Chesterfield Drug Crime Attorney

Put Over 60 Years of Combined Experience In Your Corner

A drug crime charge is a serious matter. Short-term and long-term consequences can include serving time in county jail or state prison and heavy fines. Additionally, damage can be done to personal and professional reputations and relationships.

Whether you are facing criminal charges for the sale of drugs, the trafficking of drugs, the possession of drugs, or any other type of severe drug crime, you need to have a competent and experienced law firm in your corner protecting your rights. Based on our experience, The Hammer Law Firm, LLC can, and does, deliver the best possible outcomes to our clients facing drug charges.

Our drug crime lawyer in Chesterfield is just a phone call away. Contact us at (314) 334-3807 to find out how we can help you.

Common Types of Drug Crimes

Drug-related charges can range from minor infractions to serious felonies. Some of the most common types of drug crimes in Chesterfield, MO, include:

• Possession of Controlled Substances: Being found with illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or unauthorized prescription medications can result in possession charges.
• Drug Trafficking: This involves the sale, transportation, or distribution of illegal substances. Trafficking charges often carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences.
• Manufacturing Drugs: Producing illegal drugs or growing controlled substances like marijuana can lead to serious legal consequences.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute: If you are found with a large quantity of drugs or paraphernalia suggesting distribution, you could face this charge.
• Drug Paraphernalia Charges: Possession of items like syringes, pipes, or scales intended for drug use or distribution can also result in legal trouble.

Penalties for Drug Crimes

Missouri takes drug crimes very seriously, and penalties depend on the type of drug, the amount involved, and the nature of the offense. Some potential consequences include:

• Fines: Convictions can result in fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Jail or Prison Time: Depending on the severity of the charge, you could face months, years, or even decades of incarceration.
• Probation: In some cases, courts may impose probation instead of jail time, often with strict conditions like regular drug testing and counseling.
• Loss of Driving Privileges: Certain drug convictions can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
• A Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction can have long-term effects on your ability to secure employment, housing, or loans.

Missouri classifies drugs into five schedules, with Schedule I drugs (e.g., heroin, LSD) considered the most dangerous and carrying the harshest penalties. The circumstances of your case, including prior convictions and whether minors were involved, can also impact sentencing.

How Can I Avoid Drug Charges in Chesterfield, MO?

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for a drug crime, taking immediate action is critical. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent and should avoid making statements to law enforcement without legal counsel present.
2. Contact a Lawyer Immediately: An experienced Chesterfield drug crime lawyer, like those at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, can guide you through the legal process and develop a strong defense strategy.
3. Understand Your Rights: Knowing your constitutional rights, such as protection against unlawful searches and seizures, can play a key role in your defense.
4. Seek Legal Alternatives: Depending on your case, you may be eligible for diversion programs, treatment options, or plea deals that reduce charges or penalties.
5. Challenge the Evidence: An attorney can investigate the circumstances of your arrest to determine if evidence was obtained illegally or if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Legal Defenses to Drug Crimes

A skilled Chesterfield drug crime lawyer can explore a variety of defenses to protect your rights and challenge the charges against you. Some common legal defenses include:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement conducted a search without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
• Lack of Possession: The prosecution must prove that you had control over the drugs. If the drugs were found in a shared space or someone else’s belongings, this defense could apply.
• Entrapment: If you were coerced or persuaded by law enforcement into committing a drug-related crime that you otherwise would not have committed, entrapment might be a viable defense.
• Chain of Custody Errors: Mistakes in the handling, storage, or documentation of evidence can compromise its integrity and potentially lead to its exclusion.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are gaps in the evidence, the charges may not hold up in court.
• Prescription Defense: If you were in possession of a controlled substance with a valid prescription, this defense could apply.

Why Choose The Hammer Law Firm, LLC?

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we pride ourselves on providing client-focused representation tailored to the unique needs of each case. Here’s why clients trust us:

• Extensive Experience: Our team has years of experience handling drug crime cases, from simple possession to complex trafficking charges.
• Aggressive Defense Strategies: We don’t back down when it comes to protecting your rights and will explore every possible avenue to achieve a favorable outcome.
• Personalized Attention: We treat every client with respect and prioritize open communication throughout the legal process.
• Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully defended countless clients facing serious drug charges.

Contact us today at (314) 334-3807to request an initial consultation.