Being charged with a drug-related crime can significantly impact your life — and a conviction can result in serious consequences. Not only can your liberty and livelihood be affected if you’re found guilty of drug possession, trafficking, or distribution, but there may be many other life-altering ramifications. 

The Graham Law Firm PLLC is committed to providing effective representation for criminal defense matters and protecting the Constitutional rights of clients who may be facing charges for a wide array of drug-related offenses.

You have certain rights guaranteed by the Constitution — and the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Having the representation of a skilled criminal defense attorney can make all the difference to the outcome of your case. The Graham Law Firm represents clients for many types of drug-related crimes in Arkansas and Missouri, including:

A former public defender, Attorney Lauren Graham, has a deep understanding of not only the law but the strategies the prosecution will use and the arguments they will raise. With The Graham Law Firm on your side, you can rest assured that you have an attorney fighting for you who has the knowledge and experience necessary to secure the best possible result in your case.

Drug crimes in Missouri and Arkansas can be complex. With each crime, there are specific elements that must be satisfied in order for the prosecution to convict. Generally, the severity of the punishment is determined by:

Both Arkansas and Missouri separate drugs into “schedules” categorized by the level of dangerousness and the probability of addiction. Schedule I contains drugs that are not considered to have any medical uses and have a high risk of abuse, including opiates and hallucinogenic substances. The drugs classified under Schedule II also have a high potential for abuse but are considered to have some medical purpose, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Schedule III, IV, and V substances are less likely to be addictive but are still controlled substances.

When it comes to marijuana, the laws differ significantly between the two states. Arkansas allows only medical marijuana, and recreational use remains illegal. Missouri has legalized both medical and recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older, allowing possession of up to three ounces and home cultivation with proper registration. However, possession above these limits, unlicensed sales, or cultivation without a permit are still criminal offenses that can lead to serious felony charges.

Arkansas and Missouri take drug crimes very seriously. No matter the strength of the evidence that might stand against you, our drug crime defense attorneys will meticulously assess the facts and circumstances to uncover any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and mount the best possible defense.

Missouri’s penalties vary widely depending on the drug type, amount, and whether it’s a possession, distribution, or trafficking charge. Even legal cannabis can result in criminal charges if you exceed the allowed limits or violate licensing requirements. In Missouri:

Possession of a controlled substance (other than small amounts of marijuana) is usually a felony. A Class D felony can mean up to 7 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Possession of 35 grams or less of marijuana without a license is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Trafficking offenses carry much heavier penalties. Depending on the amount, trafficking can be charged as a Class B felony (5–15 years in prison) or a Class A felony (10–30 years or life).

Even small mistakes—like carrying slightly more than the legal cannabis limit or possessing prescription medication without proof—can turn into serious criminal cases in Missouri.

The penalties for drug-related crimes are just as severe in Arkansas. Possession of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs may be punishable by a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class B felony carrying 20 years in prison, based on the quantity of the drug. Marijuana possession may be charged as a misdemeanor all the way up to a Class A felony with up to 30 years of jail time and a $15,000 fine, depending on the amount possessed, and whether you have a prior criminal history.

Class A misdemeanors in Arkansas can result in up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. The most serious drug offenses are charged as Class Y felonies which can result in life in prison if you’re found guilty. To determine the appropriate sentence, Arkansas courts use a sentencing grid that factors in the severity of the crime and any prior criminal record.

Regardless of the charges you are facing, it’s critical to have a drug crime lawyer by your side who can protect your rights. The Graham Law Firm provides unwavering advocacy and an aggressive defense for those accused of drug-related crimes.

Being arrested for a drug crime can be a frightening experience. However, specific legal procedures must have been followed by law enforcement in order for the state to prosecute the case. If you weren’t given a Miranda warning prior to interrogation, or the police obtained a confession through coercion, your Constitutional rights may have been violated — and the evidence against you may have to be dismissed.

Whether the drugs in question didn’t belong to you or the police didn’t obtain a valid search warrant, The Graham Law Firm will investigate every possible defense you may have and assess the best course of action for your case.

Both Missouri and Arkansas offer court-supervised drug treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration to those who are eligible. Generally, these diversion programs are available to first-time offenders who committed non-violent drug-related crimes. Typically, the program may require you to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and random drug testing, attend counseling, and appear in drug court regularly.

Participating in a drug diversion program through the court can potentially help you avoid jail time and any negative impact a conviction could have on your employment opportunities. The Graham Law Firm will diligently evaluate your case and discuss all options that may be available to you — whether it might be entering into a plea bargain with the prosecution, participating in a diversion program, or proceeding to trial.