Highlands Ranch Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Attorney in Highlands Ranch, CO

Being charged with a drug crime can threaten your freedom and future. A Highlands Ranch drug crime lawyer can defend your rights during an investigation, challenge your charges, and work tirelessly for reduced penalties.

Fuller & Ahern, P.C.: Experienced and Skilled Drug Crime Lawyers

With over 75 years of combined experience defending against criminal charges, the attorneys at Fuller & Ahern, P.C. are prepared to help you in a drug crime case. With a thorough knowledge of Colorado’s drug crime laws and a commitment to providing personalized attention to each detail of your case, we can work to achieve outcomes such as not-guilty verdicts, dismissed charges, and reduced penalties.

Understanding Drug Crimes in Colorado

In one year, there are nearly 18,000 drug violations in Colorado, including manufacture, distribution, transportation, and other illegal activities. Stimulants and narcotics are the two most common drug types involved in a drug crime case, making up 38.6% and 35.6% of all drug seizures, respectively.

Colorado classifies drugs into Schedule I through V, depending on their potential for abuse and medical uses. Schedule I includes extremely addictive drugs with no accepted medical uses, such as heroin, ecstasy, or LSD. Schedule V is the least extreme schedule, with a low abuse potential and accepted medical use, such as cough medicine with a small quantity of codeine. Offenses involving Schedule I and II drugs often carry the highest penalties and charges.

Types of Drug Crimes

There are a variety of drug crimes you can be charged with, depending on your actions relating to an illegal substance. Three of the most common drug crimes include:

• Possession. Drug possession involves knowingly possessing a controlled substance. You can be charged with possession if a drug was found on your person or on your property, such as in your belongings, car, or home.
• Sale or distribution. Whether a large-scale trafficking operation or a small-scale transaction, distributing an illegal drug is a serious offense.
• Manufacturing. A variety of techniques can be involved in manufacturing illicit substances. Production, preparation, processing, cultivation, or chemical synthesis to create a drug are all illegal.

Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction

Penalties for a drug crime can vary depending on what schedule the drug belongs to, your drug charge, the quantity of the drug, prior criminal history, and whether the offense involved violence or injury. A Highlands Ranch drug crime attorney can evaluate your case, determining the potential consequences you may face. Penalties may include:

• Jail or prison
• Probation
• Fines
• A drug treatment program
• Public service
• A permanent criminal record

Why You Should Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

After an arrest, it can be difficult to begin know how to defend yourself. This is a stressful situation, and law enforcement is looking for evidence to prove your charges. They may try to interrogate you or request to conduct a search. A Highlands Ranch drug crime lawyer can prevent accidental self-incrimination and determine whether a search is legal. When you work with a seasoned drug crime lawyer, they can communicate on your behalf and protect your rights.

To defend against a drug crime, a drug crime defense attorney can build a strong defense unique to your case. They may challenge the legality of evidence and police actions, such as an illegal traffic stop or illegal search and seizure. Other common defenses include proving you were not aware of the drug, that you had a valid medical prescription for the drug, or that you were coerced or threatened into possessing a drug.

Our skilled legal team is familiar with procedures and staff at the Douglas County Courthouse in Castle Rock, and can confidently represent you should your case proceed to trial.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Needed for a Drug Crime Conviction?

To be convicted of a drug crime in Colorado, there must be sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. Typically, this involves physical evidence of an illegal drug in your possession, DNA evidence, witness testimonies, police reports, or a police officer’s testimony. A Highlands Ranch drug crime attorney can examine evidence against you for weaknesses, challenging whether there is sufficient evidence for a conviction.

What Is the Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Drug Possession?

The mandatory minimum sentence depends on your charges, with many offenses having no minimum sentence. Most drug offenses are misdemeanors, resulting in less than one year in jail. Colorado’s drug crime laws provide sentencing options for drug misdemeanors. A level 1 drug misdemeanor has a minimum sentence of 6 months and a maximum of 18 months. A level 2 drug misdemeanor may be sentenced with just a fine, but could result in up to 364 days in jail.

What Is a Drug Diversion Program in Colorado?

A drug diversion program is a rehabilitation program for adults charged with certain drug crimes to dismiss criminal charges. This program often involves counseling, drug treatment, and community service. If you complete the diversion program, you will not be convicted and face further penalties for the offense. First-time, nonviolent offenses may be eligible for a drug diversion program. If you hire a drug crime lawyer, they can advocate for this program in court.

Is It Legal to Possess or Use Marijuana in Colorado?

Yes, possession and use of marijuana is legal in Colorado, though there are some restrictions. Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and over and can only be sold through licensed dispensaries, making it illegal to distribute or traffic marijuana. You may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, but you can only purchase 1 ounce a day. Possessing over this amount can lead to criminal charges.

Reach Out to a Highlands Ranch Drug Crime Attorney Today

Being charged with a drug crime can be overwhelming, leaving you concerned about the future impact of a conviction on your life. Contact Fuller & Ahern, P.C. for a free and confidential case consultation to learn how we can craft a personalized defense against your charges and pave a path forward after charges for drug crimes. Our team is passionate about helping those in our community when they are facing difficult legal circumstances.