Drug Offense Defense

DRUG DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Colorado Drug-Related Misdemeanor and Felony Charges

The State of Colorado has relaxed its stance on marijuana. However, many other misdemeanor or felony drug offenses are still in effect. Drug crimes under Colorado State Law include possession, distribution, manufacturing, cultivation, and carrying drug paraphernalia. If convicted of any of these crimes, you may have some stiff penalties to pay, which can include incarceration, parole, and fines.

Ramifications of Drug-Related Convictions

If you are convicted for a drug-related offense, this will have a major impact on your life. For instance, when convicted of a drug charge, you can be sentenced to jail time which can range from six months to eight years as a minimum. Serious felony offenses can carry jail terms of up to 32 years. Misdemeanor drug convictions carry up to 18 months in jail. As a result, you may have trouble seeking employment, education, and even housing.

Call Now to Speak With An Attorney 970-871-7400.

A Personalized Approach

The Brown Law Firm works hard to examine the facts and evidence related to your case to make sure none of your rights were violated. For example, sometimes unlawful searches or illegally obtained confessions take place. If this potentially occurred in your situation, we’ll get to the bottom of the issue and make sure you are protected against unlawful search and seizure.

Addiction & Drug-Related Convictions

Many drug offenses may be the result of addiction, which can happen even with prescription medicine. Going to jail will never solve this health-related problem, but treatment and therapy can. The Brown Law Firm believes the legal system should explore alternatives before sending people directly to jail where they can’t get the help they need. If addiction applies to your situation, The Brown Law Firm will be proactive with the prosecution and judge to demonstrate why treatment would be a better alternative to incarceration with a more positive outcome.

Types of Drug Offenses in Colorado

Understanding the various drug offenses under Colorado law can help clarify the charges you are facing. Common drug-related offenses include:

Possession: This refers to having illegal drugs in your possession, whether for personal use or distribution. Colorado law classifies drugs as controlled substances and separates them into schedules based on their potential for abuse.
Distribution: Distribution charges apply when you are accused of selling or distributing controlled substances, even if it’s a small amount.
Manufacturing: This involves producing drugs, such as methamphetamine, unlicensed marijuana concentrates, or other controlled substances.
Cultivation: Cultivation charges apply to individuals accused of growing illegal drugs, such as marijuana beyond the legal limits.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: This includes possession of items related to drug use, such as pipes, syringes, or scales, that remain illegal under state law.

Legal Defenses in Drug-Related Cases

In drug-related cases, several potential legal defenses can help mitigate charges or lead to case dismissal. Some common defenses include:

Illegal Search and Seizure: If the police did not follow proper legal procedures when searching you or your property, evidence obtained during the search may be inadmissible in court.
Lack of Knowledge: In some cases, the defendant may not have been aware of the presence of illegal drugs, particularly in situations where drugs are found in a shared or communal space.
Entrapment: If law enforcement coerces or pressures an individual into committing a crime they would not otherwise have committed, this may constitute entrapment.
Miranda Rights Violations: If the police failed to inform you of your rights before questioning you, any statements you made during that interrogation may be inadmissible in court.

Drug Convictions and Employment Opportunities

A conviction for a drug-related offense can have long-lasting consequences, particularly when it comes to finding employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and having a criminal record may limit your job opportunities. Some individuals with drug convictions may even be disqualified from receiving professional licenses, depending on the nature of their offense. It’s important to explore all available options to avoid a conviction or minimize the charges.

Importance of Legal Representation

Having a skilled attorney by your side can make a world of difference in a drug-related case.
A qualified attorney will:

Investigate the circumstances of your arrest.
Ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Help you understand the charges against you and any potential consequences.
Negotiate on your behalf for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options such as diversion programs.
Advocate for you in court if your case goes to trial.

Alternative Sentencing Options for Drug Offenders

While jail time can be a significant consequence of a drug conviction, there are alternatives that may be available depending on your case. These options include:

Drug Court Programs: Some individuals charged with drug offenses may qualify for specialized drug court programs, which offer a combination of treatment and monitoring in lieu of incarceration.
Probation: Instead of serving time in jail, you may be placed on probation, where you will be required to comply with specific conditions, such as attending drug counseling or submitting to regular drug tests.
Community Service: For some offenders, community service may be an option as an alternative to jail time, especially when the individual demonstrates a willingness to take responsibility and turn their life around.

How to Handle a Drug Conviction Record

If you are convicted of a drug offense, the record will likely follow you for life. However, there may be options to mitigate the impact:

Expungement: In some cases, individuals with drug convictions may be eligible for expungement, which removes the criminal record from public view. A knowledgeable attorney can help determine if you are eligible for this process.
Sealing of Records: If expungement is not possible, you may be able to have your criminal records sealed, limiting who can access them. This is particularly useful for individuals seeking to move on with their lives and pursue employment or educational opportunities.

Consult with an Experienced Drug Defense Lawyer

Once you are convicted of a drug offense in Colorado, this record carries with you for life. You want to be careful about pleading guilty to a drug offense if there are grounds for dismissal because if you happen to be arrested a second time, the penalties are very harsh, and the criminal justice system will not be forgiving. The best thing to do is have an experienced drug defense attorney help you avoid a conviction in the first place. At the very least, an attorney can advise you on how to handle the situation if the evidence is strong against you with a focus on obtaining the most favorable outcome possible.

How the Brown Law Firm Can Help

The Brown Law Firm is committed to providing a defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are dealing with possession charges, distribution allegations, or any other drug-related offense, our experienced attorneys will:

Review your case thoroughly, identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Advocate for alternatives to jail, such as treatment or probation, based on the circumstances of your case.
Work diligently to minimize the impact of the charge on your future.

The Brown Law Firm is committed to protecting your record, your constitutional rights, and your future. We will examine your case to see if there are grounds for dismissal. If not, we will work hard to find an appropriate and more productive alternative to jail. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.

Call Now to Speak With A Drug Defense Attorney 970-871-7400.