Drug Crimes Lawyers in Denver Lessening Your Drug Charge Penalties

Drug crimes are prevalent in Colorado, and the laws are ever-changing. Fentanyl and methamphetamine seizures increased four times in a single year, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Fentanyl overdose deaths went up more in Colorado than in any other state in the country between 2015 and 2021, as reports from the Centers for Disease Control indicate.

Colorado Drug Laws make it a crime to possess, sell, manufacture or use controlled substances. Penalties range from petty drug offense charges like misdemeanors to more serious drug crime convictions that qualify as felony drug cases.

If you have been caught in possession of illicit drugs or a controlled substance, distributing drugs with the intent to sell, or trafficking illegal drugs in or out of the state, you could face serious drug charges like prison time and a criminal record.

Law enforcement officers and judges in Colorado take drug offenses seriously, given the impact on the community and overall public health. Whether you are a first-time or repeat offender, we help you explore paths to healing and recovery and work with the judge to consider alternative sentences like treatment programs and reduced fines, when possible.

If you are suffering from drug addiction and you might face a drug conviction in Colorado, book a consultation with a Denver drug crime lawyer to explore your case and determine possible solutions.

What are Illegal Drugs?

Illegal drugs are any drugs not prescribed by a doctor or bought at a drugstore that a person can abuse. Selling unauthorized prescription drugs to another person is one example of a drug-related crime or purchasing drugs on the street that cannot be purchased in the United States.

Denver is considered a primary distribution center for methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and MDMA. Colorado Springs comes in second as another primary source of illicit controlled substances. There are four primary categories of drugs, including stimulants, depressants, opium-related painkillers, and hallucinogens.

Federal law uses a schedule to categorize the severity of drug crimes:

Schedule I: Heroin, hallucinogens such as LCD, PCP, psilocybin, mescaline, and peyote.
Schedule II: Opium, prescription drugs like opioid pain pills, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, methadone, and stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines.
Schedule III: Barbiturates, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and medications with small amounts of codeine
Schedule IV: Anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam, non-barbiturate sleep medications such as zolpidem
Schedule V: over-the-counter cough syrups and cold medications containing small amounts of codeine

An experienced drug crime lawyer can arm you with resources to overcome your drug addiction and work with the judge to seek a favorable treatment option rather than jail time. Book a consultation today to see if you have a case: (303) 564-7313.

What are Common Drug Charges?

Individuals that sell and transport drugs put other people’s lives at risk, including their own. There are three types of common drug charges, and when paired with a schedule, our drug defense attorneys can help you understand your drug crime conviction, potential charges, and legal solutions that might positively impact the outcome.

The more severe the drugs, the more severe the punishment. If you are caught with illicit substances in one of the following scenarios, connect with our Denver criminal defense attorneys to review possible ways to get charges reduced or dismissed altogether.

Drug possession: If law enforcement officers catch you with a controlled substance, you could face potential criminal charges.
Drug trafficking: A more serious Denver drug crime, if you are bringing narcotics into the state of Colorado or out, you could be charged with a felony for drug trafficking crimes.
Drug manufacturing: Growing or creating a controlled substance to sell to the masses can be one of the most serious drug offenses, though it will depend on the type of drug and how much volume.

A Denver criminal defense attorney with Ragab Law Firm, P.C. can evaluate your drug charges and determine if you have a viable case depending on repeated drug offenses, as well as any other illegal activities on your criminal record. See if you have a case, and give us a call today at (303) 564-7313.

If I Get Caught with Drugs, What Are My Options?

It’s common for drug crimes to be linked to other crimes and mental health issues, among other influencers. In a Colorado drug crime conviction, especially for first-time offenders, the state typically favors rehabilitation over jail time and deferred sentences to encourage second chances and an opportunity to start fresh.

A Denver criminal defense lawyer will discuss your options with you if you get caught with illicit drugs, encourage you to seek help, and come up with a strategy to improve your sentence so you can get the help you need.

Drug crime charges typically consider the schedule drug you were in possession of, volume, and whether the drugs were for personal use like prescription drugs. Other factors might include whether you are a habitual drug offender, have a history of drug convictions, or are currently on probation or parole for other misdemeanors or felonies.

In related news, drug laws changed in 2020, making it a misdemeanor rather than a felony to possess up to four grams of narcotics like methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, or heroin. Individuals found guilty of misdemeanor possession may receive two years of probation instead of the standard six to 18 months in jail.

You have options if you are convicted of a drug crime, though you will need a solid and experienced defense attorney to get your sentence reduced, improved, or dismissed altogether. We will review your criminal history, drug charges, and possible defenses.

Improve Your Sentence with a Drug Crimes Lawyer

Consequences of drug crimes range from lesser fines of $1,000 and six months in jail to more serious drug offenses that carry a heavy sentence of up to 32 years in prison and up to one million dollars in fines, felony drug crimes.

Drug crime convictions can include prison, probation and parole, loss of child custody, damage to personal relationships, and significant fines. A criminal conviction, too, can hinder your ability to get a job and secure a loan, among other important life decisions.

When a drug offense causes legal repercussions in your life, we will advocate for your recovery and work to reduce or eliminate your sentence and help you get treatment to overcome your drug addiction.

As your Denver crime lawyer, depending on the circumstances of your charges, we might look at possible defenses to achieve an improved sentence, including:

You were not in control of the drugs
Medical marijuana prescription
You had no knowledge of the drugs
Law enforcement performed an illegal search
Police entrapped the defendant

An experienced defense attorney with Ragab Law Firm, P.C. will pursue every possible angle and fight for your rights to get the best results. Book a consultation today to see how we can help at (303) 564-7313.