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Online formColorado’s drug crimes laws have changed significantly over the last 10 years. However, the penalties of a drug conviction are still very serious, usually based on the type and quantity of drug involved and someone’s criminal history.
If you are charged with any Denver drug crime, you need an experienced drug lawyer to help keep your record clear and move forward with your life. Attorney Michael Fayard will hear your story and won’t let your drug charges define you.
For a free case consultation, call (303) 990-8585 or contact us online.
An experienced drug lawyer knows the intricacies of Colorado’s drug laws and can work to get your charges reduced or dismissed. As a former prosecutor, attorney Fayard knows how these cases progress and where to find flaws. He will find opportunities to challenge evidence, negotiate for the best outcome, and use his considerable experience to benefit your case.
Attorney Fayard will explain your options if you’re arrested for drug crimes in Colorado, such as:
The punishments for these crimes range according to the amount of drug involved and the drug’s schedule, which classifies the substance’s accepted medical use and potential for abuse/dependency on a scale of I to V. Schedule I drugs such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy are highly addictive and have no accepted medical use, while Schedule V drugs such as cough medicines with low concentrations of codeine have a lower potential for abuse.
In 2012, Colorado legalized the use and retail sale of recreational marijuana and possession of marijuana for individuals 21 and older. However, adults can only possess two ounces of marijuana, and people under 21 can only possess cannabis for medical use.
Colorado drug charges are either misdemeanors or felonies.
Some examples of drug misdemeanors are possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of up to four grams of a Schedule I or II substance, or possession of any Schedule III-V substance other than Rohypnol or ketamine.
Felony drug offenses include trafficking, possession, and possession with intent to sell more than four grams of a Schedule I or II substance or any amount of Rohypnol or ketamine.
If a drug offense involves high quantities and/or trafficking across state lines, the charges could be bumped to the federal level, carrying lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
The consequences of a misdemeanor conviction range from six to 18 months in jail and fines of between $1,000 and $5,000.
Felony drug convictions have a wider range of penalties. Low-level felony penalties can be similar to misdemeanors, with up to a year in jail and fines of $1,000 minimum. High-level felony convictions, however, can result in prison sentences of up to 32 years and fines of up to $1 million.
Federal drug crime charges usually carry mandatory minimum sentences of several years and can result in life sentences if convicted.
Certain factors can heighten a drug charge and potentially increase the penalties, such as:
Client was charged with multiple counts of felony possession of a controlled substance. State sought prison. Michael got the case dismissed entirely without incarceration or probation.
Client was charged with drug possession and his co-defendant got charged with Drug Trafficking. Michael got his client’s case dismissed entirely with no incarceration or probation.
If you are charged with a drug crime in Denver, your best option to have your charges reduced or dismissed is to work with a drug crimes lawyer. Common defenses include:
Aside from jail and fines, drug convictions have long-term effects. Depending on the severity of your charge, the conviction could stay on your record for life and create obstacles to finding housing, employment, and pursuing further education.
A lawyer can help you avoid these consequences by getting your charges reduced, dismissed, or mitigating their negative impact. You may be able to avoid jail altogether and have your charges dropped, especially if you are a first-time or minor offender. For example, Colorado offers adult pre-trial diversion programs to reduce recidivism, which provide an alternative to jail and usually involve drug rehabilitation and education courses. Ask your lawyer to see if you may be eligible for a pre-trial diversion program.
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Working with an experienced drug lawyer as soon as possible can improve your case. Felonies can be reduced, and charges can be dismissed with aggressive representation.
Attorney Fayard can identify any flaws in how the evidence was obtained and measured since the investigation and amount are significant factors in how you’re charged.
Call (303) 990-8585 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. Attorney Fayard will listen, ask some questions, and give you an honest assessment. There’s no pressure, just information that can help you.