Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

Based upon the few facts you described, it sounds like you need nerar immediate consultation with a criminal defense attorney in your area. Many offer a free or low cost intial consultation. If you feel that you cannot afford an attorney, ask that one be appinted for you, at your next opportunity.

Public Defenders are often overbooked and underpaid, but are much better than a novice attempting to defend themslf. In fact, the court may not be allowed to sentence you to the full punishment until you have had the opportunity to consult defense counsel. The earlier you get advice specific to the facts of your situation, the greater your chances of keeping your clean record.

If you can afford private counsel, even if it means selling a lot of your valuables, you should seriously consider it. A simpler life, with little frills, on the outside of prison, beats the very simple (no frills) life inside. You may have defenses that you do not yet realize. An attorney may be able to prevent your conviction.

If you opt not to consult direclty with counsel, you may get an offer, from the prosecutor, to plead guilty in excahnge for a sentencing recomendation. They may even offer to allow you to plead to a lesser offense, Having an atotrney does nto guarantee that one wil nto be found guilty. But, the prosecutor may have little reason to not pursue the case vigorously, despite your avalable defenses, if they get no effective resisitence.from you or your attorney. T

The amount of jail or prison time you could be facing are based upon the type of drug you were alleged to be trafficing, the amounts, the court that the case is in, and some other technical factors. Since you did not already know that, it reveals that your unfamiliarity or newness to the system will put you at a disadvantage compared to other defendants. If there were others charged along with you, that are more savvy, they may defelct all the blame onto you.

Just this past week, there was US Supreme Court decision regarding the propriety of the use of a drug dog to catch a grower or trafficer in a home. Your court will have to address that judicial opinion, if any of your facts are the same. But, not if you or yoru atotrney don't raise the issue. There are hundreds of other cases that alter what evidence can be presented agaisnt you. Unless you are going to study them, you could likely miss legitimate viable defenses.

You were wise to request general information here, for yrou rather seriouos matter. Be smart, and get advice specific to the facts of your case. It may not cost you anything, yet could save your time, freedom and money for the rest of your life.

Good luck

I agree with the above response. You need to hire an attorney because you are facing felony charges and possible prison time. I have been practicing criminal law for over thirty-five years and have handled many, many felony drug cases in Jefferson County. If you do not already have an attorney, I might be able to offer my services to you for a reasonable fee. Please feel free to contact me directly for a free telephone consultation.