Types of Drug Crimes in Colorado
There are four common types of drug charges described by Colorado law.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription drugs are intended for legitimate medical uses. When someone uses any type of fraud to sell or distribute these drugs to others, they have committed prescription fraud.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Individuals can be charged with possession when they knowingly possess any amount of an illegal substance. Colorado marijuana laws broadly define possession. You are considered to possess something if you have control of it, even if it isn’t directly on your person.
Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Distribution is the act of selling, transporting, or distributing drugs. Money does not need to be exchanged for you to be charged with this crime. If you give away a drug for free or accept alternate remuneration you can still be charged.
Drug Manufacturing or Cultivation
Finally, anyone involved in creating a drug can be charged with a crime. For natural drugs, this includes the process of planting and growing the drug.
What to Do After You Are Charged With a Drug Crime in Colorado
The first thing you should do if you are arrested for a drug crime is stop speaking. When people are arrested, they tend to try to deny the charges. Unfortunately, while you are denying the charges, you may unintentionally say something that the prosecution can use to further its case against you.
The best thing you can do is request a lawyer and refuse to speak until your lawyer is present. This will best protect your rights. While waiting for your lawyer, take note of everything the police do and say. If the police violate your rights in some way, your attorney can potentially use that fact to have your case dismissed or to have evidence thrown out.
You have the right to remain silent. Take advantage of that right after an arrest.
Finally, be honest with your lawyer. If you hold things back or lie to your attorney, it will be much more difficult for them to represent you effectively.
How a Drug Charge Attorney in Denver Can Help
Potentially Avoid Years of Prison With the Assistance of Kevin Cahill
Even with the lowest level offenses, drug charges can result in jail or prison sentences. Kevin Cahill’s top priority in any case is to prevent you from spending time in jail. Once you hire Kevin Cahill as your drug charge attorney in Denver, he will get to work on minimizing the penalties you face from the charges. The following are successful approaches he has used to help clients during his career:
- Convincing prosecutors to charge a “wobbler” as a misdemeanor rather than a felony
- Negotiating with the prosecution for reduced charges
- Petitioning the court to dismiss cases for procedural reasons
- Uncovering evidence that clears clients of the charges.
Prosecutors often throw as many charges at you as they can. It is common for prosecutors to add drug charges to theft, burglary, robbery, or shoplifting charges, just to get defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges. Keven Cahill understands these tactics and knows how to counter them.
If you need a drug charge attorney in Denver, contact the Law Office of Kevin Cahill at 720-445-9887 immediately.
Why Choose the Law Office of Kevin Cahill?
A Drug Crimes Lawyer You Can Trust
For over a decade, the Law Office of Kevin Cahill has helped thousands of clients get fair results when facing criminal charges. He understands the priorities of people who have been charged with serious crimes and works toward those priorities. Furthermore, Kevin Cahill gives every case his full attention and never passes cases on to other attorneys. If you want a trustworthy drug charge attorney in Denver, you will find one at the Law Office of Kevin Cahill.
FAQs
Before you make legal decisions that will influence the rest of your life, you should understand the laws and how they affect you. The answers in this FAQ section are designed to help you understand your rights.
What is the difference between a drug felony and other felonies?
Colorado recently changed the offense levels for drug offenses. Drug felonies are identical to other types of felonies, like auto theft, except for penalties. Typically, the prison time required for drug felonies is significantly lower than the prison time for a comparable non-drug felony.
Can I be charged if someone else leaves drugs in my house or car?
While you can be arrested and charged, you didn’t commit a crime if you weren’t aware that the drugs were there. Possession requires you to have “control” of the drugs.
Does the type of drug matter in a drug charge?
Yes, every drug is rated between Schedule I and Schedule VI, roughly indicating how dangerous and addictive it is. The penalties are lowest for Schedule VI drugs and increase with each step toward Schedule I drugs.
What is a drug petty offense?
Possessing small amounts of marijuana over the legal limit, a prescription drug you weren’t prescribed, or drug paraphernalia can earn you a drug petty offense. The penalties for these crimes do not include jail or prison time.
If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Contact Kevin Cahill After Being Charged With a Drug Crime
All too often, authorities overcharge when prosecuting drug crimes. If you have been arrested for a drug crime, a drug crime lawyer at the Law Office of Kevin Cahill will fight to protect your rights.
Don’t delay if you are arrested for drug charges. Contact the Law Office of Kevin Cahill at 720-445-9887 today to schedule a free consultation.
ATTORNEY KEVIN CAHILL
Denver Defense Lawyer Kevin Cahill never assumes that your case is a lost cause. He is a confident and fearless litigator who refuses to back down when he is fighting to protect the rights of his clients. Regardless of whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, it is vital that you take the charges seriously and seek out legal representation as soon as possible so you can start building your defense. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
