Arrested for a Drug Crime in St. Louis?
Let Brent E. Labovitz, Attorney at Law Defend You!
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) was signed into law by President Richard
Nixon and is the federal U.S. drug policy which governs the possession,
manufacture, importation and distribution of controlled substances. In
Missouri, drug offenses are regulated under the RSMO – Chapter 195,
Drug Regulations. Sections 195.005 to 195.425 are known as the "Comprehensive
Drug Control Act of 1989."
Under the Comprehensive Drug Control Act of 1989, the various drug offenses
have been outlined, along with their classifications. The sentencing for
a drug offense in Missouri will depend on a number of factors including
the type of drug, the amount and what the defendant intended to do with
it. Just a few of the drug offenses described in the Act include:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Fraudulently Attempting to Obtain a Controlled Substance
- Distribution, Delivery, Manufacture of a Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Distribution to a Minor
- Distribution of a Controlled Substance Near Schools
- Trafficking Drugs
- Possession of an Imitation Controlled Substance
- Marketing Ephedrine
It is unlawful for anyone to possess or have under his or her control a
controlled substance. Any person who violates Section 195.202, with the
exception of 35 grams or less of marijuana or a synthetic cannabinoid
is guilty of a Class C felony, but with respect to 35 grams or less of
marijuana, it is a Class A misdemeanor offense. On the other hand, anyone
who attempts to manufacture, distribute, deliver or produce a controlled
substance with the intent to distribute or deliver, with the exception
of five grams or less of marijuana is guilty of a Class B felony.
Under §195.201, anyone who fraudulently attempts to obtain a prescription
medication is guilty of a Class D felony offense.
The sentencing term for a Class D felony in Missouri is up to 4 years;
for a Class C felony it is up to 7 years; for a Class B felony it is 5
to 15 years; and for a Class A felony, it is 10 to 30 years, or life imprisonment.
If you or someone you love is facing drug charges in St. Louis,
contact Brent E. Labovitz, Attorney at Law immediately for help!
Search and Seizure Defense to Drug Crimes
Because of the seriousness of drug crimes in Missouri, law enforcement
will often do whatever it takes to locate the illegal compounds in question.
Sometimes their methods involve search and seizure tactics, but they do
not always operate according to the legal standards for such an offense.
If you were arrested for a drug crime and believe that the police conducted
an illegal search and seizure, you may have grounds for your case to be
dismissed.
Law enforcement often organizes traffic stops on major highways in order
to check for drugs in suspected vehicles. These drug checks, however,
are often done without probable cause. Probable cause is necessary to
both stop a vehicle and search a vehicle, so if you have not committed
any traffic offense, the police cannot legally stop you.
Illegal search and seizures can be attacked in court with the proper defense.
A strong defense includes any of the following:
- Violation of your constitutional rights due to an illegal search and seizure
- Being held longer than necessary during a traffic stop
- Whether or not the police had a valid search warrant
Why you should contact attorney Brent E. Labovitz:
- Attorney Brent E. Labovitz began his legal career working in the Missouri
Public Defender's Office where he acted as lead counsel on hundreds
of misdemeanor and felony cases.
- He gladly offers free case evaluations to all prospective clients.
- He practices in the state and federal courts of Missouri.
- As a volunteer attorney for the Legal Services of Missouri, he represents
indigent clients in numerous civil matters.
To learn more about Brent E. Labovitz, Attorney at Law read about his
victories and read his clients'
testimonials!