Drug Possession Attorney in St. Louis
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Aggressive Defense for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Missouri - (314) 827-6222
The criminal justice system in Missouri is notorious for being one of the harshest in the United States when it comes to dealing with drug crimes. Not only are the penalties upon conviction typically stricter for comparable crimes in other states, but many Missouri counties have a high conviction rate for simple drug crimes, including drug possession.
If you have been arrested for possession of a controlled substance, you need to act quickly to protect your rights, reputation, and finances from potential costly penalties. At JMH Law Firm, LLC, you can find a team of St. Louis drug possession attorneys with more than 60 years of collective experience dealing with criminal law.
We have the unique advantage of knowing what the opposition is going to say and do before they act. From the moment you retain our criminal defense services, you will already have taken a step in the right direction.
What Are the Penalties for Possession of a Controlled Substance?
Missouri has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. Even a first-time drug possession offense can carry harsh penalties that may affect you for the rest of your life.
Missouri drug possession penalties include:
- Cocaine: Possession of any amount of cocaine is a Class C felony that can be penalized with up to seven years in state prison and several thousand dollars in fines and collateral fees.
- Methamphetamines: Possession of methamphetamine in any amount will be charged as a Class C felony as well; penalties often include up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Pseudoephedrine: Possessing more than 9 grams of pseudoephedrine products in 30 days or 3.6 grams of such products in one day constitutes a Class A misdemeanor in most cases.
The above penalties typically describe first-time convictions and for comparatively low amounts of illegal drugs in the suspect’s possession. Penalties will only worsen for subsequent charges or for larger quantities of drugs found at the time of the arrest.
What Are the Penalties for Possession of Marijuana in Missouri?
Unlike many other states in the country, Missouri has not yet legalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana or marijuana products. If you are arrested with even one gram of marijuana on your person or in your immediate control, then you can be charged with a low-level misdemeanor.
If you are arrested for marijuana possession and already have a similar offense on your criminal record, you will be charged with an escalated misdemeanor that can penalize you with up to one year behind bars and thousands of dollars in fines. The potential criminal penalties upon conviction will only escalate even more for other narcotics and illegal substances.
Alternative Sentencing Options for Drug Possession
In St. Louis, alternative sentencing options for drug possession may vary based on several factors, including the severity of the offense, the individual's criminal history, and the discretion of the judge. Here are some common alternative sentencing options that may be available for drug possession cases in Missouri:
- Drug Court: St. Louis may have a specialized drug court program that offers an alternative to traditional prosecution and sentencing for individuals with substance abuse issues. Drug court typically involves close supervision, regular drug testing, substance abuse treatment, and other supportive services aimed at addressing the underlying causes of addiction and reducing recidivism.
- Pretrial Diversion Programs: These programs allow individuals charged with drug possession to avoid prosecution and a criminal record by completing specified requirements, such as drug education classes, community service, or substance abuse treatment. Successful completion of the program may result in the charges being dismissed.
- Probation: Instead of jail time, a judge may impose probation for drug possession offenses. Probation typically involves supervision by a probation officer and compliance with certain conditions, such as regular drug testing, maintaining employment, attending counseling, or participating in substance abuse treatment programs.
- Drug Treatment Programs: Courts may order individuals convicted of drug possession to participate in substance abuse treatment programs as a condition of probation or as part of a diversion program. Treatment programs may include outpatient or residential rehabilitation, counseling, therapy, and support groups.
- Community Service: In lieu of or in addition to other sentencing options, a judge may order individuals convicted of drug possession to perform community service. This could involve tasks such as cleaning up public spaces, assisting with charitable organizations, or other community-based projects.
- House Arrest/Electronic Monitoring: Instead of incarceration, a judge may allow individuals convicted of drug possession to serve their sentence under house arrest with electronic monitoring. This allows offenders to remain in their homes while being monitored to ensure compliance with the terms of their sentence.
How to Defend Your Drug Possession Charges
Our St. Louis drug possession attorneys know that there is always more than one side to every story and arrest. No matter the circumstances of your drug possession charges or what the prosecution says they have to use against you, there will be a way to construct a defense case.
Common defenses for possession of a controlled substance can include:
- Mistaken identity: Illegal substances found in your possession, vehicle, or household might not be yours at all. For shared spaces, like an apartment rented by numerous people, there are significant gray areas in who owns what property, or who is aware of what property is inside the structure.
- Illegal search and seizure: The police need unquestionable reasoning to search and seize property with or without a warrant. Failing to take the proper steps before invading your privacy, taking your property, and making an arrest can essentially undo all of their efforts in court by rendering key evidence inadmissible.
- Drug prescription: There is always the possibility that the drugs found in your possession were prescribed to you but you had no way of proving it at the time of your arrest. This may come up in cases involving pseudoephedrine or even medical marijuana.
JMH Law Firm, LLC Is Here to Fight for You
Every case is unique, so all or none of the aforementioned defenses might work for your own drug possession charges. The surest way to decide upon the best strategy is by teaming up with JMH Law Firm, LLC and our drug possession lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri.
By analyzing the details of your arrest, evidence collected during discovery, and studying the probable moves of the prosecution, we can construct a defense that works towards an optimal case resolution, which may be a not guilty verdict, case dismissal, or charge reduction.
Put experienced legal defense in your corner. Call (314) 827-6222 or contact us online right away.
