Colorado Methamphetamine Laws
Colorado revised statute (C.R.S.) 18-18-405 classifies meth as a schedule II controlled substance which means possession or manufacturing is a class 2 drug felony punishable by up to 8 years in jail, 2 additional years of parole, and fines up to $750k.
Should there be “aggravating” circumstances such as children present, within 1,000 feet of a school, the presence of a weapon, etc. the jail time could increase to as many as 16 years in jail.
Methamphetamine is a classification of drugs versus a single drug. Commonly called “meth” there is specific process for blending this drug which often involves use of legal, over-the-counter drugs in combination with prescription drugs. Colorado statistics on methamphetamine abuse is frightening; in fact, 19.1 percent of all drug treatment admissions are for meth.
Federal Methamphetamine Charges
Federal charges are also possible if you are arrested in the Denver area for possession or manufacturing methamphetamines. Under federal laws, manufacturing methamphetamine could result in as many as 10 years in federal prison and if there are aggravating conditions, or if this is a second or repeat the charge, the penalty may be doubled or tripled.
Keep in mind, federal time is often based on minimum sentences that cannot be changed. The presence of the materials necessary to produce methamphetamine will be used as evidence against you in both state and federal courts.
First Line of Defense: Fourth Amendment
One of the obvious defense methods your Denver criminal defense attorney will use is to ensure your rights offered under the Fourth Amendment were not violated. In their haste to arrest someone they believe may be manufacturing drugs, law enforcement officers often make bad decisions and violate the rights of the person they are arresting.
Kevin Cahill will review all of the circumstances surrounding your arrest and if possible, have the evidence against you thrown out of court. If this happens, it is often impossible for the prosecution to move forward since they have no case.
Long-Term Consequences of a Methamphetamine Conviction
When someone is arrested and facing methamphetamine possession or manufacturing charges, they often believe if they have done nothing wrong they do not have anything to worry about. However, keep in mind, even if you were arrested with the makings of meth on your person, you could still be convicted of the crime of manufacturing.
The long-term consequences of a felony conviction include:
- Felony criminal record – in many cases, felony convictions cannot be expunged or sealed. That means you will have a criminal record for the rest of your life.
- Career problems – jobs that require you to get academic training or may require association with a specific group may find they are unable to get that training because they are unable to get a student loan or the courses may be offered by groups that are unwilling to accept convicted felons.
- Choice of employment – there are certain jobs that may be off limits to you if you are convicted including security officers, banking jobs, police or other public service jobs and some child-care jobs. Keep in mind, if you are convicted while you are employed, it is highly likely your current employer will end your employment.
- Licensing issues – in addition to problems obtaining a firearms permit, you may also be unable to obtain a professional license for teaching, driving a taxi or other professions that may require professional licensing.
- Travel problems – if you wish to travel overseas, you will need a visa to visit many countries. Oftentimes, those who have a felony conviction on their record will be denied a visa which will limit your opportunities to travel.
As you can see, the long-term consequences can cost you not only your freedom but hamper your future earning capacity. Meth charges are no joking matter – call a Denver drug possession lawyer right away if you are charged. Even more serious is an allegation of making drugs – our methamphetamine manufacturing defense lawyers know how to fight bogus charges and fight aggressively to defend your freedom.
Is it Time to Hire a Methamphetamine Defense Attorney?
Drug charges are very serious and you may be facing long jail sentences, seizure of assets and steep fines and penalties if you are convicted. Because manufacturing and possession of methamphetamines are always prosecuted as felonies, you will be facing a life-long criminal record, difficulties obtaining employment and may even have to deal with problems finding a home or obtaining a student loan.
The long-term consequences of a conviction are devastating; a meth possession attorney can intervene on your behalf and attempt to get the charges reduced, work towards enrolling you in an intervention program or have the charges dismissed outright. Your freedom is at risk and your future is also at risk; an attorney who works on drug criminal cases is important to preserving your freedom and your future.
Contact Kevin Cahill, Meth Possession & Manufacturing Lawyer in Denver
When you need an attorney who understands Colorado >drug crime laws, Kevin Cahill an experienced Denver drug crime attorney should be your first choice for help. He understands the pressure that Colorado courts are under to hand down stiff sentences and he will fight aggressively to preserve your freedom and to ensure your rights were not violated during your arrest or at any time after your arrest.
If you are facing Colorado methamphetamine possession or manufacturing charges, you will find aggressive, competent criminal defense by contacting the Law Office of Kevin Cahill at (720) 548-2990. Remember, your initial consultation is free and you are under no obligation.
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 ]
