Boulder Drug Crime Attorney

Drug Charges in Colorado? Don’t Face Them Alone

Drug crime penalties in Colorado depend on the schedule of the narcotic, the quantity to determine if the drug is for personal use or distribution, prior drug crime convictions or other types of convictions, and if the defendant is a habitual drug offender. A conviction can lead to a lengthy jail or prison sentence, expensive fines, and other penalties.

Fortunately, the courts understand that many drug offenders have an addiction issue and need rehabilitative services to overcome it and become productive and responsible members of society. That is why low-level drug offenders have several alternatives available, which will be tried in drug court, as opposed to incarceration.

Alternative Sentencing for Drug Offenses in Colorado

The following are types of drug offender sentencing alternatives in Colorado:

• Pretrial diversion for drug misdemeanors – Eligible individuals are required to complete a drug program while the court delays their case for up to two years. First-time offenders who are charged with a drug misdemeanor are eligible. Once treatment is complete, all charges will be dismissed.
• Deferred sentencing alternative for drug felonies – Eligible individuals will have their sentence deferred—for specific felony drug charges—for up to four years after they either plead guilty or no contest. During the four-year delay, they must complete a drug treatment program and avoid prison. Those who have been charged with possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance or a level 4 drug felony are eligible. Once treatment is complete, the felony drug conviction will be vacated, and a Colorado level 1 drug misdemeanor will be entered.

Getting criminally arrested for a drug crime is a frightening, confusing, and stressful experience, especially if it is your first time dealing with the police and the criminal justice system. Not only is a conviction punishable by jail or prison time, costly fines, and other serious criminal penalties, but it also results in a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life, making it extremely hard to find a job, secure housing, or apply to college.

Have you been arrested for a drug crime? Call Barre M. Sakol, P.C. today at (720) 999-9506 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our drug crime attorney in Boulder!

Common Types of Drug Crimes in Boulder

Controlled substances consist of illegal drugs and prescription medication and are categorized into schedules in order to determine crime classification and penalties in Colorado—similar to the schedules set forth by the federal government. Schedule I narcotics (e.g., heroin and LSD) have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule V substances (e.g., over-the-counter medication) have the lowest potential for abuse and widely accepted medical use.

Our drug crime lawyer in Boulder handles the following types of drug crimes:

• Drug possession (C.R.S. § 18-18-403.5)
• Drug possession with intent to distribute
• Drug sale and distribution (C.R.S. § 18-14-405)
• Drug manufacturing or cultivation
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (C.R.S. § 18-18-428)

As of 2013, Colorado lawmakers made significant changes to drug crime classifications. Today, all drug crimes are considered either “drug petty offenses,” “drug misdemeanors” (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501), or “drug felonies” (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401.5), each one with various “levels” and sentencing guidelines.

Understanding Colorado’s Drug Schedules

Colorado classifies controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

• Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, ecstasy—no accepted medical use and high abuse potential.
• Schedule II: Cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone—accepted medical use but high potential for abuse.
• Schedule III: Ketamine, anabolic steroids—moderate to low potential for abuse.
• Schedule IV & V: Prescription medications like Xanax or codeine-containing cough syrups—lower potential for abuse.

The type of substance directly influences the level of charge. A Boulder drug crimes attorney evaluates the evidence tied to the substance classification to determine how to fight for dismissal, suppression, or a reduction in charges.

Misdemeanor and Felony Drug Charges in Colorado

The state reformed its drug laws in recent years, particularly reducing penalties for low-level possession. However, not all offenses qualify for leniency.

Misdemeanor Drug Offenses

• Possession of small amounts of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs
• Simple possession of fewer than 4 grams of certain controlled substances
• Possession of marijuana over the legal limit but not in distribution quantities

Penalties may include:

• Up to 18 months in jail
• Fines up to $5,000
• Probation and mandatory drug education

Felony Drug Offenses

• Possession of more than 4 grams of Schedule I or II substances
• Intent to distribute
• Cultivation or manufacturing
• Repeat offenses

Penalties may include:

• Between 6 months and 32 years in prison
• Fines from $1,000 to over $750,000
• Mandatory parole
• Permanent felony record

In either case, retaining a Boulder drug crimes attorney early in the process allows for a full investigation into the arrest, police conduct, and chain of custody issues, all of which may lead to dismissal or reduced charges.

What to Do After a Drug Arrest in Boulder

Every move you make after being charged with a drug crime can influence the outcome. If you've been arrested:

1. Do not discuss your case with police or others—exercise your right to remain silent.
2. Avoid consenting to searches without legal representation.
3. Gather any documents or evidence that may support your defense (such as prescriptions).
4. Contact a Boulder drug crimes attorney as early as possible.

Timely intervention can lead to better outcomes, such as release on bond, dismissal of charges, or diversion eligibility.

Potential Drug Crime Defenses in Colorado

When facing drug crime charges, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced defense attorney on your side. At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., our Boulder drug crime lawyer is dedicated to providing strong legal representation for individuals accused of drug offenses in Colorado. We understand the complexities of drug crime laws and can explore various defense strategies to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Some common drug crime defense strategies include:

• Challenging the legality of search and seizure
• Questioning the credibility of witnesses or evidence
• Proving lack of knowledge or intent
• Negotiating for alternative sentencing options
• Seeking treatment or rehabilitation programs

Our goal is to help you navigate the legal process and minimize the impact of drug crime charges on your life. Contact our Boulder drug attorney today to discuss your case and explore your defense options.

Contact Our Boulder Drug Crime Lawyer Today

If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Boulder, you can rely on Barre M. Sakol, P.C. to protect your rights and future throughout the legal process. With nearly three decades of experience and a proven track record of success, our Boulder drug crime lawyer knows how to either get your entire case dismissed or your charges and penalties reduced.

Initial consultations are an essential step toward effective representation, allowing us to understand your concerns and provide clear, actionable advice regarding your legal avenues. This open dialogue ensures that you are fully informed and involved in every step of your defense strategy, giving you confidence and peace of mind as your case progresses.

Contact Barre M. Sakol, P.C. by calling (720) 999-9506 today to get started on your defense with our Boulder drug crime lawyer.