Denver Drug Crime Lawyer

Denver Drug Crime Attorney

Many Colorado drug crimes carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, even for first offenders or repeat offenders who only had small quantities of drugs. Penalties for a conviction can include jail or prison time, high fines, property forfeiture, driver’s license revocation and mandatory drug treatment. Drug crime convictions can have severe consequences on your entire life. If you are facing drug charges, you need a strong defense from reliable legal counsel in order to lessen your charges or penalties.

The Law Center P.C.: Your Denver Drug Defense Attorneys

It’s essential to find an attorney who understands the severity of drug charges and who treats you with the care you deserve. At The Law Center P.C., in Highlands Ranch, our criminal defense attorneys represent individuals throughout Colorado who have been charged with various drug possession and use offenses. We will work diligently on your behalf, examining the facts of the case and assessing all of the evidence in order to determine whether:

• You have been properly charged.
• The police played by the rules and didn’t violate your legal rights.
• The government has enough evidence against you, or if there isn’t enough, to establish guilt.
• Other factors may lessen the offense.
• Various other defenses exist for you.

The attorneys at The Law Center P.C. can get you the help you need.

Drug Offenses and Controlled Substances

Drug crimes involve possessing, manufacturing, or distributing a controlled substance. A controlled substance is most often a drug that is restricted because it has a high likelihood of addiction and abuse. Different classifications sort these substances based on their addiction potential and medical use. Substances that are low risk for addiction and have accepted medical use are considered Schedule 5 substances, while high-risk substances with no medical use are labeled Schedule 1 substances.

Drug Schedule Classification

What is considered a controlled or illegal substance can frequently change in both state and federal law. In Colorado, the drug schedule is as follows:

• Schedule I: Drugs with this classification are considered dangerous, with no accepted medical use and an exceptionally high likelihood of addiction and abuse. This classification includes substances such as heroin, LSD, PCP, mescaline, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II: This class of drugs is still considered highly addictive and with a high abuse potential but has some accepted medical use and includes morphine, codeine, opium, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines.
• Schedule III: These substances have the potential for moderate physical or psychological dependence but also have an accepted medical use and include ketamine, anabolic steroids, or barbiturates.
• Schedule IV: These substances have an accepted medical use and low risk of abuse or addiction. Abuse results in low physical or psychological dependence. Schedule IV substances include sleep medications without barbiturates or anti-anxiety medications.
• Schedule V: These substances have many medical uses, have the lowest risk for abuse or addiction, and include mostly over-the-counter medications.

Depending on the schedule of the drug you were charged with, charges and sentencing can vary severely. If you are charged with possessing a Schedule IV or III substance, the penalties are not as serious as producing and distributing a Schedule I substance like heroin. Drug crimes in Colorado include:

• Drug possession
• Drug distribution
• Intention to distribute
• Drug paraphernalia possession
• Drug trafficking

No matter the drug charges you’re facing, getting the legal defense you need is necessary.

Marijuana-Related Charges

While marijuana has been legalized for personal consumption in Colorado, there are still restrictions on this privilege. A person may not smoke it in public or grow more than a certain amount without running afoul of the law. At The Law Center P.C., we endeavor to answer all your questions in regard to marijuana possession and use, such as:

• • • • How much can you possess?
      • Where can you consume it?
      • How much can you grow?
      • Can you share it with friends?

If you have been charged with a marijuana-related offense, including driving under the influence of this drug, our experienced attorneys will diligently represent your rights.

Prescription Drug Fraud

Prescription drug offenses can range from borrowing Adderall or oxycodone pills from a friend to stealing script pads from a doctor’s office. At The Law Center, P.C., we have seen them all.

Our lawyers know how to resolve these kinds of cases. Every defendant has the right to request a trial, but depending on your situation, going to trial may result in the worst outcome. What you need most is high-quality, strategic legal counsel rather than blind, aggressive advocacy.

We can assemble a team of professionals to address the underlying problem and position you for successful negotiations with the prosecution. In some cases, we have been able to reduce multiple felony charges to a single misdemeanor with a deferred judgment. In other cases, a civil rights violation on the part of law enforcement can allow the case to be entirely dismissed.

Why Do I Need A Drug Crimes Attorney?

Being charged with drug offenses can be terrifying. Facing drug crimes without an attorney means you could face the consequences for the rest of your life. Even lesser misdemeanors can carry severe consequences. These types of charges can result in fines and even jail or prison time. The sooner you begin work with a drug defense attorney, the stronger your defense will be. A strong defense gives you a better chance at reducing your charges or sentencing, which means you need an effective advocate in your corner.

Penalties for Drug Crime Conviction

In Colorado, drug charges depend on the drug schedule, the type of offense, and the amount of substance in the offense. They are charged as petty offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies. Drug offenses like possession of drug paraphernalia are considered petty offenses and will be given a fine.

Misdemeanors are more serious than petty offenses.

• A level 1 Drug Misdemeanor (DM1) applies to offenses such as manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute. This may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or 6 to 18 months in jail.
• A DM2 is less severe and includes certain types of marijuana possession or the abuse of toxic vapors. Penalties include up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $750.

Felonies are more severe and can have devastating consequences on your life. Aggravating factors can increase sentence length.

• A level 1 Drug Felony (DF1) includes the distribution of any combined Schedule I and II drug materials. This results in a minimum required sentencing of 8 years in prison, up to 32 years, and a fine of up to $1 million.
• A DF2 is the distribution of any Schedule III or IV substances to a minor or selling more than 14 grams of a Schedule I or II substance. Penalties can be between 4 and 8 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines.
• A DF3 includes the distribution of a controlled substance of 14 grams or less, which contains Schedule I or II drugs. A conviction results in 3 to 4 years in prison and up to $500,00 in fines.
• A DF4 can result in 6 to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.

FAQs About Denver, CO Drug Laws

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Colorado?

The average rate of a criminal attorney in Colorado is $225 an hour. Fees can range much higher depending on several factors, including the attorney’s experience, knowledge of cases like yours, and how difficult or lengthy your case is expected to be. If your case requires additional resources, it will likely be a higher rate and also take longer. It’s always important to talk about charging rates with your attorney and ensure you can afford your attorney during your entire case.

What Does a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Do?

A Colorado drug crime lawyer will work with you and help you understand your legal options. They can also build a strong defense to try to avoid conviction. Working with an attorney provides you the greatest chance at limiting the effects of drug charges on your life.

How Long Can You Go to Jail for Drugs in Colorado?

If you are convicted of a Level 1 drug felony in Colorado, you face a mandatory minimum sentence of 8 years in prison and up to 32 years. You also face fines of up to $1 million. This minimum sentencing might be 12 years if there were aggravating circumstances, such as assault.

What Is a Level 1 Drug Felony in Colorado?

A Colorado Level 1 drug felony is:

• The distribution of any Schedule I or II controlled substance to a minor if the distributor is at minimum two years older than the minor.

The distribution of any material or substance with certain amounts of Schedule I or II controlled substances combined.

Reach Out To Us Today

Let The Law Center P.C. give you the representation you deserve. Learn more by calling our Highlands Ranch office at 303-991-5280 or contact us online.