diff --git a/src/meshcore/commands/messaging.py b/src/meshcore/commands/messaging.py
index dae7936..12cbf49 100644
--- a/src/meshcore/commands/messaging.py
+++ b/src/meshcore/commands/messaging.py
@@ -73,10 +73,11 @@ class MessagingCommands(CommandHandlerBase):
             timestamp = int(time.time())
 
         if dst_type is None:
-            dst_type = dst["type"]
-        else: # assume destination is a repeater
-            logger.warning("Can't determine destination type, please ensure contacts first or specify dst_type when calling `send_cmd`. Assuming it's a repeater.")
-            dst_type = AdvType.REPEATER.value
+            if isinstance(dst, dict) and "type" in dst:
+                dst_type = dst["type"]
+            else: # assume destination is a repeater
+                logger.warning("Can't determine destination type, please ensure contacts first or specify dst_type when calling `send_cmd`. Assuming it's a repeater.")
+                dst_type = AdvType.REPEATER.value
 
         cmd_data = bytearray([CommandType.SEND_TXT_MSG.value])
         if dst_type == AdvType.CHAT.value :