In Colorado, law enforcement takes drug crimes seriously, and the legal consequences of a drug crime conviction in Colorado can be severe, including mandatory jail time and fines. If you've been charged with any kind of drug offense, whether misdemeanor possession or felony transportation, you need the services of a Colorado criminal defense attorney. With an experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney on your side, you can avoid harsh legal consequences like jail time or probation.
Criminal Defense Against All Types of Colorado Drug Crimes
Colorado law contains many different drug offenses with varying levels of severity. While a knowledgeable Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney can explain the ins and outs of Colorado drug laws, there are some things you should know about the different drug offenses in Colorado.
Drug Possession
In Colorado drug laws, possession charges arise when an individual is found to have illegal drugs or narcotics on their person or vehicle. Possession of a controlled substance is a crime, and the severity of the crime depends on the type and quantity of the drug allegedly found on a suspect, as well as the circumstances in which the drugs were found. If an individual allegedly has a small amount of drugs for personal use, they could be charged with misdemeanor drug possession.
Drug Transportation or Trafficking
Carrying controlled substances from one place to another is known in the courts as the drug offenses of transportation, drug trafficking or smuggling. Usually drug transportation charges are connected with distribution or transportation of illegal substances with the intent to sell them, commonly known as drug dealing. The penalties for a Colorado drug transportation conviction, even for a first offense, include mandatory jail time and large fines.
Drug Distribution
Distribution of illegal drugs in legal terms means selling drugs. Often, drug distribution charges are automatically brought up of an individual is in possession of larger amounts of drugs. In Colorado, distribution of illegal drugs is considered a felony drug crime, although the legal penalties for conviction may vary. As one of the more serious drug offenses in Colorado, distribution also carries severe legal consequences.
Drug Manufacturing
Drug manufacturing charges arise when law enforcement finds that a suspect has a large quantity of illegal drugs or the apparatus or materials to manufacture illegal substances. Manufacturing drugs in Colorado is another serious drug crime, and the severity of the Colorado drug charges depends on the amount and type of illegal drugs the suspect is accused of making or selling.
Colorado Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When making a drug arrest, Colorado law enforcement must follow correct arrest procedures and not violate the suspect's search and seizure rights. A Colorado Springs drug defense attorney will defend your Fourth Amendment rights in regards to search and seizure. Your defense attorney will also often challenge police procedure as well as the way evidence was gathered in order to get your Colorado drug charges dismissed or reduced.
If you are facing drug charges in Colorado, no matter whether they are misdemeanor or felony, you should contact a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
