Missouri Cocaine Laws
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed June 16, 2025
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In the state of Missouri, you can face felony charges for possessing any amount of cocaine. More severe penalties can apply if you sell or traffick cocaine into the state. Additionally, if you sell cocaine and a person sustains a serious injury or dies from using it, you could face up to a life sentence in prison.
Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance under Missouri law. Schedule II drugs are those that have a high potential for abuse and addiction and some accepted medical uses. Examples of other Schedule II drugs include the following:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Methamphetamine and several other stimulants
This article provides an overview of Missouri's laws and criminal penalties for cocaine-related drug offenses. You can find more information at FindLaw's Missouri Drug Laws article.
Missouri Cocaine Laws: Overview
The table below highlights Missouri's cocaine laws and criminal penalties. For more information on the laws in other states, visit FindLaw's State Cocaine Laws article.
Missouri Cocaine Laws Code Sections |
Missouri Revised Statutes:
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Missouri Possession of Cocaine Laws |
A person commits the crime of possession of a controlled substance if they knowingly possess cocaine without the lawful authorization to possess it. (§ 579.015(1)) The possession of any controlled substance is a Class D felony. (§ 579.015(2)). If convicted, the defendant faces up to seven years in prison. |
Missouri Delivery of a Controlled Substance Laws |
A person commits the crime of delivery of a controlled substance in Missouri if they do any of the following without legal authorization:
Delivery of a controlled substance is typically a Class C felony. (§ 579.020(2)). However, the following circumstances elevate it to a Class B felony:
If convicted of a Class C felony, the defendant faces a mandatory prison sentence of between three and 10 years. If convicted of a Class B felony, they face a mandatory prison sentence between five and 15 years. |
Delivery of a Controlled Substance Causing Physical Injury or Death in Missouri |
A person commits the offense of delivery of a controlled substance causing serious physical injury if the following things occur:
A person commits the offense of delivery of a controlled substance causing death if the above-listed things occur, but the person who uses the cocaine mixture dies rather than sustains a serious physical injury (§ 579.022(1)). Delivering a controlled substance that causes serious physical injury is a Class C felony. (§ 579.021(3)). If convicted, the person faces a mandatory prison sentence of between three years and 10 years. Delivering a controlled substance causing death is a Class A felony (§ 579.022(3)). If convicted, the person faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. While 30 years is the usual maximum, a life sentence is also possible. |
Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Protected Location in Missouri |
A person commits the crime of distribution of a controlled substance in a protected location if they knowingly distribute, sell, or deliver cocaine to another in any of the following locations:
The unlawful distribution of a controlled substance in a protected location is a Class A felony (§ 579.030(2)). If convicted, the person faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. While 30 years is the usual maximum, a life sentence is also possible. |
Unlawful Distribution, Delivery, or Sale of Drug Paraphernalia in Missouri |
A person commits the crime of distribution, delivery, or sale of drug paraphernalia if they unlawfully distribute, deliver, sell, or possess drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute, deliver, or sell it with knowledge (or possible knowledge) that someone will use it to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce cocaine into the human body (§ 579.040(1)). The unlawful delivery of drug paraphernalia is typically a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, the defendant faces up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $2,000. If they made the delivery for commercial purposes, it is a Class E felony instead. If convicted, they face up to four years in prison (§ 579.040(2)). |
Missouri Cocaine Manufacturing Crimes |
A person commits the crime of manufacture of a controlled substance if they do any of the following:
Manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance is a Class C felony (§ 579.055(3)). If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory sentence of between three years and 10 years in prison. If they commit the crime within 2,000 feet of school property, it is a Class B felony (§ 579.055(2)). If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory sentence of between five years and 15 years in prison. |
Missouri Cocaine Trafficking Charges |
First-degree A commits the offense of trafficking drugs in the first degree if they knowingly distribute, deliver, manufacture, produce, or attempt to distribute, deliver, manufacture, or produce 150 or more grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine (§ 579.065(1)(2)). Trafficking drugs in the first degree is typically a Class B felony (§ 579.065(2)). It elevates to a Class A felony if the amount of cocaine involved is 450 or more grams (§ 579.065(3)(2)). If convicted, the defendant faces the following penalties:
Second-degree A person commits the crime of trafficking drugs in the second degree if they knowingly possess, control, purchase, attempt to purchase, or bring 150 or more grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine into Missouri (§ 579.068(1)(2)). Trafficking drugs in the second degree is typically a Class C felony (§ 579.068(2)). If the offense involves 450 or more grams of cocaine, it is elevated to a Class B felony (§ 579.068(3)). If convicted, the defendant faces the following:
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Note: State laws often change through the state legislature's actions, higher court decisions, and other means. Contact a Missouri criminal defense attorney or conduct your own research to verify the state laws you are researching.
Related Resources
For more information about Missouri drug crimes and illegal drugs, visit the following links:
- Criminal Charges
- Criminal Defense Strategies
- Drug Charges
- Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing
- Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing
- Drug Possession Overview
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution
- Missouri Criminal Laws
- Missouri Criminal Statute of Limitations
- Missouri Drug Court Resources
- Missouri Heroin Laws
- Missouri Law
- Missouri Marijuana Laws
- Types of Drug Crimes
You can also visit FindLaw's State Drug Possession Laws article for more information about other states' drug laws.
Charged With a Drug Offense in Missouri? Speak With an Attorney
If you face cocaine-related drug charges or similar crimes like marijuana possession, consider contacting a Missouri criminal defense lawyer near you. Their legal advice and representation could make a significant difference in your case.
Whether you are a first-time offender facing simple possession charges or you have prior drug case convictions in your criminal record, an experienced attorney can help you get the best possible outcome in your case. Talk to a drug crime attorney to get started on your defense strategy.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
- Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Missouri attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
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