Colorado Springs Marijuana Defense Lawyer Representing Defendants Arrested for Marijuana in Colorado

On January 1st, 2014, marijuana became legal to buy in the state of Colorado at specialized stores for users over age 21. You are now allowed to possess one ounce of marijuana or one ounce of THC, either recreationally or for medicinal purposes.

However, simply because marijuana is now legalized does not mean that it is now a simple matter in the eyes of the law. The drug remains heavily regulated at a state level for purchasing, selling, possessing, and using. Smoking marijuana in public places can result in a ticket. Selling it without legal permission is fineable. Employees working for, or looking to work for, the federal government may see their jobs terminated.

Attorney John Joyner is an experienced defense lawyer that has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of Colorado’s residents. If you’ve been ticketed or arrested on marijuana drug crimes, Joyner Law should be your first call.

What Crimes Are Attached to Marijuana in Colorado?

Though newly legal, marijuana is not a simple issue in Colorado and comes with many strings attached. You can easily end up on the wrong side of the law, facing severe financial penalties and the potential of jail time if you don’t follow the drug rules closely.

Marijuana cannot be openly enjoyed in public. You cannot drive under the influence of pot and could be charged with a DUID if pulled over. The distribution and cultivation of marijuana are closely regulated. The amount of marijuana that you may possess, buy, or sell at any given time is strictly monitored. Minors caught with marijuana face civil penalties. Homegrown cannabis cannot be sold to anyone and must be grown indoors. Marijuana can only be consumed in a private residence (with permission from the property owner) and in licensed businesses.

Colorado is continually updating its marijuana drug regulations and it can be difficult for average citizens to keep up with the changes. As a result, one may find themselves in violation of a law without even realizing it had been enacted by the state. Your criminal defense attorney in El Paso County can help you stay ahead of your charges.

What Consequences Could I Be Facing?

Possession of over two ounces of marijuana could possibly result in a stay in prison for up to a year in length. The same risk of prison time applies to those caught using pot in public, regardless of the amount. Growing too many plants can also get you in trouble with the law. If you attempt to grow more marijuana plants than you are legally authorized to without the proper permit, you could potentially face jail time. And selling any amount to a minor can result in time behind bars.

Regardless of one’s sentence or fine, a criminal charge can stay on your record unless removed. This can potentially affect your ability to get housing or employment out of the state, where marijuana is not always legal, and could prevent you from getting a job working with the federal government.

What is My Defense for a Marijuana Crime?

Every drug case is different and your lawyer will build the best defense to secure the lowest time served and fines paid. Defenses that could apply to your case include:

•  The drugs were discovered after an illegal search
•  You had a lawful amount of marijuana
•  There was no drug paraphernalia found
•  No evidence of drugs in your system at the time of the arrest
•  You have a valid prescription
•  You are a victim of entrapment by the police

Can a Marijuana Defense Lawyer Help Me?

Joyner Law is dedicated to defending the rights of those in Colorado Springs accused of drug crimes, including charges related to marijuana.

If you have been arrested or charged for the sale, purchase, cultivation, or use of marijuana, you may face harsh punishments under the law. Lawyer John Joyner is experienced in defending the rights of drug offenders in the state of Colorado. Call today at (719) 294-0566.