WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’VE BEEN CHARGED WITH FELONY POSSESSION IN MISSOURI?

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Facing a felony drug possession charge in Missouri can feel like the end of the road, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right legal strategy, you may be able to avoid prison, reduce your charges, or even have your case dismissed entirely.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City drug possession defense attorneys have helped clients across Kansas City beat serious drug charges. If you’re facing felony possession, here’s what you need to know and how a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you fight back.

WHAT COUNTS AS FELONY DRUG POSSESSION IN MISSOURI?

Under Missouri law, drug possession becomes a felony when you’re caught with:

  • Controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, meth, fentanyl, LSD, or ecstasy
  • Prescription medications (like oxycodone or Xanax) without a valid prescription
  • Large quantities of marijuana (even after Missouri’s legalization for medical use)
  • Any quantity of a controlled substance in certain circumstances (repeat offenses, intent to distribute, or proximity to schools)

Even a small amount of a hard drug can land you a Class D felony, which carries:

  • Up to 7 years in prison
  • Fines up to $10,000
  • A permanent criminal record

COMMON DEFENSE STRATEGIES FOR FELONY DRUG CHARGES

The key to beating a felony drug charge is exposing the flaws in the case against you. Here are some of the most effective legal defenses:

  1. Illegal Search or Seizure: Was the evidence obtained without a warrant? Were you stopped without probable cause? If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, your attorney can move to suppress the evidence, possibly getting the entire case thrown out.
  2. Lack of Knowledge or Control: You can’t be guilty of possession if you didn’t know the drugs were there or didn’t have control over them. If the drugs were found in a shared space (like a car or apartment), the state must prove they were specifically yours.
  3. Challenging Lab Results: Sometimes, substances are incorrectly identified. A good attorney will demand independent lab verification and may find inconsistencies that weaken the prosecution’s case.
  4. Questioning Chain of Custody: Was the evidence handled properly? Were all procedures followed in collecting, storing, and testing the substance? Any break in the chain of custody could lead to suppression of evidence.

FIRST-TIME OFFENDER? YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR ALTERNATIVES

If this is your first offense, you may be eligible for:

  • Pretrial diversion programs
  • Drug court
  • Suspended imposition of sentence (SIS)
  • Probation instead of prison

These programs can help you avoid jail and even keep a conviction off your record, if you successfully complete court-mandated treatment or supervision.

YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY DRUG CRIMES LAWYER ON YOUR SIDE

Felony drug charges are serious, but they are not unbeatable. At KC Defense Counsel, we’ve successfully defended clients facing charges involving:

  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Fentanyl
  • Prescription pills
  • Marijuana and THC extracts

We know the Kansas City court system, the prosecutors, and the procedures that can make or break your case. Don’t wait until it’s too late. A felony drug conviction can ruin your career, cost you your freedom, and follow you for life.

Call KC Defense Counsel today and let our affordable Missouri drug possession attorneys help protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers in Missouri can be of assistance.

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