Why Get a Drug Lawyer

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.

Colorado Drug Crimes

Attorney Fayard will explain your options if you’re arrested for drug crimes in Colorado, such as:

  • Drug possession
  • Possession with intent to sell
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Drug trafficking
  • Drug distribution

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.

Legal Marijuana in Colorado

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.

Drug Crime Classifications

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.

Colorado Drug Crime Penalties

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.

Aggravating Factors in Colorado Drug Crime Charges

Certain factors can heighten a drug charge and potentially increase the penalties, such as:

  • If you were on parole for another felony
  • If you were on probation or bond for another felony
  • If the drug offense involved minors or occurred close to a school.

Results

Felony Drug Case Dismissed

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.

Drug Possession Dismissed

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.

Defense Options for Denver Drug Charges

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:

  • Police found the drugs because of an illegal search
  • You did not knowingly possess the drugs
  • The drugs belonged to someone else
  • You were falsely accused

Why You Don’t Want a Drug Conviction

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.

 
He is relentless to ensure his clients are well taken care of.”

- Cliff T

Contact a Denver Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

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.