Colorado Springs Drug Crime Lawyer Assisting Clients In Their Pursuit of Justice
Though Colorado has a national reputation as being popular for users of marijuana, the state still has strict penalties for the possession, manufacture, and distribution of all other narcotics. It is a class 1 drug misdemeanor to be in possession of just four or fewer grams of drugs like cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and illegally obtained prescription meds.
Possession of more than four grams of such drugs is a felony drug crime that carries with it the potential for a prison sentence and harsh fines. Multiple offenses, big or small, come with increased penalties, regardless of personal use or intent to distribute.
If you are facing extreme fines or jail time on drug charges, you need the help of an experienced defense lawyer in El Paso County. Law enforcement takes drug offenses very seriously. In Colorado Springs, Joyner Law prides itself as a relentless defender of your rights and will forge a strong drug defense. Alone, you may be rightfully afraid of a looming drug crime conviction, but together with your lawyer you can seek to fight the drug charges and may even see your case dismissed.
What Crimes Do Drug Crime Lawyers Defend?
Criminal defense lawyer John Joyner has dedicated his career to providing strong defense to residents in Colorado accused of drug crimes, including the following:
- Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Possession of controlled substances
- Selling controlled substances
- Manufacture of illegal substances
- Operation of a methamphetamine lab
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Prescription drug fraud
- Sale of controlled substances in a school zone
- And drug-related cases dealing with, but not limited to, heroin, oxycodone, morphine, Vicodin, and crack cocaine.
What’s the Difference Between Drug Possession and Aggravated Possession?
Under the law, you can be arrested for possession if you are physically holding the drug, have control over a drug without personally holding it (for example, hiding drugs in your car’s center console), or when you and one or more people share control over a drug (keeping a secret shared stash, for example). Ownership does not determine possession. If you are holding it for someone else, in the eyes of the law, you are legally in possession of it.
The penalties for possessing a controlled substance (including pharmaceutical medication without a valid prescription) depend on the amount and the type of the drug. Under four grams of some drugs is a level 1 drug misdemeanor and the judge may impose a sentence of up to a year and a half in jail and a fine of $5,000. However, larger amounts of the same drug can result in a longer prison time, and larger fines.
What Are My Legal Defenses Against a Drug Crime Conviction?
Your criminal defense lawyer can build a drug crimes defense that could help you escape possible penalties, get your criminal charge thrown out, and record sealed. Colorado typically prefers treatment of addiction over incarceration and a good plea bargain crafted by skilled drug defense attorneys is your best chance of avoiding being sentenced on drug charges.
A criminal defense lawyer may argue that the defendant arrested for a drug crime was falsely accused and was never in possession of the drugs in question. Or they may seek lighter possession of controlled substances charges via a plea deal or by detailing that the drugs were for personal use only and you have no criminal history. A strong criminal defense attorney may be able to prove that the police performed an illegal search or tried to entrap their client.
Colorado takes its drug laws very seriously. A skilled criminal defense is your best bet for escaping severe punishment. Reach out to Joyner Law today to get the help you need going forward.
Hire Joyner Law
Whether you are charged for a drug misdemeanor or your drug case is a felony, hire Joyner Law to be your defense lawyer in order to prove your innocence or best craft a plea bargain. Possession of controlled substances is a serious charge in need of a serious defense. Call Joyner Law today at (719) 294-0566 to learn more about the criminal defense representation you deserve.