Denver Criminal Law Firm Defending Clients Charged With Drug Offenses

In a state that recently legalized marijuana, drug charges are still taken very seriously and could result in serious long-term consequences. Even a misdemeanor drug possession charge can result in far more trouble than you may expect. A conviction for drug possession can make it hard to get a job or to find housing. It can even make you ineligible for federal college loans. For more serious drug offenses like distribution and trafficking, both Colorado and federal law require mandatory minimum prison sentences. If you are facing drug charges, it is crucial to seek out an experienced, committed criminal defense lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and your future.

For over 30 years, The Law Offices of Rodger C. Daley and Associates has been providing aggressive criminal defense for people in the greater Denver metro area. Under the law, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and that includes you. If you are charged with drug possession or any drug offense, contact us now to schedule a free initial consultation.

Five Schedules Of Illegal Drugs In Colorado

If you’re facing drug charges in Colorado, you’ll hear about drug “schedules” right away. But what exactly are these schedules? Put simply, they’re the government’s way of sorting drugs by how dangerous they are and whether they have any legal medical uses. Colorado uses this five-schedule system to determine penalties for different drug offenses:

• Schedule I: Drugs considered most harmful with no legal medical uses. Substances in this category are heroin and LSD.
• Schedule II: Dangerous substances that can be prescribed in limited situations. This tier contains cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and fentanyl.
• Schedule III: Substances with moderate addiction risks but fewer dangers than higher schedules. This group includes ketamine, steroids and some codeine products.
• Schedule IV: Drugs with lower addiction risk that are commonly prescribed. Examples are Xanax, Valium and Ambien.
• Schedule V: Drugs with the lowest risk for abuse, usually containing small amounts of narcotics. These include certain cough medicines with limited codeine.

The higher the schedule number, the lower the perceived risk. Schedule I drugs face the most severe penalties, while Schedule V drugs typically receive less severe punishment. For example, possession of Schedule I drugs like heroin can result in felony charges with significant prison time, while Schedule V violations might be treated as misdemeanors with lighter sentences. The schedule of the drug in your case will directly impact the charges you face and potential consequences.

Penalties In Colorado For Drug Crimes

Drug charges in Colorado carry varying penalties depending on the type of offense, the drug’s schedule classification and your criminal history. Understanding these potential consequences can help you grasp the seriousness of your situation:

• Possession: For Schedule I or II substances, penalties range from Level 1 drug misdemeanors (up to 18 months in jail and $5,000 in fines) to Level 4 drug felonies (six months to one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines), depending on quantity. Schedule III-V possession typically results in Level 1 drug misdemeanors with six to 18 months jail time and fines up to $5,000.
• Distribution: Selling Schedule I or II substances is typically a Level 3 drug felony (two to four years in prison, up to $500,000 in fines) for smaller amounts, escalating to a Level 1 drug felony (eight to 32 years in prison, up to $1 million in fines) for larger quantities. Even Schedule III-V distribution can result in Level 3 or 4 drug felony charges.
• Trafficking: Drug trafficking across state lines can trigger federal charges with mandatory minimums of five to 10 years for first offenses and 10 to 20 years for second offenses, depending on drug type and quantity. Fines can reach $5 to 10 million for individuals.

Colorado courts consider several factors when determining your sentence, including your criminal history, the amount of drugs involved and whether weapons were present. With proper legal representation, you may qualify for treatment alternatives or reduced charges depending on your specific circumstances.

Don’t Talk To Anybody Until You Talk To A Lawyer

The consequences of a drug conviction go beyond a potential fine or jail sentence. Do not plead guilty –  even to simple possession – without talking to a criminal defense lawyer first. We can analyze your case by drawing on our years of experience on such cases and determining the best possible path forward.

Our attorneys defend people charged with any misdemeanor or felony drug offense in Colorado or in federal courts, such as:

• Drug possession: cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, narcotics, “club drugs” such as ecstasy and heroin, or any illegal drug or controlled substance
• Drug possession with intent to sell
• Drug distribution
• Drug trafficking
• Possession or distribution of prescription medication for recreational use

Our firm has experience in this area of law, and can give you informed counsel about your rights and chances at a reduction of charges or even a dismissal. We can effectively analyze police procedure for missteps or oversteps, and will do everything in our power to keep your record as clean as possible.

Aggressive, Knowledgeable Criminal Defense In State Or Federal Court

We defend people in both state and federal courts, and we understand the different procedures, rules and sentencing guidelines for both. We will perform an independent investigation of your case and challenge any evidence we believe was not collected constitutionally.

Call Our Firm For Committed Help Fighting A Drug Charge

We will aggressively negotiate on your behalf to get your charges dismissed or reduced. However, we also prepare every case to be successful at trial. If taking your case before a jury is your best option, we are experienced trial lawyers who are more than ready to argue your case in court. Our firm is dedicated to giving you a second chance after a drug charge.

Contact us by email or call us at 720-773-5708 to schedule a free criminal defense consultation.