Drug possession is a serious offense in Missouri, and anyone who has been arrested for or charged with any type of drug possession should seek advice from a Missouri drug defense attorney as soon as possible to begin developing a defense strategy. In the meantime, our Missouri criminal defense lawyers want to discuss drug possession laws in the state to help you understand the severity of certain drug crimes and when a person can face particular types of drug charges. The following are several key things you should know about drug possession laws in Missouri.
Drug possession can take different forms in Missouri, from possession of a small amount of marijuana or a controlled substance according to the schedule to the possession of a large quantity of a drug such that the person faces charges for delivery of a controlled substance. Indeed, under Missouri law, you can face charges for the offense of delivery of a controlled substance if you “knowingly possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute or deliver any amount of a controlled substance.”
Accordingly, given the range of drug possession offenses, you can face misdemeanor or felony charges for drug possession, depending upon the particular details of your case. Possession of small amounts of marijuana has been decriminalized in Missouri, which means anyone in possession of less than 10 grams will face a fine. However, a subsequent marijuana offense can result in a Class A misdemeanor. Similarly, possession of anywhere from 10 to 35 grams of marijuana can result in Class A misdemeanor charges even for a first offense, while possession of 35 grams to 30 kg of marijuana will result in Class C felony charges that can include a fine of up to $10,000 and a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
Possession laws for other types of controlled substances listed on the scheduled substances tend to result in charges that are more severe. Possession of a controlled substance is typically charged as a Class D felony in Missouri that can result in up to seven years in prison, even for a first-time offense. A subsequent offense can result in Class C felony charges that can result in a prison sentence of three to 10 years.
Even if you cannot beat the charges you are facing, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing through the Drug Court Program in order to avoid jail time for a first-time drug offense. If beating the drug possession charges you are facing seems unlikely, you should seek advice from your Missouri drug crimes defense lawyer who can help you to seek a reduction in charges or to help determine whether you may be eligible for an alternative sentencing option that prevents you from dealing with the serious repercussions of a drug possession conviction.
Are you currently facing drug possession charges? Our drug crimes defense lawyers in Missouri can speak with you about potential defense strategies. Contact Scott A. Hamblin today for more information.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A mother was seeking sole custody of her children following a divorce. The father refused to cooperate, leaving the client in a difficult situation as she felt as though her children didn’t have a voice. Scott recognized her need for an advocate and carefully listened to the children’s wishes, which conclusively helped the client achieve sole custody of her children and protected their best interests.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
Scott assisted a defendant in a particularly challenging divorce case in which the other spouse was not cooperating. Scott was able to help the client avoid court through an aggressive legal approach to resolve all outstanding disagreements while maintaining the client’s long-term needs.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
A grandparent sought visitation rights to his grandchild after the parent tried to block him. Scott takes grandparents’ rights very seriously, and so he devised a strategy to help the grandparent set a visitation schedule. Scott developed a strategy to show that the child’s best interests were fulfilled through the grandparent’s ability to visit the child, helping push the case towards a resolution in the client’s favor.
Scott assisted a client who was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. The defendant claimed that the opposing party using their phone at the time of the crash, and Scott emphasized this claim to show that the other driver was at fault for the client’s injuries. The case concluded with the client receiving the necessary compensation for medical bills following a long hospital stay due to injuries.
Scott is the best attorney, hands down! My husband had a fairly difficult case, he had little hope that he’d be able to receive anything he was asking for and Scott helped him achieve everything, very quickly. He’s very professional, compassionate and understanding and works hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We are very thankful.
Scott came highly recommended by an attorney friend of mine after I received an unfavorable outcome working with a different lawyer in the area. Scott was smart, pleasant to work with, and achieved the best possible outcome for me. I only wish I would have used him sooner.
We had a very unique case. It was confusing and complicated. Scott stepped in, helped and guided us on our journey. He was knowledgeable, professional and very honest with us. I highly recommend him if you are put in a circumstance where you need an attorney. His integrity is amazing. The entire firm was wonderful to us.
Scott Hamblin is reliable, trustworthy, very professional, and hardworking. I highly recommend him for any of your lawyer needs.
I have been working with Mr. Hamblin for almost one and a half years and consider him to be one of the finest Lawyers I have ever done business with. Mr. Hamblin’s understanding of Missouri law is to say the least encyclopedic. His areas of expertise are broad and far-reaching. While working with Mr. Hamblin I found that he has an innate gift for what he does. His availability, presence in the courtroom, and demeanor with prosecutors, plaintiffs, witnesses and defendants are unparalleled in Missouri’s capital. Jefferson City is the epicenter of all legislation in this great state of Missouri,…
Scott was efficient and knew his stuff. Very thorough and committed to our family. He had worked on two different cases for us and did an excellent job. No regrets!
I called Mr. Hamblin to represent my family member. When we went in to have a meeting, Mr. Hamblin was very honest said he felt that he could represent him and help with the matter that he had been charged with. I was so glad that I had contacted Mr. Hamblin on this matter, because he did just what he said that he would do. He did so in a timely and professional matter, and the expense was very minimal considering that this could have been a life-changing matter. I want to say a big Thank you Mr. Hamblin for…
Very upfront and honest about the potential outcomes of my case.
Scott Hamblin represented my son in a high-profile case. Scott was highly professional throughout the course of the proceedings, prompt and thorough in answering all of our questions and, most importantly, was very prepared when he represented my son in the courtroom, which resulted in a very favorable outcome. Our family cannot thank Scott enough for a job well done and 5 stars is really not enough. He truly did a phenomenal job. I would have no reservations in recommending Scott should you ever need a criminal defense attorney.
Mr. Hamblin succeeded in winning a child custody modification case for me that most lawyers I spoke with wouldn't even take on. Many told me that modifying a child custody agreement was nearly impossible. Due to the changes at my children's Father's house and the toll it was taking on their mental health, my children needed this modification and were begging for a change. Mr. Hamblin helped give my children a voice and get what they call "A Christmas Miracle" when we won full custody of them a few days before Christmas. I would recommend his counsel to anyone needing…
For accessible and experienced representation, contact attorney Scott Hamblin today.
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