Drug Crimes
Colorado Springs Drug Crimes Lawyer
Facing Drug Charges in Colorado Springs? Let Our Firm Help!
Though the news may reflect that the war on drugs is coming to an end, drug crimes in Colorado are still a serious matter, and a conviction can result in lengthy incarceration and severely impact employment, schooling, housing, and the ability to obtain loans and scholarships. It's crucial to understand the significant impact these convictions can have on every aspect of your life. When faced with a drug crime conviction, enlist the experience of the knowledgeable drug crime lawyer in Colorado Springs and Denver attorneys at Aviso Law. Our drug crime attorneys possess the skills needed to thoughtfully navigate through the complexities of drug-related charges, providing a client-focused approach to help you fight drug charges and achieve the best possible outcome.
The severity of a drug crime depends on a number of factors, including the amount of drugs possessed, the intended use (personal or for distribution), whether a person was caught in the act of selling the drugs, and whether a person has prior convictions for drug offenses or has been involved in transportation or with drug cartels.
Though sentences for drug offenses can be severe, there has also been a shift in attitude regarding how drug crimes should be prosecuted and how offenders should be sentenced. For this reason, a number of jurisdictions, including Colorado Springs and Denver, have created drug courts that give sentences and hold offenders responsible but also focus sentences more toward rehabilitation and recovery.
Why Choose Aviso Law for Your Drug Crime Attorney?
With the complexities of drug court, lengthy sentences, and the harm caused by drug crime convictions, it is important for those charged with drug crimes to obtain attorneys that are experienced in handling such offenses. The Aviso Law attorneys fit that profile with substantial drug crime experience in Colorado Springs, Douglas County, and Denver. Whether our clients are military members, business professionals, athletes, or students, we at Aviso Law advocate for the best possible results for our clients.
Understanding Local Drug Laws in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, local laws specific to drug offenses can impact the legal proceedings significantly. While Colorado has led the charge in marijuana legalization, strict laws still govern the possession and sale of other controlled substances. For example, certain prescriptions need to be properly documented to avoid legal trouble. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for those residing in or visiting Colorado Springs.
Call our Colorado Springs drug crimes attorney at (719) 356-5552 or fill out our online contact form today to learn how our firm can defend you.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of a controlled substance charges can vary depending on the type of drug possessed and the amount of the drug in the person’s possession. Drugs are classified into five different schedules based on severity. Schedule I and II drugs, which include cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, some prescription drugs, and MDMA, carry the most severe penalties for possession while lower schedule drugs carry less severe penalties.
The amount of drugs in a person’s possession can also impact the severity of the charged offense. Possessing more than four grams of a controlled substance receives harsher penalties, while possession of up to two grams of a controlled substance is considered a less severe crime. A person’s knowledge of possession and the circumstances under which police discovered the possession also can impact the situation. At Aviso Law, our drug crime attorneys in El Paso County know the appropriate defenses to assertively represent those charged with drug crimes and achieve the optimal outcome. By examining every detail of your situation, we aim to protect your rights and future opportunities.
Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Unlawfully selling a Schedule I or II controlled substance is typically considered a felony offense. The severity of the offense and the resulting penalties depend on the quantity of the substance involved. For larger quantities, the penalties can be more severe. Alternatively, unlawfully selling Schedule III, IV, or V substances with lower potential for abuse may be treated as felony or misdemeanor offenses, depending on the circumstances and the specific drug involved.
The following is a breakdown of the potential penalties for unlawful distribution, sale, or trafficking of a controlled substance in Colorado:
- Class 1 drug felony – Punishable by imprisonment between 8 and 32 years (with a mandatory minimum of 8 or 12 years) and/or a maximum fine of $1 million.
- Class 2 drug felony – Punishable by imprisonment between 4 and 8 years (or 8 to 16 years for an aggravated charge) and/or a fine of up to $750,000.
- Class 3 drug felony – Punishable by imprisonment ranging from 2 to 4 years (or 4 to 6 years for an aggravated charged) and/or a maximum fine of $500,000
- Class 4 drug felony – Punishable by imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 1 year (or 1 to 2 years for an aggravated charge) and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
- Class 1 drug misdemeanor – Punishable by a jail sentence between 6 and 18 months and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.
Because of the potentially lengthy prison sentence, those charged with drug distribution crimes should seek to be represented by attorneys who can provide accurate advice on prison time and successfully negotiate the best possible plea deal. The team at Aviso Law is committed to aggressively defending those charged with the distribution of a controlled substance. Our drug crime lawyers in Colorado Springs provide clients with reliable advice on sentence length, negotiating strong plea deals, and defending clients in court when necessary. We work tirelessly to pursue the most favorable outcomes. Our strategic approach ensures that we consider every factor to help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes in Colorado Springs
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested for a Drug Crime in Colorado Springs?
If you are arrested for a drug crime in Colorado Springs, it is crucial to remain calm and assert your rights respectfully. Request legal representation and refrain from making any statements without your drug crime attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you in court. Contact Aviso Law immediately to understand your options and develop a defense strategy suited to the specific circumstances of your situation. Early legal intervention can greatly shift the trajectory of your charges.
How Can Drug Court Impact My Drug Crime Charges?
Drug courts in Colorado offer an alternative for those charged with eligible drug offenses, focusing more on rehabilitation than solely punishment. These specialized courts aim to address underlying issues related to substance abuse, providing structured programs that include counseling, education, and regular drug testing. Successfully completing a drug court program can result in reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. It is vital to have knowledgeable representation from defenders like the drug crime attorneys at Aviso Law, who can help you during this process to ensure that your rights are protected and that you achieve the best possible outcome.
Turn to a drug crime lawyer El Paso County residents can rely on. Call (719) 356-5552 or contact us online to request a consultation.
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Clients First
Every attorney will tell you they put their clients first. That is true for Aviso Law but it’s how we go about it that sets up apart. We understand the difference between being prepared and aggressive in courtrooms, while being understanding and pragmatic in client meetings. We believe in being realistic as well as easy to work with through all the phases of your case, both in and out of court; this saves you money and time while still receiving the service you deserve with the goal of achieving desired results.
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Proven Success
To us, success isn’t measured by the years we’ve spent behind a desk but by the careers we’ve built, the contacts we’ve made, and the thousands of clients we’ve served to protect jobs, families, education, and reputations. We developed our careers in Colorado’s military and civil courts, successfully defending clients from all walks of life. We come highly rated by our clients and have received professional recognition for our work.
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Breaking the Mold
We’re not your typical law firm. We don’t wear fancy suits (unless we have to in court) and we don’t hide behind big imposing desks. Reflective on our military roots, we strive to serve. We understand the legal process can be threatening and worrisome, which is why we work with our clients to get results. We aim to be respectful, diligent, and cost-effective while practicing the highest standards of legal representation.