can be charged with this drug crime if you were caught with a small amount of a drug for personal use
Possession with intent to distribute: This charge accuses you of possessing larger quantities of illegal drugs that the police believe you wish to sell to others. You could be charged with this drug crime if you’re caught with baggies, a scale, and cash, in addition to a large quantity of a controlled substance
Drug paraphernalia possession: You could face this charge if you’re caught with baggies, needles, pipes, and other drug paraphernalia, even if you don’t have any drugs in your possession

If you were arrested for any of these drug crimes, you should seek assistance with your drug possession defense in Jefferson County, MO. Otherwise, you could be subject to harsh punishment, including fines and imprisonment. Contact our law office for help fighting your drug possession charge.

What Penalties Do You Face If Convicted of This Drug Crime?

Your punishment for simple possession will depend on whether you’re facing a felony or misdemeanor. This is usually determined by the type and amount of drug you were caught with.

Marijuana is legal for recreational use among adults 21 and over in Missouri. However, you can face consequences for possessing more than the legal limit of 3 ounces. If you’re arrested for possessing 10 to 35 grams of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids in Jefferson County, MO, you’ll be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. This can result in up to one year in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.

Your marijuana possession charge could be elevated to a Class D felony if you’re caught with more than 35 grams. This can result in up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

You can face the same felony charge if you’re found in possession of other controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and LSD. This means you could spend up to 7 years in prison if convicted.

You could spend even longer in prison if you have prior offenses on your criminal record or were caught with a particularly large quantity of drugs. That’s because you’ll be charged with a Class C felony, which can result in 3 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Certain aggravating factors could escalate the charge to a Class B felony, which carries 5 to 15 years in prison.

Your drug crime defense attorney will let you know your charge and the likely penalties when taking on your case. If you have questions about your drug possession charges, contact our Jefferson County, MO law firm to schedule an initial consultation.

What Drug Crime Defense Angles Could Help You Get the Best Possible Outcome?

The right lawyer for your case will work hard to create a strong defense meant to protect you from the penalties that come with a conviction for drug possession. Depending on the circumstances of your criminal charge, your lawyer may consider using one or more of the following criminal defense options in your case:

Unlawful search and seizure, which means the police searched you, your vehicle, or your home without probable cause, violating your rights
Issues with the chain of custody, which could involve alleging that the evidence in your case was mishandled or contaminated and therefore can’t be relied on in court
Lack of awareness that you possessed drugs, as someone may have placed them in your home or vehicle without your knowledge
Coercion or duress, which means someone threatened or intimidated you into committing the drug crime
Showing that the evidence against you is inaccurate or insufficient, using proof like video surveillance footage or receipts to significantly weaken the prosecution’s case

A trusted Jefferson County criminal defense lawyer has the skills to collect and review all evidence, from police reports to video footage, in an effort to prove the prosecutors wrong. They can also negotiate a reduced sentence for you. If you need guidance through the legal process, please contact our firm to schedule an initial consultation.

How Can Jefferson County Drug Possession Defense Attorneys Assist You?

Grafe & Batchelor, P.C., Attorneys at Law, has years of experience securing favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges ranging from drug possession to drug trafficking. Our team can handle your case, whether you were arrested for possession of marijuana, cocaine, prescription medications, or other drugs. We fully understand the importance of avoiding jail, fines, and other consequences that could threaten your future, so you can trust us to work hard to get the outcome you want.

We urge you to take immediate action by calling our firm to learn your legal rights. Our defense lawyers can answer your questions about your criminal case, providing you with peace of mind from the start. Call (636) 220-5934 to learn more about how our defense team can assist you.