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Drug Crime Attorney St. Louis

Last updated on May 5, 2025

You have much to lose if you are under suspicion of drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, cultivation or trafficking of controlled substances. Besides a criminal record and penalties, such as jail time and fines, you may be barred from certain occupations, student loans and security clearances.

If you have been named in an investigation, questioned or arrested, you must take your legal situation very seriously. At KesslerWilliams, our criminal defense attorneys serve people accused of crimes involving illegal substances in the St. Louis metro area in both Missouri and Illinois. We handle nearly every case imaginable, from simple possession to felony drug trafficking.

Drug Crimes Overview

Prescription Drug Offenses, Fentanyl, Meth And Cocaine

Each type of drug offense in Missouri carries different legal consequences depending on the substance involved, the amount and whether there was intent to distribute. A trusting attorney-client relationship can go a long way in getting results in your favor if your criminal charges involve:

  • Prescription drug offenses: Charges can arise from actions such as forging prescriptions, doctor shopping, like obtaining multiple prescriptions from different providers or unlawfully possessing medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax or Adderall. Even a small amount of unauthorized possession can lead to felony charges, depending on the schedule of the drug and other circumstances.
  • Fentanyl offenses: Fentanyl is extremely potent, and Missouri law treats it very seriously. Possession of even trace amounts can result in felony charges. Trafficking fentanyl carries harsh mandatory minimum sentences (starting from 10 years) due to its deadly risk and the growing number of overdose deaths linked to the drug.
  • Methamphetamine offenses: Meth remains a major problem in Missouri, especially in rural areas. Offenses can include simple possession, possession with intent to distribute and manufacturing. Meth labs are aggressively prosecuted, and manufacturing charges often lead to long prison sentences.
  • Cocaine offenses: Whether in powdered or crack form, cocaine-related offenses are harshly penalized. Even possession of a small amount can result in felony charges. Distribution or trafficking charges bring even steeper penalties, especially if the offense occurs near schools, parks or public housing.
  • Other Substances: Ecstasy, heroin and other street drugs.

If you have been accused of a drug crime involving prescription drugs, fentanyl, meth or cocaine, our attorneys can provide legal guidance to explore defense strategies and mitigate potential penalties. We are ready to fight on your behalf. Are you ready to join in?

Federal Drug Crime Charges

Federal drug charges are among the most serious criminal offenses a person can face in St. Louis. Unlike state-level drug charges, which are prosecuted by Missouri authorities, federal drug crimes are handled by agencies like the DEA, FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office.

These cases involve large-scale drug operations, interstate or international trafficking or the use of federal resources (like the postal service) to commit the offense. If you are being investigated or have been charged, it is critical to understand the nature of these offenses and the penalties you may be facing.

Federal drug crimes cover a range of conduct, including:

  • Drug trafficking: It involves transporting, distributing or selling large quantities of controlled substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin or fentanyl.
  • Conspiracy: Refers to agreeing with one or more individuals to commit a federal drug offense, even if the crime was never completed.
  • Manufacturing: It includes growing or producing illegal drugs, including operating meth labs or cultivating marijuana in violation of federal law.
  • Possession with intent to distribute: Involves possessing a quantity of drugs that suggests an intent to sell or distribute, often determined by the amount and packaging.
  • Prescription fraud: Constitutes illegally obtaining or distributing prescription medications through forgery, deceit or improper prescribing.

A drug offense may become a federal case if:

  • The alleged crime occurred across state or national borders
  • The drug quantity exceeds certain federal thresholds
  • A federal agency conducted the investigation
  • Weapons or organized crime links are involved
  • The offense took place on federal property

Federal sentencing is harsh and often nonnegotiable. Some potential penalties include:

  • Mandatory minimum sentences: For example, 10 years to life for trafficking one kilogram of heroin or five kilograms of cocaine
  • Fine: Up to $10 million for serious offenses involving large quantities or multiple defendants
  • Supervised release: After prison, you may be placed on supervised release for at least four to 10 years
  • Asset forfeiture: The government can seize cars, homes, cash and other property tied to drug proceeds or transportation.

Convictions are governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider factors like drug quantity, prior convictions and the presence of weapons.

Because of these high stakes, anyone facing a federal drug charge in St. Louis should immediately contact a qualified federal criminal defense attorney. Our skilled lawyers can help protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.

