Drug Distribution Defense Attorneys in St. Louis

Defending Against Drug Distribution Charges in St. Louis County

Have you been charged with drug distribution in Missouri? You need to start thinking about how you can shield yourself from the accusations. The prosecution has certainly already begun compiling its evidence and building a case to put you behind bars. With JMH Law Firm, LLC, our drug distribution attorneys in St. Louis, you can construct a defensive case capable of outmatching whatever the opposition brings against you.

Why Choose Us?

Reasons you can trust in our legal team:

• We have 30+ years of total criminal law experience.
• We bring unmatched insight into how these cases are built.
• We have proven ourselves again and again in cases that go to trial.
• We are recognized leaders in the industry.
• Our past clients have shared appreciative testimonials.
• Our record of case results shows impressive victories.

Challenge your charges with our drug distribution attorneys in St. Louis. Contact us for a free consultation.

What Constitutes Drug Distribution?

The Missouri criminal justice system often bundles distribution, sale, and trafficking into one criminal category. With this broadened definition, a person can be charged with distributing drugs for a variety of reasons. While most charges are concerned with large-scale drug trafficking, just the act of handing an illegal substance to another person for use or safekeeping can even be misconstrued into distribution. For this reason and more, you need to be fully aware of what the prosecution will likely claim you did so you can react accordingly and swiftly.

What are the Penalties for Drug Distribution Crimes in Missouri?

The penalties upon conviction for simple drug possession in Missouri are steep. The punishments that can be brought against someone for distributing drugs illegally are even harsher. Unless your criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor who is assigned your case, any drug distribution charge is likely to be categorized as a felony.

The penalties for felony drug distribution in Missouri vary but will likely include:

• At least one year in prison
• Several thousand dollars in fines, or twice whatever profit was gained through distribution
• Extensive probation upon release from prison
• Probable revocation of gun rights for felony conviction

Penalties for a drug distribution charge will escalate depending on a number of factors. The drug in question can worsen the felony charge; for example, distributing cocaine is generally penalized worse than distributing pseudoephedrine. The amount of narcotics or illegal substances distributed will also be a major factor in how much the felony charge escalates. There are also a number of other miscellaneous considerations when the severity of charges is decided, such as your own criminal record, where you were arrested, and who received the illegal substances.

Defenses Against Drug Distribution Charges

Common defenses against drug distribution charges may include:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: One of the most common defenses in drug distribution cases involves challenging the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of drugs. Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to be free from excessive searches and seizures. If law enforcement officers had violated your rights by conducting an illegal search—such as searching your car or home without a valid warrant or probable cause—any evidence obtained during that search may be excluded from the case. Without key evidence, the prosecution’s case may collapse, resulting in the dismissal or lessening of charges.
• Lack of Intent to Distribute: Simply possessing a large quantity of drugs is not enough to prove intent to distribute. Prosecutors must demonstrate that you intended to sell, deliver, or transfer the drugs to others. In some instances, individuals are wrongfully accused of distribution based solely on the amount of drugs in their possession. We can challenge the evidence of intent, arguing that the drugs were for personal use rather than distribution.
• Entrapment: Entrapment happens when law enforcement officers cause someone to execute a crime they would not have otherwise committed. In drug distribution cases, this can involve undercover officers or confidential informants pressuring an individual to sell or distribute drugs. If you were coerced or manipulated into committing an offense by police tactics, we may be able to argue that you were the victim of entrapment. Successful entrapment defenses can lead to the dismissal of charges.
• Challenging the Evidence: Drug distribution cases often depend on circumstantial evidence, like the presence of packaging materials, scales, or big amounts of cash. However, this evidence does not always prove distribution. For example, scales or packaging materials may be used for other purposes unrelated to drug distribution. We can work to discredit the prosecution’s evidence and raise doubts about their case. In some situations, lab results regarding the type or quantity of the drugs may also be called into question.
• Plea Negotiations: In certain instances, negotiating a plea deal with the prosecution may be in your best interest. While this is not a traditional defense, we can use our knowledge of the legal system to secure a more favorable result, like reduced charges or a lesser sentence. Plea negotiations are often complex, requiring a deep understanding of Missouri’s drug laws and the capability to negotiate with prosecutors effectively.

Contact Our St. Louis Drug Distribution Attorney Today

JMH Law Firm, LLC has built a reputation for never backing down when the livelihoods of our clients are on the line. We take every case that comes to our desks seriously and provide personalized one-on-one attention for every client. Your comfort and confidence as your drug distribution defense case progresses are prioritized, as is securing a positive case result.

To learn more about what you should do to defend yourself from the charges filed against you, contact our St. Louis drug distribution lawyers right away!