Drug Charge Attorney in Columbia, MO

Have you recently been arrested or charged for a drug-related offense? What many people do not realize is that drug charges will follow you for the rest of your life, making it challenging to find a well-paying job, suitable housing, or access to your children. These collateral consequences will last longer after your sentence is completed. Avoiding a conviction should be your number one priority, but it is likely that it can only be accomplished through retaining skilled defense.

If you are facing drug charge allegations, you need an attorney who will not give up until all your options have been explored. That is what you will find when you hire the services of our Columbia drug charge lawyer at Landon Miller Law. Don’t be mistaken—time is not on your side when you are under government investigation. Repeat this mantra: The moment you are charged for a drug offense should be the moment you seek representation.

Punishment for Drug Offenses in Columbia, MO

Sentencing for a drug crime conviction often involves hefty fines and jail time. Besides relinquishing your civil liberties, a conviction on your record will affect your ability to work or live where you want upon release. In recent years, Missouri has implemented the “ban the box” law to protect former convicts from employment discrimination. The law prohibits public employers from asking about a person’s criminal record until they are being considered for a position. Unfortunately, this does not protect individuals applying for jobs in the private sector.

Along with finding work, you will likely have as difficult a time renting an apartment or buying a house. Landlords are certainly disinclined to rent to ex-convicts, although they will certainly give another reason to deny your application. In the same vein, banks and other lenders may see you as a risk, being less willing to approve a mortgage. As if this is not enough, you may have trouble advancing in your career. Between having trouble renewing licenses and dealing with a tarnished reputation, you may find yourself looking for alternative work (which you will likely be overqualified for).

How are Drug Penalties Determined?

Specific penalties for a drug crime will depend on the type of drug, the quantity of the substance involved, and the type of charge (simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, delivery, or trafficking). Each jurisdiction has a classification system for controlled substances, and Missouri is no different. A qualified drug crimes lawyer can explain the classification of the substance in your situation and how the prosecution arrived at their charges.

Missouri’s Schedule of Controlled Substances applies as follows:

• Schedule I: These substances have the highest potential for abuse and the least proven medical use. Common Schedule I substances include heroin, ecstasy, and LSD.
• Schedule II: These substances have a high potential for physical or psychological dependency, while serving a legitimate medical purpose under close monitoring. Common Schedule II substances include Codeine, morphine, and fentanyl.
• Schedule III: These controlled substances carry a low to moderate risk of dependency and an acceptable medical use. Common Schedule III substances include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and certain weight loss medications.
• Schedule IV: Schedule IV substances have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III substances while serving an established medical purpose. Common Schedule IV substances include Valium, Xanax, and Diazepam.
• Schedule V: These controlled substances have the least potential for abuse and the highest medical use. Common Schedule V substances include Lyrica, Motofen, and Vimpat.

Why You Should Hire Landon Miller Law

Successful representation in drug crimes matters requires that you have thorough and dedicated counsel by your side. Any aggravating or mitigating circumstances may enhance or reduce your punishment. For defendants who cannot afford a lawyer but face potential jail time, the court may offer to appoint a public defender to your case. Public defenders work for little pay, being consumed by heavy caseloads, with each case never getting their full attention. While you may be enticed by the amount of money you think you have saved, public defenders have limited access to expert witnesses and other resources, placing their clients at a grave disadvantage.

With your freedom at stake, it is in your best interest to hire a private defense lawyer. Although you may assume that all criminal defense attorneys are identical, you will see a clear difference at Landon Miller Law. Our Columbia drug crime attorney will work tirelessly to gather the necessary information to point out inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. If there are any legal issues, including weak evidence or any disagreement about how evidence was acquired, Attorney Landon Miller will bring the issue to the court’s attention.

Columbia Drug Charge Lawyer Offering Aggressive Representation

Drug charges call for aggressive counsel, which is what you will find when you work with our Columbia drug charge attorney. As the sole attorney at Landon Miller Law, Attorney Miller’s vast experience defending clients at trials in complex legal matters places his representation far above the rest. If you or a loved one is facing any type of drug-related offense, our firm is more than qualified to handle your matter. To schedule your consultation with an attorney, contact us online or by phone at (573) 658-1919 today.