A Prompt And Decisive Strategy May Turn Your Case Around

Even before you go before a prosecutor or judge, you can make a difference in your own drug crime case. You may be able to get your criminal defense underway early in your case by voluntarily entering into drug dependency treatment. If you are a known felony offender for drug possession charges, possession with intent, cocaine possession or other offenses, you may be a candidate for the Drug Court Program, with great opportunities to get therapeutic help while avoiding the harshest penalties. It is critical to hire drug possession lawyers immediately. The sooner you have an attorney working on your drug possession crime cases, the better your chances of a light sentence.

Drug Diversion Court In Missouri

Missouri’s Drug Diversion Courts, often referred to as Treatment Courts, offer an alternative path for people charged with certain drug-related offenses. Instead of facing traditional prosecution and sentencing, eligible participants can enter a structured, closely monitored treatment program. The goal is rehabilitation, not punishment, in hopes of breaking the cycle of substance abuse and criminal behavior.

Participants in Missouri’s Drug Diversion Court must meet specific eligibility requirements, which generally include:

  • Being charged with nonviolent drug offenses
  • Demonstrating a willingness to undergo intensive treatment

The program involves:

  • Frequent drug testing
  • Regular court appearances
  • Individual and group therapy sessions
  • Strict supervision by a team of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers and treatment providers

If the participant successfully completes the program, their charges may be reduced or even dismissed. However, failing to comply with the program’s requirements can lead to sanctions or a return to traditional court proceedings.

Potential Drug Crime Penalties In Missouri

The specific penalties that a person faces when convicted of drug crimes vary widely based on numerous factors. The type of drug in question can play a role, as can the amount the person was in possession of at the time. There can also be aggravating factors. For instance, a nonviolent possession charge tends to result in a far less serious sentence than a violent drug crime involving a firearm. While every case is unique, below are a few examples of potential penalties for common drug crimes under Missouri law.

If someone is in possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana, Missouri defines this as a Class A misdemeanor. The typical penalty for this is a $2,000 fine and up to a year behind bars. However, possession of other controlled substances could constitute a Class C felony, which may lead to a jail term between three and 10 years, along with a fine of up to $10,000.

When it comes to drug trafficking and distribution, the classification depends on the amount of the drugs involved. For example, they could face second-degree drug trafficking charges for 30 grams of methamphetamine, which would also be a Class C felony, as discussed above. But someone in possession of 90 or more grams of a substance containing PCP or heroin could be charged with a Class B felony. This charge means they could face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years in jail, with a maximum sentence of 15 years.

Drug manufacturing carries a wide range of potential penalties. It depends on the type of felony, as it can range from a Class E felony to a Class A felony. If it is a Class A felony, then the minimum jail term is 10 years, but a sentence of up to 30 years, or even life imprisonment, in some cases. The location of the alleged manufacturing also plays a role. For instance, if someone is within 2,000 feet of a school in Missouri, they may be charged with a Class B felony for drug manufacturing.

No matter what specific charges you are facing, our attorneys can help you consider the potential penalties and your legal defense options.

Drug Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to answer your questions about illegal drugs and the criminal justice system, such as the following:

Can an attorney help me avoid jail time?

We always strive to achieve this outcome for our clients. In fact, we have helped many of them get charges dismissed or reduced. Our defense tactics have helped many avoid jail time altogether and turn their lives around.

What are my rights if I’m arrested for a drug crime?

You have the same rights that anyone accused of a crime has, such as the right to the assumption of your innocence and the right to have a drug possession attorney represent you.

Can I still be arrested for marijuana possession now that it is legal in Missouri?

Yes – you may still face arrests for marijuana possession and subsequent marijuana possession charges even though the state has decriminalized its use. In Missouri, you can possess up to three ounces of marijuana. If the amounts of marijuana in your possession are greater than three ounces, you could get charged with marijuana possession. If you have drug possession lawyers, they may be able to fight unlawful possession charges and avoid a conviction.

Besides the drug treatment strategy described above, what are other common defenses to drug crime charges?

When the police have executed an illegal search without a search warrant to obtain supposed evidence of a drug crime, we bring these unlawful tactics to light. This helps us challenge arrests for drug possession and various drug possession crime allegations successfully. Many of our clients’ charges have been dismissed with this defense strategy.

Get Legal Advice And A Strong Defense For Your Drug Charges

Our experienced attorneys have gotten positive results in state and federal drug cases for decades. We will defend you against legal challenges such as drug conspiracy, wire fraud and related criminal charges.

To schedule a consultation with one of our criminal defense lawyers, call 314-720-5476 or email us.